What Is Premises Liability Insurance Coverage

Published on: 09/25/23 — In 

Premises liability insurance coverage covers property owners, operators, and tenants from different types of premises liability claims and lawsuits for injuries or damages that occur on their property. It includes medical expenses, legal fees, and other costs related to an injured person's accident or an incident on the property. This insurance can be part of a general liability policy or a standalone policy.

It covers bodily injury, property damage, libel, and slander. To be eligible, you need a valid liability policy, expect potential claims, and demonstrate safety precautions. It provides security, protection, and defense against unexpected accidents or lawsuits.

Contact Ktenas Injury Attorneys experienced premise liability lawyers for more information.

Who Needs Premises Liability Insurance Coverage?

Premises liability insurance protects business owners from legal claims. It covers medical expenses, legal costs, and settlements or judgments resulting from these incidents. This insurance is required for businesses with customers or visitors, as well as properties rented out.

Chicago premise liability lawyer Chris Ktenas

It also offers protection against libel and slander that occur on the property. Premises liability insurance provides security for unexpected accidents or incidents on the premises.

Duty of Care in a Premises Liability Case

Premises liability insurance coverage is a form of liability insurance that protects the owner of a property against any legal liability resulting from an accident or injury sustained by a visitor, guest, tenant, or other third party while on the premises.

This type of insurance usually covers medical expenses, property damage, and other costs associated with lawsuits over negligence due to a lack of reasonable care on the part of the insured. Our negligence attorneys are here to help so give us a call today!

What is a Duty of Care?

A duty of care is a legal obligation. It requires one person or entity to act reasonably and prudently when dealing with another person or entity. In premises liability, the duty of care is based on the idea that property owners and occupiers should protect visitors from potential harm.

Property owners must act as any other reasonable person would to ensure visitors' safety. If a property owner fails to meet this standard and someone is injured, they may be held responsible for damages.

When Do Property Owners Have a Duty of Care?

Property owners have a duty of care to those who enter their property, either as guests or as customers, to ensure their safety and well-being. This duty of care includes providing a safe environment for visitors and ensuring that any hazardous conditions are remedied, such as wet floors or loose stair rails.

Premises liability insurance coverage on a desk next to a keyboard and money

Shopping mall owners, building owners, retail store owners, and apartment building owners may be held liable for resulting injuries if they fail to act on their legal responsibility to provide a safe environment.

What Kinds of Circumstances Create a Duty of Care?

Premises liability insurance covers injuries or damage on a property. It includes incidents like slips, falls, dog bites, swimming pool accidents, fires, explosions, and other accidents. Property owners or occupiers have a duty of care to be aware of and address hazards. They may be held responsible if they don't provide adequate warning signs or fail to reduce the risk of preventable accidents.

Premises Liability Claims

Premises liability claims encompass a variety of injuries that occur on another person's property. Property owners are obligated to ensure a safe environment for visitors, and if they neglect this duty resulting in an injury, the victim may have the option to file a premises liability lawsuit.

This type of lawsuit holds the property owner accountable for any losses and damages caused by their negligence. To succeed in a premises liability claim, the victim must prove that the property owner knew or should have known about a hazardous condition and failed to address it.

What Kinds of Claims Can Be Filed Against a Property Owner?

Property owners can be held liable for a variety of claims and lawsuits. Common claims that can be filed against property owners include:

  • Slip & Fall Accidents: Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions on their premises, and if a person slips and falls due to an unsafe condition, the owner may be liable for any resulting injuries.
  • Negligent Security: Property owners have a responsibility to provide adequate security measures on their premises and are liable for damages if they fail to do so.
  • Dog Bites: If a person is bitten by a dog on another person’s property, the owner may be held liable for any resulting injuries.
  • Swimming Pool Accidents: Property owners can be held responsible if an accident or injury occurs in a pool on their premises.
  • Fires and Explosions: Property owners must take reasonable steps to ensure that fires and explosions are prevented, and they can be held liable if they fail to do so.

Who Can File a Premises Liability Claim?

Premises liability insurance coverage offers financial protection for claims made by individuals injured on the insured's property. Claims can include slips and falls, injuries from property defects, and other accidents. Anyone injured due to the insured's negligence can file a premises liability claim, including visitors, customers, tenants, and employees. In certain cases, the property owner may also be responsible for losses suffered by a third party due to their negligence.

How Are These Claims Handled by Insurance Companies?

Premises liability insurance coverage is a type of property insurance that protects owners or occupants of commercial and residential properties against claims from third parties who are injured or experience damage while on the premises.

a liability insurance form on a desk next to some books and a pair of glasses

These claims can arise from various causes such as slips and falls, hazardous conditions, inadequate security, and other forms of negligence. When a claim is filed under premises liability insurance coverage, the insurance company will investigate the incident and determine the liability of the insured for the injuries or damages suffered by the claimant. If the insured is found liable, the insurance company will cover any awarded damages up to a specified limit.

Property Damage Claims

Premises liability insurance is a form of insurance coverage that assists in safeguarding a business from being held accountable for property damage claims that arise from injuries occurring on its premises.

This coverage is usually incorporated into commercial general liability (CGL) policies and aids in the financial coverage of expenses related to replacing, repairing, or restoring damaged property to its original state. Property damage claims may arise due to accidents or negligence on the part of the business, encompassing incidents such as fire, smoke, water damage, theft, vandalism, and other calamities.

How Does Property Damage Fit Into Premises Liability Claims?

Premises liability claims involve property damage caused by the negligence of another party on their property. Property damage can be physical (like broken furniture) or economic (like medical bills). For example, if a customer slips and breaks their arm, they may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.

The property damage claim would also cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged items. Premises liability coverage typically includes legal fees for defending against the lawsuit. This includes court costs and settlements.

Does Property Damage Include Personal Injury and Medical Bills?

Premises liability insurance protects property owners from legal claims for injuries or damages caused by dangerous conditions on their property. It covers bodily injury caused by negligence or hazardous conditions. Whether property damage includes personal injury and medical bills depends on the policy's terms and conditions.

an insurance agent holding a premise liability insurance form

Premises liability insurance can also cover personal injury claims, such as slip-and-fall accidents or negligent security. Injured parties may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering or lost wages. Medical bills resulting from the injury may also be covered.

What Evidence is Needed to Show Property Damage Occurred on the Premises?

Premises liability insurance covers property owners if someone is injured on their property due to negligence or unsafe conditions. It pays for medical bills, legal fees, and other damages caused by the injury. To prove fault, evidence like photographs, witness testimony, security footage, or a police report may be necessary.

Contact Ktenas Injury Attorneys Today!

Business or rental property owners need premises liability insurance coverage. This insurance protects you from financial losses if someone gets injured on your property due to your negligence as the owner. It covers injuries caused by dangerous conditions like broken stairs or uneven walkways.

Our legal team at Ktenas Injury Attorneys can help you understand your rights and responsibilities regarding premises liability insurance. We can also guide you on the best ways to protect your business. Contact us today for more information.

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