Premises Liability
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for those who visit their homes, businesses, or public spaces. When they fail to do so, serious injuries can occur—from slips and falls to structural failures and negligent security.
At Goss Law, we represent individuals who have been injured because of unsafe or poorly maintained properties across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Twin Cities. Whether your injury occurred at a store, apartment complex, parking lot, or private home, you deserve accountability and fair compensation for your losses.
Holding Property Owners Accountable for Unsafe Conditions in Minneapolis and Beyond
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for accidents and injuries that occur due to hazardous conditions on their property. In Minnesota, owners must take reasonable steps to identify and correct dangers—or warn visitors about them.
Common examples of premises liability cases include:
- Slip and fall accidents on wet or uneven surfaces
- Injuries from falling objects or poor maintenance
- Accidents caused by unsafe stairways or handrails
- Dog bites or animal attacks on private property
- Negligent security leading to assault or robbery
- Accidents caused by snow, ice, or inadequate lighting
Even when the cause seems obvious, proving a premises liability claim requires showing that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to take appropriate action.
At Goss Law, our attorneys conduct in-depth investigations to uncover evidence of negligence—because every detail matters in securing justice for our clients.
Common Premises Liability Injuries
Accidents on unsafe property can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor fractures to catastrophic harm. We frequently represent clients who have suffered:
- Broken bones and fractures from slip and fall accidents
- Head and brain injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Back and spinal injuries, often leading to chronic pain or disability
- Soft tissue injuries and torn ligaments
- Psychological distress, especially in assault or negligent security cases
These injuries often result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term recovery. Our firm works with
medical experts, accident reconstruction professionals, and financial analysts to accurately calculate the total value of your claim.

Proving Negligence in a Premises Liability Case
Premises liability claims are built on evidence—showing that the property owner failed to act responsibly. To prove negligence, our attorneys at Goss Law gather and analyze:
- Incident reports and property maintenance records
- Surveillance footage or security camera recordings
- Witness statements
- Photographs of the hazard and the surrounding area
- Building code violations or inspection failures
We also evaluate whether third parties—such as management companies, maintenance contractors, or event organizers—played a role in creating or ignoring unsafe conditions.
Minnesota law requires that property owners maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for lawful visitors. However, liability can depend on your visitor status (invitee, licensee, or trespasser). Our attorneys explain how these distinctions affect your case and fight to ensure your rights are protected under the law.
What to Do After an Injury on Someone Else’s Property
Taking the right steps after a premises accident can greatly strengthen your case. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, medical documentation is critical for your claim.
- Report the incident to the property owner, manager, or supervisor—and request a written report if possible.
- Take photos of the hazard and your injuries before anything is repaired or cleaned up.
- Gather witness contact information for anyone who saw what happened.
- Avoid signing or recording statements with insurance companies before speaking to an attorney.
At Goss Law, we take over from there—handling all communication, evidence collection, and legal filings. Our goal is to relieve your stress so you can focus on recovery while we build the strongest case possible.
You Deserve Respect In Any Scenario
Minnesota also imposes strict deadlines (statutes of limitation) for personal injury claims. Missing these deadlines can bar your right to recovery. Our team at Goss Law ensures that your claim is filed correctly and on time, giving you the best chance at a successful result.
Accidents Require Fast Action
Property owners and insurers often move quickly after an accident to limit their liability. Evidence such as video footage, maintenance logs, or snow removal records can disappear within days. Acting fast ensures your lawyer can preserve evidence and secure witness statements before they’re lost.
Built for Complex Cases
From accident reconstruction to navigating multiple insurance policies, we’re equipped to handle the most serious and complicated cases with care and experience.
FAQs
What is a premises liability claim and how do I know if I have one?
A premises liability claim arises when someone is injured due to unsafe or dangerous conditions on another person’s property. In Minnesota, property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe premises for visitors. When they fail to correct hazards or warn about them, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Common examples include slip and fall accidents, inadequate lighting, broken stairs or railings, icy walkways, falling objects, and negligent security that allows criminal activity. To have a valid claim, you must prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the danger, failed to take reasonable steps to fix it, and that the hazard directly caused your injury.
At Goss Law, our Minneapolis premises liability lawyers investigate each case thoroughly — collecting maintenance logs, inspection records, security footage, and witness statements to show how negligence occurred. We explain your rights clearly and pursue fair compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and long-term suffering.
