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Bucks County Divorce Attorneys > Blog > Personal Injury > Property Injury Claims and Duty to Inspect

Property Injury Claims and Duty to Inspect

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From residential homes to commercial properties, when property injuries occur consequences can be severe. After sustaining an injury and moving forward with a claim, it’s important to recognize different components of property injury accountability, specifically duty of care, duty to inspect, and duty to warn.

Whether you are a Pennsylvania property owner accused of wrongdoing or a hurt New Jersey resident who was injured on a poorly maintained property, connect with a Bucks County personal injury attorney. Lawyers are available to walk you through state laws, your rights, and help you secure the best outcome possible given the details of your case.

Care and Inspection Duties

The duty of care refers to the legal obligation of property owners to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This responsibility applies to various types of properties, including residential, commercial, and public spaces. Property owners must ensure that their premises are free from hazards that could cause injury to visitors or tenants.

In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the duty of care varies depending on the visitor’s status. For example, the highest duty of care to invitees, such as individuals invited onto the property for business purposes, such as customers in a store. Trespassers, people who enter the property without permission, are not owed the same duty of care as invitees, but there are some protections still in place.

The duty to inspect is a crucial aspect of maintaining a safe property as well. Property owners are required to conduct regular inspections to identify and address potential hazards. This duty means that property owners cannot simply ignore potential dangers. Risks must be actively sought out and rectified to prevent injuries.

Regular inspections could include checking for loose railings, poor lighting, damaged walkways, or uneven flooring. Failure to conduct these inspections can result in the property owner being held liable for any injuries that occur as a result of their negligence.

Duty to Warn and Steps to Take After an Injury

The duty to warn involves informing visitors of any known hazards that could cause injury. If a property owner is aware of a danger that cannot be immediately fixed, they must provide clear warnings to prevent accidents. This can include placing warning signs, blocking off hazardous areas, or verbally informing visitors of potential dangers.

If you are injured on a poorly maintained property in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, take the following steps to protect your rights.

  • Get medical treatment immediately.
  • Notify the property owner or manager about the injury.
  • Take photos or videos of the hazard that caused harm.
  • Maintain a file of all medical bills, receipts, and any correspondence related to the incident.
  • Contact an experienced Bucks County personal injury attorney.

A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, determine if the property owner was negligent, and pursue compensation for your injuries.

Is a duty to inspect failure the reason you were hurt? If you were injured, take prompt action to protect your rights and seek compensation. Connect with the legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. Call 215-968-6602 for a consultation.

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