Premises Liability

Premises Liability Attorneys Serving New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for those who enter. When they fail — whether through neglect, poor maintenance, or lack of warning — serious injuries can occur. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent individuals who have been injured on dangerous or hazardous property, including commercial, residential, and public spaces.

Our team pursues full compensation for victims of slip-and-falls, inadequate security, falling objects, defective sidewalks, and more. We are committed to holding property owners and insurers accountable for preventable injuries.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for accidents and injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe conditions. These cases arise when someone is injured because a business, landlord, or private homeowner failed to inspect, repair, or warn about known dangers.

Common examples of premises liability claims include:

• Slip-and-fall accidents in stores or restaurants
• Injuries caused by broken stairs, loose railings, or uneven pavement
• Falls on snow or ice that was not cleared in a timely manner
• Accidents at apartment complexes or rental homes due to poor maintenance
• Injuries caused by negligent security or lack of lighting
• Swimming pool accidents
• Injuries from falling merchandise in retail stores

Property owners cannot guarantee everyone’s safety — but they are required to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm.

How New Jersey and Pennsylvania Law Handles Premises Liability

Both New Jersey and Pennsylvania follow a legal framework that classifies visitors into three categories:

• Invitees (e.g., customers at a store): owed the highest duty of care
• Licensees (e.g., social guests): owed a duty to fix or warn of known hazards
• Trespassers: generally owed a limited duty, unless they are children or the owner created intentional danger

In New Jersey, key case law like Hopkins v. Fox & Lazo Realtors, 132 N.J. 426 (1993), has helped shape the standard for determining a landowner’s duty. Pennsylvania follows a similar structure, but its comparative negligence rule means injured parties can recover only if they are 50% or less at fault.

We help clients navigate these distinctions and build cases that align with the evidence, witness accounts, and applicable standards of care.

What Must Be Proven in a Premises Liability Case?

To recover compensation, the injured person must generally show:

1. A dangerous condition existed on the property
2. The property owner knew or should have known about the condition
3. The owner failed to correct or warn about the condition in a reasonable timeframe
4. The hazardous condition caused your injury

Timing is critical in these cases. Surveillance footage is often erased within days, and property conditions can be altered quickly. Early investigation and legal involvement can make or break a premises liability case.

Our Legal Services for Injury Victims

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we offer comprehensive representation for victims of property-related injuries, including:

• Thorough case investigation and site inspection
• Identification of negligent parties, including businesses, landlords, or contractors
• Litigation against corporate or commercial property owners and their insurers
• Valuation of medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• Settlement negotiation and trial advocacy when needed

We represent clients throughout South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Camden, Cherry Hill, Trenton, and Philadelphia.

Let Us Hold Negligent Property Owners Accountable

You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence. If you or a loved one was injured on unsafe property, the time to act is now. Our attorneys will review your case, explain your rights, and develop a legal strategy that maximizes your chance for recovery. We don’t get paid unless we win.

To schedule a confidential consultation, call 856-209-3111 or visit our consultation request page. Our office is located at 811 Church Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08002, and we proudly serve clients throughout South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions About Premises Liability

How long do I have to file a premises liability claim?
In both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the injury. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to compensation.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Both states follow modified comparative negligence. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages. If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation will be reduced proportionally.

Can I sue if I slipped on ice outside a store or home?
Yes, but success depends on whether the owner had enough time to notice and fix the hazard. Commercial property owners in particular have a duty to remove ice and snow within a reasonable period.

Are landlords responsible for injuries in rental units?
Often yes — especially for injuries caused by structural issues, poor lighting, broken stairs, or known code violations. Tenants may also sue if the landlord failed to respond to reported hazards.

How much is my case worth?
Case value depends on the extent of your injuries, whether you missed work, and whether the property owner’s conduct was especially egregious. We help clients pursue full recovery, including damages for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

What should I do right after a premises injury?
Report the incident immediately, take photos of the hazard, get witness contact information, and seek medical care. Contact an attorney before speaking to the property owner’s insurance company.