New 2019 Premises Liability Bill in Mississippi
As a Mississippi citizen, it’s important to stay on top of current law changes. The lawyers at Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC also pay close attention to new laws so we can represent our clients to the best of our abilities.
We’re not even halfway through 2019, but there have been some important changes to laws and amendments in our state within the first few months of the year. Here is a brief summary about one of the most crucial changes we’ve seen so far, about a new bill that was passed that may affect those considering filing a premises liability claim. Here’s what we know about this bill so far:
Property Owners’ Liability Bill
The bill is referred to as Bill 2901 or the “Landowners Protection Act.” The bill limits the liability of landowners when someone is injured on their property.
Landowners are responsible for keeping their properties free of safety hazards for those who visit it. They need to make sure that everything is stable and there aren’t spills or anything on the floor or ground that could possibly cause harm. In the past, if someone visited their property and suffered from a slip and fall accident and received an injury, it was likely that the property owner would be held liable for the costs of the injuries. The injured person could have then used this compensation to pay for the costs of the injuries and damages.
The changes this bill brings limit the landowner’s liability. The Mississippi House passed the bill 74-39.
The pros of the bill are for business owners. Supporters suggest that it would clearly state what they are and aren’t responsible for. Those who do not support the bill say that it would be bad for those who were harmed. This could have implications of some injured people not being able to hold a landowner liable for their injuries. However, the concept of negligence will make this situation tricky. It’s unclear of how liability will be assigned, but it may make future premises liability cases difficult for those who were injured.
Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC is on Your Side
Our attorneys are here for you. We know how uncertain a personal injury case can be. We’re here to offer clarity. When someone acts negligently and you are harmed as a result, that person should be held accountable. While the passing of this bill may make resolving a premises liability case more difficult, we are committed to doing what we can to fight for the rights of our clients. You shouldn’t have to pick between affording care, paying off a bill, or putting food on the table.
If you’re questioning the validity of a claim you’re considering or how this bill may affect your case, we encourage you to get in touch with us today.
