Youngstown Injury Lawyer Focused on Holding Negligent Property Owners Accountable

Ohio Injury Lawyer Helping Victims Recover Compensation in Premises Liability Cases

When you’re invited to a business or visit a friend’s home, you trust they’ve taken adequate steps to ensure the safety of their premises. Unfortunately, this trust may be broken, leaving you injured due to overlooked hazards. At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, based in Youngstown and throughout Ohio, our legal team is dedicated to assisting residents in premises liability cases. We handle claims involving slip-and-fall accidents, pet attacks, and other injuries caused by property owner negligence.

Understanding Premises Liability Standards in Ohio

Property owners or those in control of a property have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for invited guests. For example, customers entering a store open to the public are classified as “invitees,” meaning the business or individual responsible for the property must take reasonable steps to eliminate potential dangers.

If a property owner’s duty of care is violated and this failure directly causes someone’s injury, the injured party has the right to seek compensation for the damages sustained. Unique to Ohio, even if the victim is partially responsible for their injury, they may still recover damages, as long as their share of the fault remains at or under 50 percent. For joint liability cases, the award granted is proportionally decreased by the victim’s share of the fault.

Common Types of Premises Liability Claims

Premises liability lawsuits can arise from a variety of incidents, including but not limited to:

1. Slip-and-Fall Accidents

A wet, icy, poorly maintained, or damaged surface can lead to a slip-and-fall accident, resulting in serious injuries and grounds for a viable personal injury claim.

2. Dog Bites

Each year, thousands of individuals require medical care due to dog bites. According to Ohio law, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries their pets cause while roaming freely. However, specific cases may require proving the owner knew their dog presented a danger.

3. Security Failures

If businesses or event organizers are aware of risks like overcrowding or the potential for criminal activity, they’re obligated to ensure adequate security measures are in place. Failure to do so may make them liable for injuries sustained on their premises.

4. Exposure to Dangerous Substances

Property owners who fail to prevent hazardous substances from endangering guests can be held accountable for any resulting illnesses or injuries.

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we understand how these situations affect victims. Our Youngstown Criminal Law Group is here to ensure you obtain compensation for your medical expenses, income loss, and pain caused by unsafe conditions.

Typical Defenses in Premises Liability Cases 

Defendants and insurance companies often use aggressive strategies to challenge premises liability lawsuits. Here are common defenses property owners might assert:

1. Lack of Notice

To prove negligence, it must be shown that the property owner failed to act reasonably to address hazards. Some defendants argue they weren’t aware of the dangerous condition that led to the accident. These situations often turn on whether the issue would have been identified by a reasonable property owner.

2. Assumption of Risk

Certain activities inherently carry risks. For example, falling is a natural hazard of going ice skating. If someone is hurt while engaging in such activities, they might not have a claim unless negligence can be demonstrated.

3. Shared Fault

Under Ohio’s comparative negligence rules, victims who hold a majority of the liability (over 50 percent) for their injury cannot recover damages. But if the defendant is mostly at fault, the compensation owed to the victim can still be reduced in proportion to the plaintiff’s share of responsibility.

When partnering with the Youngstown Criminal Law Group, rest assured that our experienced attorneys will counter these defenses to present a compelling case for your rightful compensation.

Why Choose the Youngstown Criminal Law Group?

Our Youngstown Criminal Law Group is known for powerful advocacy that prioritizes client outcomes. Whether your claim arises from insufficient safety measures or negligence by a property owner, our Ohio Injury lawyer team ensures you’re supported throughout the legal process.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Youngstown Injury Lawyer

If you’ve been hurt because of unsafe property conditions, turn to trusted professionals at the Youngstown Criminal Law Group. We assist Ohio residents in seeking justice and fair compensation through premises liability claims. Call us at (330) 992-3036 or connect online to arrange your free consultation. Our offices proudly serve clients in and surrounding Ohio communities.