It is the duty of every building owner to make sure that the premises, both inside and out, are safe and do not present an unreasonable threat of harm to those people who may encounter them. This can mean erecting a safe building initially, performing regular inspections to ensure that nothing has deteriorated, and making repairs and improvements when necessary. Failing to keep a building in a safe and reasonable manner may lead to liability on the part of a building owner, the operator of an establishment, or someone who rents the premises, depending on the facts of a particular incident.
If a victim is hurt in a premises liability accident in Phoenix, that victim must seek his or her own relief within the time period specified by Arizona law. Failing to do so will prevent the victim from obtaining any compensation or other damages to which the victim may be entitled. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Phoenix may help you understand if you have a valid claim, and if so, who may be liable for the damages you suffered.
An investigation is ongoing into an incident that occurred Sunday at the Mesa Arts Center that left a 61-year-old woman seriously injured. According to witnesses, the woman, a tourist from Germany, was at the center with several other people when she stepped upon a metal grate in a corner of the floor. For reasons that are not clear, part of the grate collapsed and gave way, causing the woman to fall below it and land on a subfloor.
Officials report that the victim fell approximately 25 feet before landing, during which time she sustained a broken leg and injuries to her head. It is unclear whether she sustained any other damages or what her prognosis is at this time, but emergency crews responded to the incident and transported the victim to an area hospital for treatment.
Authorities at the Mesa Arts Center reportedly are unsure of what caused the portion of the grate to fall but they have indicated that repairs will be made as soon as possible.
A building open to the public should be safe to those who enter. Patrons should not have to worry about whether a shelf will collapse, a floor will fail, or whether injuries will result in another manner. But when they do, the burden of these accidents often fall upon the victim as the victim may incur substantial financial damages.
Fortunately, when a premises liability accident occurs in Arizona, victims may be entitled to financial payment to cover their damages, including pain and suffering and medical expenses. The lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. have experience representing these victims and are ready to help you if you have been hurt while on another’s property.
Call us toll free at Abels & Annes, P.C. at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 and let us provide you with a free, no obligation case consultation regarding your accident and your rights. We are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and everything discussed will be kept confidential.
If an accident has affected your life, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
At Least 1 Dead after SR 89A Car Accident, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published October 10, 2014.
Resource:
Tourist from Germany sent to hospital after falling through utility vault at Mesa Arts Center, Fox 10 News, published October 13, 2014.