What are some common types of premises liability claims?

A: Some common types of premises liability claims are:

1. Injuries received from falls due to substances that the shop keeper fails to observe and clean up;

2. "Falling object" cases (These have become much more common with the growth of big-box stores which stack store items for sale on shelving many feet in the air. Improper stacking or improper procedures in stacking can lead to these objects falling and causing serious injuries.)

3. Negligent security cases (These include a wide range of possible scenarios such as an apartment complex or a landlord who fails to provide adequate security.) Construction defects such as slopes or stairs that are constructed in violation of standard building codes or without required non-slip surfaces where codes call for them.

The simple answer is that sometimes responsibility is not clear initially. For example, if you slip and fall on a highly polished floor, the initial reaction may be to blame yourself.

However, an attorney experienced in slip and falls may recognize that a high-volume area requires the use of a polish with a certain amount of "grit" (skid-resistant material) in it to conform with safety codes.

Another example, in a different aspect of premises liability, may be a criminal attack. Obviously, the criminal is the main culprit; but, if the owner of the premises was aware of a high volume of criminal attacks in the area and failed to take adequate measures to safeguard shoppers or others invited onto the premises, the law may assign civil responsibility for failure to take a few simple measures that would have prevented the attack.

In other words, there is often no simple answer to who is responsible for a slip and fall or other premises liability case. Only a consultation with an experienced premises liability attorney, familiar with the West Palm Beach area with the resources to do a thorough investigation, may give the ultimate answer.