Have you ever thought of what would happen in case a person is injured when he is on the premises of another person? The principle of premises liability holds owners and occupants of buildings liable for accidents and injuries that occur on their properties.
Premises liability activities in Alberta may arise out of various dangerous conditions. The main categories of premises liability injuries should be learnt by the property owners and the visitors, to be more cautious to avoid them.
This blog is going to look at seven of the most significant premises liability injuries that can be discussed with regard to Alberta.
1. Slip and Fall Accidents
One of the most frequent claims in Alberta is a slip and fall accident under premises liability. These accidents may happen in different environments, such as grocery stores, restaurants, hotels and homes. Some of the popular reasons for slip and fall accidents include slippery floors, uneven surfaces, ineffective lighting, cluttered pathways, and damp floors.
- Injuries from Slip and Falls:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: During such a fall, the effect may bring about broken bones, most probably on the wrists, arms, hips, and ankles.
- Head Injuries: Falls will result in traumatic brain injury (TBI) when the affected person strikes their head on a hard surface.
- Sprains and Strains: Slip and fall accidents can lead to injuries in ligaments and muscle injuries more often than not, causing sprains and strains in the knees, ankles, and wrists.
The prevention of slip and fall accidents requires that the property owners fix any hazards at the earliest, that the property have the proper lighting, and that it have clean and unobstructed walkways.
2. Accidents--Trip and Fall
Just like what happens in slip and fall accidents, trip and fall injuries happen when an individual trips over an object. Slipping and falling may occur because of an unruly sidewalk, holes in the ground, unstable carpeting or a sudden trip.
- Trip and Fall Injuries:
- Lacerations and Abrasions: Tripping may result in scrapes and cuts if the victims fall on a jagged surface. .
- Dislocations: Sudden violent force may cause dislocation of the joints, especially the shoulders and the knees.
- Spinal Injuries: This is serious. Critical injuries may lead to damage to the spinal cord and long-term disabilities. s.
The risks of trip and fall accidents could only be stemmed by regular inspection and maintenance of properties, repairing of any unsafe conditions, as well as unmistakable routes maintained by property owners.
3. Inadequate Security Incidents
Other injuries, like those caused by poor security, could also have premises liability. An owner of property is obliged by law to ensure that he or she offers a safe environment, and this should entail safeguarding the visitors against criminal acts that are predictable. Poor security might be due to assaults, robbery, and other violent crimes that may result in security claims.
- Injuries from Inadequate Security:
- Physical Assault Injuries: Assault victims can have bruises, broken bones, and internal injury. .
- Emotional Trauma: A victim of crime may incur psychological injuries through anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of Property: Victims of road accidents are likely to incur a loss of property either through theft or property damage in addition to physical injuries.
Security can also be enhanced by the installation of appropriate lighting facilities, security cameras and hiring security guards in prone areas, by property owners.
4. Animal Attacks and Dog Bites
Animal attacks and dog bites are under premises liability in the event that they happen on premises owned by the owner of a property. It is the duty of property owners to make sure that their pets do not become a problem for visitors.
- Wounds Caused by Animal Attacks and Dog Bites:
- Puncture Wounds: Dangerous Dog bites may result in deep puncture wounds, and this may lead to infections and serious tissue damage. .
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Major bites might lead to lasting scars and disfigurements, especially when they are incurred on the face or any other places that can be seen.
- Emotional Distress: Animal victims will experience persistent fear and anxiety towards animals.
To avoid such accidents, property owners ought to have pets well restrained and controlled and warn the visitors against any possible dangers.
5. Accidents in Swimming Pools
Swimming pools may represent a source of fun as well as present great threats in case they are not maintained. There may also be premises liability arising out of drownings, slips and falls around the pool and a claim against faulty pool equipment.
- Injuries from Swimming Pool Accidents:
- Drowning and Near-Drowning: Lack of supervision, inadequate barriers, and slippery surfaces can lead to fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents.
- Head and Spinal Injuries: Diving into shallow water or hitting the pool deck can cause serious head and spinal injuries. .
- Electrocution
Faulty electrical wiring and pool equipment can result in electrocution injuries.
Property owners can mitigate risks by ensuring proper fencing, maintaining pool equipment, and providing adequate supervision, particularly for children.
6. Elevator and Escalator Accidents
Elevator and escalator accidents can occur in various settings, including shopping malls, office buildings, and residential complexes. These accidents can be caused by mechanical failures, poor maintenance, or improper use.
- Injuries from Elevator and Escalator Accidents:
- Crush Injuries: Malfunctioning elevators can cause crush injuries if doors close unexpectedly or if the elevator stops suddenly.
- Falls: Sudden stops or jerks can cause passengers to lose their balance and fall.
- Entrapment: Getting caught in escalator steps or between elevator doors can lead to severe injuries.
These kinds of accidents can be avoided through regular checkups and service of elevators and escalators.
7. Environmental Hazards and Toxic Exposures
With a physical risk of being exposed to toxic substances and environmental hazards, serious health problems may occur. Exposure to toxic substances associated with premises liability, such as asbestos, mould, spillage of chemical substances and other dangerous chemicals, may result in such liability.
- Poison Exposure Wounds:
- Respiratory Problems: Exposure to toxic material may lead to respiratory trouble, such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.
- Skin Conditions: Hazardous materials may cause irritation of the skin, burning and rashes.
- Long-Term Health Effects: There are long-term health effects of toxicants on humans when there is prolonged exposure to toxic substances, which may lead to severe diseases such as cancer, engendering damage to some body organs.
The people owning the property should also have decent handling and disposal of the hazardous materials, to avoid any form of exposure risks.
Key Insights:
Liability injuries regarding property may be devastating to the victims and also important legally to property owners. Knowledge of the major classes of premises liability injuries can make both parties take proactive steps to avoid accidents and injuries.
Property owners are to do regular maintenance, take steps to deal with possible hazardous conditions in a timely manner and make sure their premises are safe for visitors. Similarly, visitors are expected to remain alert and report the unsafe conditions experienced.
The promotion of a safety and awareness culture will allow for a decrease in the instances of premises liability injuries and make our environment safer to the benefit of all.
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