What is the Difference Between Premises Liability and Slip and Fall?

When you conduct a web search for slip and fall accidents, you may see websites use slip and fall and premises liability interchangeably. However, there is a difference between the two.

A slip and fall accident is actually a type of premises liability claim. Learn more about the difference between premises liability and slip and fall and how Regan Zambri Long can help you negotiate a settlement when you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability law pertains to a landowner’s and/or tenant’s responsibility to keep those who enter on their property safe from harm due to dangerous conditions. In most cases, premises liability cases are based on negligence.

The most common type of premises liability case is a slip and fall accident. According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 alone, 39,443 people died in falls at home and at work.

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere to anyone. However, some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents include:

• Wet floors
• Weather related conditions like snow and ice
• Unmarked dangers (like construction zones, wet floors, etc.)
• Faulty stairs/ walkways

However, there are other types of premises liability claims that are not slip and fall accidents.

What Other Types of Accidents Fall Under Premises Liability Law?

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of premises liability claims. However, other common forms of premises liability include:

• Animal bites: Any animal can bite, it’s just in their nature. However, when an animal owner knows that their pet is more prone to attack, they owe it to guests to notify them of any danger. But, if the animal does bite, it may fall under premises liability.
• Swimming pools: Whether it is a poorly maintained pool or improper fencing per homeowners association guidelines or municipalities regulations, when someone falls into a pool, spa, hot tub, etc., causing fatal or nonfatal injuries, the property owner can be held liable.
• Broken elevators/escalators: Retailers have to keep their storefronts safe for patrons. But when an elevator breaks down with people inside it, or an escalator malfunctions and someone becomes injured, the property owner, employees, etc. may be held accountable.
• Poor security: Shopping at night can be inherently hazardous. When parking lots, alleyways, etc. are poorly lit and lack security and someone becomes injured or attacked, this can lead to the victim seeking recourse from the property owner.
• Toxic chemical exposure: Whether it occurs in the workplace, apartment complex, or elsewhere, if you have been exposed to toxic substances such as asbestos, pesticides, chemicals, mold, etc. you may be able to seek a premises liability claim.
• Electrical accidents: Be it faulty wiring in your apartment complex, or exposed wiring while in a retail establishment or place of employment, if you or a loved one become injured due to electrical accidents, you may be able to seek compensation from the property owner.

How Do I Obtain Compensation in a Premises Liability Claim?

To obtain compensation in a premises liability claim, you have to file a lawsuit against the property owner, landlord, business owner, etc. who owed you a reasonable standard of care in maintaining safe conditions.

You and your premises liability lawyer will need to prove negligence of the property owner.

How Do You Prove Negligence in Premises Liability Claims?

To have a successful premises liability claim, you and your slip and fall accident attorney will need to prove the following elements of negligence:

• The property owner was responsible for maintaining the premises to a safe standard
• The property owner was negligent in the property maintenance which caused a dangerous condition or failed to remedy a dangerous condition
• A victim suffered harm as a result of the condition

To strengthen the case, you will need evidence of the property owner’s negligence which could include photographs, witness testimony, and medical expenses.

Can Regan Zambri Long Assist in My Premises Liability Claim?

Whether it is a slip and fall accident or another form of premises liability, the premises liability lawyers at Regan Zambri Long can help you recover compensation for the losses you have suffered.

Schedule a free consultation with our attorneys today. You don’t pay until we secure a settlement or verdict for you. Call 202-960-4596 or contact us online.