Cleveland Premises Liability Lawyer

When you enter another’s business, residence, or public space, you have a right to expect that the property is safe and free from hazards. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When a property owner’s negligence leads to injuries, the consequences can be devastating. At The Henry Law Firm, we help injured victims hold negligent property owners accountable under Ohio’s premises liability laws.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, our experienced premises liability and personal injury attorney in Cleveland will take on powerful defendants and their insurers to pursue the highest possible compensation for you.

What Is Premises Liability Law in Ohio?

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and occupiers responsible when someone is injured on their property due to unsafe or defective conditions. These cases are governed by common law principles and various statutes that define duties based on the injured party’s legal status on the property (invitee, licensee, or trespasser).

Property owners in Cleveland and throughout Ohio have a legal duty to maintain their premises in reasonably safe condition and to warn of known hazards. Failing to do so can result in legal liability for injuries sustained by lawful visitors.

To succeed in a premises liability claim in Ohio, the injured party generally must prove:

• A dangerous condition existed on the property
• The property owner knew or should have known of the condition
• The owner failed to take reasonable steps to fix or warn about the hazard
• The dangerous condition caused the injury

Premises liability law is fact-specific, and the outcome of a case usually depends on a thorough investigation and aggressive legal strategy. At The Henry Law Firm, our premises liability lawyer Cleveland is well-equipped to provide you with high-powered representation.

Types of Premises Liability Cases We Can Handle for You

Premises liability injuries can happen almost anywhere from retail stores and restaurants to apartment complexes and private homes. Here are some of the most common case types we handle in Cleveland:

Slip and Fall

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common premises liability claims. These incidents often occur due to wet floors, uneven pavement, loose carpets, poor lighting, or icy walkways. Ohio law requires property owners to address or warn about these risks in a timely manner. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable for the injuries that result.

Poorly Maintained Property

When property owners neglect basic maintenance, serious accidents can occur. Collapsing staircases, broken handrails, exposed wiring, and unsafe structural conditions can all cause catastrophic injuries. Whether the property is commercial, residential, or public, we will hold the responsible party accountable for failing to maintain it safely.

Negligent Security

In some cases, a property owner may be liable for injuries caused by criminal activity if the crime was foreseeable and the owner failed to take reasonable security measures. This can include assaults in apartment complexes, parking garages, or hotels that lack proper lighting, cameras, or security personnel. These cases often involve thorough investigation and expert testimony to prove foreseeability and inadequate precautions.

Dog Bite Injury

Under Ohio’s strict liability dog bite statute, dog owners are generally liable for injuries their pets cause, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. If you were bitten on someone else’s property or in a public place, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, disfigurement, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Other Premises Liability Cases

Our premises accident lawyer Cleveland can also handle a range of other premises liability matters, including:

• Swimming pool accidents
• Elevator and escalator injuries
• Injuries at amusement parks or recreational facilities
• Toxic exposure from mold or hazardous materials
• Falling objects in stores or warehouses
• Fires or explosions caused by code violations or improper storage

No matter the nature of your injury, we are prepared to investigate and build a strong legal claim on your behalf.

Potential Liable Parties in a Premises Liability Case in Cleveland

Determining who is legally responsible for your injuries can be complex. Multiple parties may share liability, including:

Property Owners

The person or entity that owns the property is typically the first party evaluated in a premises liability claim. Owners have a duty to keep the premises safe for lawful visitors and may be held responsible for failure to inspect, repair, or warn.

Property Managers or Tenants

In leased or managed properties, tenants or third-party property managers may bear responsibility, especially if they control the area where the injury occurred. For example, a commercial tenant in a shopping center may be liable for a hazard inside their leased store.

Maintenance Companies

If a property owner hires a third-party company to provide maintenance or security, that company could be liable if their negligence contributed to the hazard (e.g., failing to remove ice or properly inspect equipment).

Construction or Repair Contractors

Contractors who perform negligent construction, remodeling, or repair work that leads to an unsafe condition may be held responsible, especially in cases involving structural failure, electrical issues, or building code violations.

Steps Our Cleveland Premises Liability Lawyer Will Take to Prove Negligence and Recover Damages

At The Henry Law Firm, we do not wait for evidence to come to us; we go out and find it. Here’s how we work to get results:

Conducting a Thorough Site Investigation

Our investigative team will visit the scene of the accident in Cleveland to document conditions, take photographs, preserve physical evidence, and locate surveillance footage before it is erased. We also interview witnesses, neighbors, and staff to gather supporting testimony.

Leveraging Modern Technology 

Your case is always accessible to you in real-time via a secure cloud-based platform. We use cutting-edge tools to analyze evidence, recreate accident scenes with animation or 3D modeling, and collaborate with expert consultants as needed. This enhances both case preparation and your ability to stay involved.

Gathering and Preserving Critical Documentation

We send out spoliation letters to prevent the destruction of surveillance video footage or maintenance logs and request building inspection records, incident reports, 911 call logs, and employee training materials. If necessary, our Cleveland premises liability lawyers may subpoena these documents.

Hiring the Right Experts, if Needed

From architects and engineers to security consultants and medical professionals, we may retain respected experts to analyze the facts and strengthen your case. In particularly complex claims, we may bring in private investigators or IT forensics specialists to uncover hidden evidence or negligent data handling.

Aggressive Settlement Negotiations and Trial Preparation

While most cases settle before trial, we prepare each case with a jury in mind. This gives a strong negotiating leverage during settlement discussions because the insurance companies recognize that we won’t back down against pressure. Our trial readiness demonstrates our resolve to take on powerful corporations and insurers.

Choose Cleveland Premises Liability Attorneys Who Take a 21st Century Approach to Your Case

Client-Centered. Technology-Focused. Investigation-Driven. That’s how Eric Henry practices premises liability law in Cleveland. At The Henry Law Firm, we believe the best outcomes result from open communication and client collaboration. You will always know where your case stands and be part of building the path forward.

From day one, our attorneys will build your case for trial, even if it eventually settles. That means we collect high-quality evidence, anticipate the defendant’s arguments, and position your claim for maximum compensation. Reach out to our legal team today to discuss how we can hold negligent property owners accountable. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 440-291-0937 or contact us online.