While accidents can occur anywhere, private properties sometimes include hidden hazards that could endanger guests.
Staying safe and holding property owners responsible when negligence occurs depends on an understanding of these threats.
West Virginia’s capital, Charleston, is well-known for combining modern comforts with historical charm.
Like in any other city, Charleston’s private properties can be dangerous, though, if owners neglect appropriate maintenance or fail to handle hazards.
Consult a Charleston, WV, premises liability attorney to learn about your rights and claim compensation if dangerous circumstances have caused you injury.
Four typical ways people could sustain injuries on private properties are covered in this article.
1. Slip and Fall Accidents
Among the most often occurring causes of injury on private property are slip and fall accidents. These accidents are caused by:
- Slippery floors
- Loose rugs
- Uneven walkways
- Poorly illuminated stairways
For instance, a newly cleaned floor without a warning sign or an ice-covered walkway might cause serious falls. Such events can cause minor bruising to more severe problems like shattered bones, sprains, or head injuries. Sometimes, these falls cause chronic pain or long-term mobility issues.
Keeping their premises free from hazards likely to lead to such accidents is the responsibility of property owners.
Should they neglect to do so, they could be held responsible for damage resulting from their negligence.
2. Dog Attacks and Bites
On private property, unrestrained or aggressive dogs seriously endanger guests. If startled or feeling territorial, an otherwise nice dog can behave violently.
Dog owners in Charleston and throughout West Virginia can be held responsible for injuries their pets cause, particularly if they neglect to exercise reasonable precautions to prevent harm.
Severe physical injuries ranging from deep wounds to nerve damage to infections can be caused by dog bites. Beyond the physical effects, victims sometimes suffer psychologically, especially if the attack involves a big or aggressive animal or is severe.
When guests are around, property owners should act to secure their pets by keeping them leashed, fenced, or in another safe area.
Around animals, even if they seem peaceful, visitors should likewise exercise caution.
3. Structural Failures
For unsuspecting guests, poorly maintained buildings and infrastructure might cause serious accidents. Common structural hazards brought on by negligence are:
- Collapsing decks
- Unsecured railings
- Falling ceilings.
On a porch, a rotten wooden step might break underfoot and cause a nasty fall. Likewise, a badly built or rusty railing may give way and cause someone to fall from a great height.
Among the several injuries these accidents could cause are shattered bones, spinal injuries, or head trauma.
Regular inspections and repairs of their properties are the responsibilities of property owners to prevent such events.
Protecting visitors from injury involves ensuring staircases, balconies, ceilings, and other structural parts are safe and secure.
4. Failing Objects
Major injuries might be caused by objects falling from dangerous storage locations or overhead spaces.
Tools, decorations, or shelves themselves can fall suddenly and hit guests below. An improperly fastened shelf stocked with heavy books or tools, for instance, might fall and injure anyone standing close.
Falling item injuries can range from scrapes and bruises to severe head injuries or fractures.
Usually, with enough care and attention, these incidents are avoidable.
Property owners should make sure shelves, cupboards, and other storage systems are installed correctly as well as that objects are safely stored.