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Premises Liability Law in Jos, Nigeria, pertains to the legal responsibilities held by a property owner for injuries sustained by another person on their premises as a result of unsafe or defective conditions. In Nigeria, the notion of premises liability has its roots in the English Common Law principles of Occupier’s Liability, which broadly defines the duty of care of a person who controls or possesses land to others who enter the land. It is crucial to understand that proving negligence and liability can be complex and usually requires legal representation.
Legal advice may be necessary for various situations involving premises liability. For example, if you have been injured on someone else's property due to negligent maintenance or inadequate safety measures taken by the property owner. In contrast, as a property owner, if someone is claiming to have been injured on your property and you believe that you have taken all necessary precautions, you may need a lawyer to defend your position. Amendment to local laws might also warrant the need of a lawyer to understand the implication of the changes on your property.
In Jos, Nigeria, the Occupier’s liability is governed by both the English Common Law and the Nigerian legislation. For instance, the Lagos State Safety Commission Law established in 2011 and the Ogun State Properties Protection Law enacted in 2016, have further strengthened the statutory provisions for premises liability. The laws stipulates that Occupiers of premises owe a duty of care to lawful visitors to ensure that they are safe while on the premises. If property owners fail to maintain the property resulting in harm or injury to the visitor, they could be held legally responsible for the damages.
You must be able to prove that the property owner was aware, or reasonably should have been aware, of the dangerous or defective condition that caused your injury and did nothing to rectify the situation.
If someone is injured on your property, and you are found to be negligent in the maintenance of the property, you could be held financially responsible for their medical bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.
In general, the same basic premise applies to both—that the owner must take reasonable care to ensure the safety of visitors—but there may be specifics and variables depending on the stipulations of local laws.
In Nigeria, a lawsuit to recover damages for personal injury must be filed within three years from the date of the injury in accordance with Nigerian Limitation Laws.
Nigeria operates under the principle of contributory negligence. This means that if you were partly to blame for the incident that caused the injury, your compensation might be reduced
The following resources might be beneficial for someone needing legal advice on premises liability in Jos, Nigeria:
If you are in need of legal assistance in cases of premises liability, it is highly recommended that you seek the services of a competent legal practitioner conversant with the local laws of Jos, Nigeria. They will be able to evaluate your case, guide you through the legal process, and advocate for your rights and best interest. Your first step should be to gather all relevant documentation and evidence pertaining to your case, then consult your attorney to review and determine the best course of action.
