If you’ve suffered an injury on someone else’s property, whether it’s a slip on an icy sidewalk, a fall in a poorly lit stairwell, or an injury due to faulty security, you’ve likely heard the term premises liability. But when it comes to legal claims and insurance coverage, many people wonder: Is premises liability part of general liability?
At The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, we’re often asked this question by injury victims trying to understand their rights and how to get compensation. As a top personal injury law firm in New York City, we break down what you need to know about these legal terms, how they overlap, and why it matters for your case.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners (and sometimes tenants or managers) responsible when someone is injured due to unsafe or hazardous conditions on their property.
Common examples of premises liability claims include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Trip and falls on broken sidewalks or stairs
- Injuries from falling objects
- Elevator or escalator accidents
- Inadequate lighting or signage
- Negligent security leading to assaults or robbery
- Dog bites or animal attacks on private property
In these cases, the injured party must prove that the property owner was negligent in maintaining a safe environment and that this negligence directly caused the injury.
What Is General Liability?
General liability typically refers to commercial general liability (CGL) insurance carried by businesses, contractors, or property owners. It provides broad protection against claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury that occur on business premises or as a result of business operations.
Covered incidents might include:
- A customer slipping on a wet floor in a store
- A contractor accidentally damaging property during a job
- A passerby injured by falling debris at a construction site
General liability insurance helps businesses pay for medical expenses, legal fees, and settlements related to these incidents.
Is Premises Liability Covered by General Liability Insurance?
Yes—in many cases, premises liability is considered a subset of general liability coverage.
Most general liability policies include coverage for bodily injuries that happen due to unsafe property conditions. For example:
- A restaurant’s general liability policy may cover a diner who falls due to an uneven floor.
- A landlord’s policy might cover a tenant who trips on a loose stair tread in a common area.
However, there are important limitations and exceptions, depending on the policy and whether the property owner took reasonable steps to maintain safety.
Key Differences Between Premises Liability and General Liability
While they overlap, here are key distinctions:
| Premises Liability | General Liability |
|---|---|
| A legal theory in personal injury law | A type of insurance policy coverage |
| Based on property owner negligence | Covers a range of liability issues (included premises incidents) |
| Requires proving negligence and harm | May provide a financial protection without needing a lawsuit |
| Applies to private or commercial property | Typically applies to businesses or property managers |
What If You’re Injured on Private Property?
If you are injured in a slip and fall or other incident on residential property (e.g., someone’s home), the property owner’s homeowners insurance may offer premises liability coverage. In these cases, you may still be entitled to compensation without filing a lawsuit, but insurers often lowball injury victims or deny valid claims.
That’s why it’s critical to work with an experienced premises liability attorney who can fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Premises Liability Works in New York
New York premises liability law places a legal duty on property owners and occupiers to keep their premises reasonably safe. If they fail to repair known hazards, conduct regular inspections, or warn visitors of potential dangers, they may be held legally and financially responsible for resulting injuries.
New York law also considers the injured party’s legal status (invitee, licensee, or trespasser), but in most public or commercial spaces, property owners owe a duty of care to maintain a safe environment for lawful visitors.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer for a Premises Liability Claim
Filing a premises liability claim means going up against insurance companies that are skilled at minimizing payouts. Having the right legal team is essential to:
- Investigate the property conditions and secure evidence
- Identify all liable parties (owners, managers, contractors)
- Handle communication with insurers
- Pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Call Michael “The Bull” Lamonsoff Today
Michael S. Lamonsoff and his team have over 150 years of combined litigation experience and have recovered over $500 million for injury victims throughout New York. If you were hurt due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, we’re ready to fight for you. We speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and we treat every case like it’s going to trial because we don’t back down.
Call The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff today for a free consultation. You’re not just hiring a lawyer. You’re putting your case in the hands of a fighter. You’re hiring The Bull.
