Establishing fault or negligence of a property owner can sometimes be difficult. If you or a loved one has been injured due property maintenance negligence, it is advised you contact an attorney who focuses on personal injury claims. The Clardy Law Firm has been helping people with personal injury claims in Greenville, South Carolina for years, contact us if you have questions about your situation.
Premises Liability: Establishing Negligence
In order to hold a property owner liable for accidents that occur on his or her property, your attorney must establish the degree to which the owner is negligent. First, the attorney must determine the accident victim’s relationship to the property in question. There are three categories which define a visitors relationship to the property, Invitee, Licensee, and Trespasser.
Invitee: Guests of a business establishment, such as hotel guests.
Licensee: Social visitors who are not considered patrons of the establishment. This can include friends or family members.
Trespasser: This defines individuals who do not have permission to enter the property grounds or establishment.
Invitees (Guests)
Invitees or business patrons have a legal right to enter a business establishment during normal business hours. It is the responsibility of the property owner and business owner to maintain a safe environment for patrons. If you are injured as an invitee, depending on the circumstances the owner is in most cases solely responsible for property negligence and your injuries.
Licensees (Friends & Family)
Social guests or licensees can include friends, family members, or individuals who come to an establishment who are not considered patrons of the business. Though these visitors must also be clearly warned of possible dangerous conditions on the property, the degree of liability of the property or business owner is usually less in comparison to an invitee.
Trespassers (Strangers)
In the case of trespassers, the property owner is not considered responsible for injuries sustained when and individual enters the property without permission. If a child enters the property without permission from the landowner, the landowner may be responsible under certain circumstances. For instance, if a child enters the property without permission to use a neighbor’s swing set and becomes injured, the property owner may be held responsible.
If you have been injured in an accident in Greenville, South Carolina, please contact The Clardy Law Firm. Our attorneys and staff are dedicated to helping you secure compensation for your injuries. We can make sure you get the full compensation your deserve.