If you were injured on someone else’s property in Minneapolis or the Twin Cities, don’t assume it was “just an accident.” Contact Goss Law to determine whether you have a strong premises liability claim.
What should I do after a slip and fall injury in Minnesota?
After a slip and fall accident, taking quick action can make all the difference in your ability to recover compensation. First, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Internal injuries and head trauma often appear hours or days later.
Next, report the incident to the property owner or manager and request a written copy of the accident report. Take photos of the scene before the hazard is repaired or cleaned up — including floor conditions, weather (if applicable), lighting, and footwear. Collect contact information from witnesses and avoid signing anything from insurance representatives before consulting a lawyer.
Minnesota law requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe environments for guests and customers. That includes salting icy sidewalks, mopping spills, and keeping walkways clear. Proving negligence requires careful documentation — and that’s where Goss Law can help.
Our Minneapolis slip and fall attorneys review medical reports, property records, and maintenance logs to build your case. We handle communications with insurers and fight for compensation that reflects your medical bills, pain, lost wages, and future limitations.
If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall, contact Goss Law immediately before crucial evidence disappears.
Can I sue if I was injured in an apartment or rental property?
Yes. If you were injured in a rental property or apartment complex due to unsafe conditions, you may have a premises liability claim against the landlord, property manager, or maintenance company. Minnesota law requires landlords to maintain rental properties in a safe, habitable condition.
Common examples include broken stairs, defective flooring, poor lighting, loose handrails, or unaddressed leaks that cause mold or slippery surfaces. If the landlord knew (or should have known) about the problem but failed to fix it, they can be held responsible for resulting injuries.
At Goss Law, we often handle cases where tenants or guests were injured because management ignored maintenance requests or failed to perform timely repairs. We gather evidence such as work order logs, inspection records, and witness statements to show that negligence occurred.
Landlords and property management companies often have strong legal teams — which is why it’s important to have your own. Our Minneapolis premises liability attorneys ensure your rights are protected and your claim is handled effectively from start to finish.
If you were injured in your apartment complex, contact Goss Law to discuss your options. You don’t have to face your landlord or their insurer alone.
What if my injury was caused by poor lighting or negligent security?
Injuries caused by poor lighting, broken locks, or lack of security fall under a specific category of premises liability called negligent security. Property owners — especially those who operate apartment buildings, hotels, parking ramps, and commercial properties — have a duty to provide reasonable safety measures for guests and tenants.
When property owners fail to maintain secure environments, serious crimes such as assault, robbery, or sexual violence can occur. If an attack or injury happened because of inadequate lighting, broken doors, lack of cameras, or security guard negligence, you may have grounds for a claim.
At Goss Law, we investigate negligent security cases with care and confidentiality. Our attorneys analyze police reports, review prior criminal activity in the area, and determine whether the property owner ignored known risks. We work closely with law enforcement and safety experts to demonstrate how reasonable precautions could have prevented the harm.
Victims of negligent security in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota deserve justice and support. Goss Law provides compassionate advocacy while pursuing the financial recovery you need to heal physically, emotionally, and financially.
How long do I have to file a premises liability claim in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for most premises liability cases — including slip and fall injuries and unsafe property claims — is six years from the date of the injury. However, waiting to file can severely hurt your case. Evidence like surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements often disappears long before that deadline.
If your claim involves a government-owned property, such as a public sidewalk, city park, or government building, the timeline is even shorter. You must typically file a formal notice of claim within 180 days of the incident. Failing to do so can prevent you from recovering any compensation.
Because every case is unique, consulting an attorney as soon as possible is crucial. At Goss Law, we act quickly to preserve evidence, document your injuries, and ensure your case is filed properly and on time.
Our premises liability lawyers in Minneapolis explain the process clearly, handle all communications with insurers and opposing counsel, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let deadlines or paperwork jeopardize your recovery — contact Goss Law today to protect your rights before time runs out.
Contact a Minneapolis Product Liability Accident Attorney
We handle the hard cases with the strength and strategy they demand.
If you’ve been injured on unsafe property, don’t wait to get help. Contact Goss Law today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you take the next steps toward justice.
Your safety matters—and negligent property owners must be held accountable. Let Goss Law fight for the compensation you deserve.