Giving You The Resources To Recover

Holding Negligent Property Owners Accountable

Last updated on April 30, 2026

Property owners, managers, maintenance companies and even lessees have a responsibility to guests, patrons and occupants. They are responsible for maintaining a secure and safe premise. When safety practices are overlooked or neglected, otherwise innocuous premises can become extremely dangerous. An unguarded pool or dog, slippery surface or unexpected step down can become injurious or even deadly.

If you or someone close to you has suffered an injury due to a poorly maintained or unsecured premise, it is important to reach out to counsel who can inform you of your rights and what compensation you may be entitled to. Talk to our team at Colley Shroyer Abraham to learn more about your legal options. Our lawyers have more than 150 years of collective experience fighting for injury victims across Ohio. We’re conveniently located in Columbus.

Understanding Ohio Premises Liability Law

In Ohio, property owners have a duty to care for people who enter their property. As a result, property owners, managers and tenants must fix dangerous conditions or warn about them.

However, their level of responsibility changes based on whether the person is an invitee, a licensee or a trespasser. Invitees, like store customers, get the most care. Property owners must keep the place safe for themselves. Licensees, such as social guests, need warnings about hidden dangers. Trespassers receive the least care, mainly to prevent intentional harm.

This status determines how much compensation someone might get if they get hurt on someone else’s property. Invitees, who receive the highest care, are more likely to get compensation for injuries due to negligence. Understanding these rules helps everyone know when someone might be responsible for an injury and what safety measures property owners need to follow.

What Common Premises Hazards Do People Face In Columbus?

In Columbus, navigating everyday environments can pose several risks due to common premises hazards. These sources of risk include:

Winter ice/snow on walkways and parking lots, especially during Columbus’s colder months.
Wet floors in retail and grocery stores, which can lead to slips and falls.
Uneven surfaces and potholes, common in both urban and suburban areas.
Inadequate lighting in parking lots and stairwells, increasing the risk of accidents.
Defective stairways and handrails, which can result in falls.
Negligent security in bars, parking lots and apartment complexes.
Swimming pool accidents, particularly in residential settings.
Dog bites occurring on both residential and commercial properties.

Types Of Premises Liability Cases We Handle

At Colley Shroyer Abraham, we advocate for clients who have suffered a variety of different injuries due to unsafe conditions on another’s property. We have represented clients harmed in:

Slip-and-fall accidents: These cases involve individuals who have been injured due to hazardous conditions like wet floors, uneven surfaces or poorly maintained walkways on someone else’s property.
Animal bite injuries: We handle cases where individuals have suffered injuries from dog attacks, ensuring victims receive compensation for medical expenses and emotional distress.
Elevator malfunctions: If you’ve been injured due to an elevator malfunction, such as sudden stops or faulty doors, we can help you pursue a claim for damages.
Escalator malfunctions: Our firm addresses injuries resulting from escalator accidents caused by mechanical failures or improper maintenance.
Pool and retaining pond accidents: These cases involve injuries or fatalities due to unsafe conditions around pools or retaining ponds, including a lack of barriers or signage.
Negligent security claims: We represent clients who have been harmed due to inadequate security measures, such as insufficient surveillance or a lack of security personnel, on commercial properties.
Inadequate lighting injuries: Poor lighting on premises can lead to accidents and injuries. We assist clients in claiming compensation for injuries resulting from inadequate lighting conditions.
Parking lot and retail injuries: Our firm handles cases involving injuries sustained in retail environments or parking lots due to hazards like potholes, debris or insufficient signage.

The Importance Of Experienced Representation And Thorough Investigation

In accidents on someone else’s property, people can get seriously hurt. They might break bones, hit their head hard, hurt their back or spine, damage muscles, or even end up with a permanent disability. These injuries often need a lot of medical treatment, therapy, and long-term care, which can really change a person’s life. Paying for these costs often depends on having a good lawyer who can support the injured person’s claim.

To prove that a property owner is at fault and get the right compensation, it’s important to investigate thoroughly. This means looking at different evidence like video footage that shows what happened, maintenance records that tell how well the property was cared for, witness statements that describe the event and any past incidents at the same place that suggest carelessness. Colley Shroyer Abraham uses over 40 years of experience to investigate property owner negligence. We work hard to find the truth, hold careless property owners responsible and ensure that our clients get the support they need.

Outstanding Results In Injury Cases

We have obtained multimillion-dollar results in all kinds of personal injury cases, including premises liability claims. Here is one example:

$300,000 – A 30-year-old plaintiff was severely injured when he was struck by a tree being felled by a neighbor. After taking a chainsaw next door to loan to the neighbor, the plaintiff was returning to his residence when the tree landed on him, causing several fractures to his right leg and a vertebral fracture to his back. The plaintiff needed reparative surgery, endured many months’ recuperation and had to change employment to more sedentary work.

Our goal in every case is to secure the compensation you need for a better life ahead.

Find Out If You Have A Premises Liability Case

Reach out to our team via email or by phone at 614-678-5072. Our lawyers can review your situation and advise you on whether you have a strong premises liability case. We offer free consultations and don’t charge fees unless we’re successful.