What is "premises liability"?

Premises liability refers specifically to the legal obligation of property owners and occupants to ensure that their premises are safe for visitors. This area of law holds property owners accountable for accidents or injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe conditions, such as inadequate maintenance, hazards, or lack of proper warnings. When someone is injured while on the premises, they may seek compensation under premises liability laws if they can prove that the owner failed to uphold their duty of care.

The focus of premises liability is on incidents that result in physical harm to individuals, distinguishing it from other types of liability that may involve fraud, misrepresentation, or property damage alone. While property damage can occur, the crux of premises liability centers around the safety and welfare of individuals on the property.