The owners and management of premises that are open to visitors have a responsibility to maintain buildings so that they do not cause accidents and injuries. Negligent maintenance occurs when the owner of a premises does not keep up with maintenance to the extent that it poses a danger to visitors.
Anyone who has been injured due to negligent maintenance may be able to file a premises liability claim. This is a type of personal injury lawsuit aimed to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and other accident-related expenses. The following are some of the most common forms of negligent maintenance that result in actionable harm.
A lack of safety features
Some properties, such as swimming pools, are potentially more dangerous than others. Swimming pools in Georgia must be maintained in accordance with certain safety laws. For example, all outdoor pools must be surrounded by a secure fence that is at least four feet high. This is to prevent anyone, particularly children, from falling in and getting into trouble.
Indoor pools should also be maintained in safety conscious ways. There should be lifeguards in attendance and the floors outside of the pool should be kept as dry as possible to prevent slips and falls. Slip-and-fall prevention is a safety principle that applies to all premises that are open to visitors.
Poor lighting
It is essential that visitors to premises that are open to the public can see where they are going. This means that light fittings are crucial. The practicality of lighting should take precedence over aesthetics. Lights that are too dim, or buildings that have a lack of lighting, are an accident waiting to happen.
Accidents in publicly accessible spaces are often preventable. It is the responsibility of the owners and management to reduce the risk of accidents occurring. If you have been injured because of negligent maintenance, you may want to find out more about premises liability claims, as you may be entitled to compensation.