Premises liability law ensures that property owners in Akron uphold their duty to keep visitors safe. If you have been injured because someone failed to maintain safe conditions on their property, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
At The Henry Law Firm, we bring modern legal strategy, investigative power, and a client-first philosophy to every premises liability case we take on. For individuals who are injured on someone else’s property, our Akron personal injury lawyer and premises liability lawyer will leave no stone unturned to hold the negligent parties accountable.
Visitor Status in Akron Premises Liability Claims
Ohio premises liability law recognizes that a property owner’s legal responsibilities depend on the status of the visitor. This classification helps determine whether the property owner owed the injured person a duty of care. The main visitor statuses are:
Invitees
An invitee is someone who enters a property for a purpose connected with the owner’s business, such as a customer in a grocery store or a contractor working on-site. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees. They must inspect the premises regularly and fix or warn of dangerous conditions.
Licensees
Licensees are social guests. In other words, these are people invited to the property for non-commercial reasons. Owners in Akron, OH must warn licensees of known dangers, but are not obligated to inspect for unknown hazards.
Trespassers
Property owners generally owe no duty to protect trespassers from hazards unless the trespasser is a wandering child (the hazard may be an unsecured swimming pool), or the property owner engaged in wilful or wanton misconduct to trap a trespasser.
Your legal status at the time of your injury is a key part of evaluating your premises liability claim. Our Akron injury lawyer for premises liability will assess this status as one of the first steps in the legal process for your financial recovery.
Actual vs. Constructive Knowledge of the Property Owner
To recover compensation in an Akron premises liability case, you must prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard that caused your injury. This is known as “actual or constructive knowledge.”
Actual Knowledge
This refers to situations where the property owner was aware of the hazard. For instance, a store manager who saw a spill and ignored it may be found to have actual knowledge.
Constructive Knowledge
Even if a property owner didn’t directly observe the hazard, they can still be liable if they should have discovered it through reasonable care. This is constructive knowledge. For example, if a spill was on the floor for hours without being cleaned up, the owner may be deemed to have constructive knowledge.
Our premises liability lawyer in Akron will use investigative techniques and expert testimony to establish what the property owner knew or should have known before your accident occurred.
Premises Liability Cases We Can Handle for You in Akron, OH
At The Henry Law Firm, we are equipped to take on a wide range of premises liability cases in Akron. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
Slippery Substance Causing a Fall
Slip and falls due to liquids, ice, or other slippery materials are among the most common types of premises claims. Liability generally hinges on whether the hazard was foreseeable and left unattended too long.
Uneven Flooring or a Broken Handrail
Improper maintenance of stairs, ramps, and flooring in an Akron property can lead to severe injuries. We investigate whether the property met building codes and safety regulations.
Elevator or Escalator Malfunction
Mechanical failures in escalators and elevators may sometimes result from poor inspections or delayed maintenance. We may retain engineering experts to analyze these complex failures.
Structure Collapse
A collapsed deck, balcony, or building façade may indicate negligent construction or failure to perform repairs. We investigate ownership history, permits, and previous safety complaints.
A Ledge or Barrier That Broke
Guardrails, fences, and protective barriers are often required in certain areas. If a barrier fails or was absent, we can explore whether building code violations or oversight occurred.
An Object in the Path Causing a Trip and Fall
Tripping hazards like extension cords, merchandise displays, or cracked pavement can create dangerous conditions. We investigate when the hazard appeared and how long it was ignored.
Chemical Exposure to Toxic or Poisonous Agents
Hazardous materials in industrial settings, cleaning supplies, or rental properties can cause burns, respiratory issues, or long-term health effects. Property owners have a duty to store and label chemicals properly.
Dog Bite or Animal Attack
Ohio law follows a strict liability rule in dog bite cases. Property owners may be liable even if the dog had never shown aggression before, particularly if the incident occurred on the owner’s property.
Poor Property Maintenance
When property owners let buildings decay, such as ignoring mold, leaks, or pest infestations, it can put visitors at risk. These claims may involve habitability violations or public health concerns.
Uncontrolled Crowds
Owners of venues must maintain order and crowd control. When brawls or stampedes occur due to negligent security or oversold events, injured victims can seek financial recovery.
Inadequate Security Resulting in Assault
If you are physically assaulted due to poor lighting, broken locks, or lack of security personnel, the property owner may be liable. We pursue negligent security claims with eyewitness and surveillance evidence.
Locations Where Premises Liability Accidents Occur More Commonly in Akron
Our Akron premises liability lawyers handle claims involving dangerous conditions at many different types of properties across the city, including:
- Retail stores and supermarkets
- Apartment complexes and rental homes
- Restaurants and bars
- Office buildings
- Public parks and playgrounds
- Construction sites
- Hotels and resorts
- Amusement parks
- Stadiums and concert venues
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Gas stations and parking garages
Every location has unique safety standards and inspection requirements. Our lawyers will investigate and analyze what went wrong and who is responsible.
FAQs on Premises Liability Claims in Akron
What if I was partially at fault?
Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you were less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages, though they may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Can I sue a government entity for a premises injury?
Yes. The city or county may be liable for hazards on public sidewalks, parks, or government buildings, but notice requirements and immunities may limit your claim.
Is video surveillance admissible in court?
Yes. We may obtain surveillance footage from private businesses or nearby security cameras. Video evidence can make or break a premises liability claim.
What is the statute of limitations for a premises liability claim in Akron?
You generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However, the deadline can be shorter in claims involving government agencies.
Our Akron Premises Liability Will Swiftly Investigate Your Claim to Prove the Defendant’s Negligence
At The Henry Law Firm, we deliver client-focused representation backed by an aggressive investigation to collect hard evidence proving negligence of the other party.
- Cutting-Edge Tech: Your case file is available 24/7 via the cloud. We use digital tools, legal tech, and expert consultants to build a winning case.
- Licensed Private Investigator: We dig deep, interviewing witnesses, obtaining surveillance, and uncovering evidence others miss.
- Experts at the Ready: We may retain experts in forensic engineering, security, toxicology, and architecture to give your claim the technical backing it needs.
To schedule your free consultation, call us at 440-291-0937 or contact us online.
