Whom Do You Sue if You’re Injured in Public Places?

Following an injury, you may be considering filing a lawsuit to recover your expenses and get your life back on track. Deciding whom to file suit against is a good place to start.

Who’s to Blame?

If you’re injured in a public place, against whom would you file a personal injury claim for damages? That depends on whose negligence caused your injury. Usually that would be the business or property owner, who has a legal “duty of care” to prevent foreseeable harm to visitors and patrons.

Often, injuries in public places such as stores and restaurants happen because of some unsafe condition on the premises. In such an instance, you would file your claim against the owner of the business. Here are some examples:

• A slip and fall on a wet floor not marked with “wet floor” signage
• Cutting oneself on an exposed nail sticking out of a wall
• Becoming ill from improperly stored or prepared food

If you’re not sure whose duty it was to prevent the hazardous condition that caused your injuries, your personal injury attorney can offer guidance in identifying the negligent party.