It's quite common for locals and tourists to want to go tour historic buildings. However, those who own and operate those buildings need to make sure that the premises are kept reasonably safe to ensure that visitors don't end up hurting themselves.

Right now, there is a premises liability lawsuit that has been filed against a heritage association that manages a house museum. The claim is that the association should be held liable for the injuries that a visitor sustained while touring the house.

The slip and fall accident took place back in September 2009. A man was visiting the museum house, when he went to go tour a next door annex. This annex was supposed to be closed to visitors. However, the man claims that there was a sign inviting guests to come tour.

While stepping up to go tour the annex, the man lost his balance and fell. His claim is that he fell because he did not see a step that was covered by leaves. The fall caused him to come crashing down, and fracture both of his wrists. He also received some cuts to his face.

To this day he now suffers from ongoing pain, and has limited motion in his wrists.

Originally, the premises liability lawsuit was against not only the association that manages the museum house, but also the borough that has a lease agreement with the association. However, a previous agreement protects the borough from liability, but does not protect the association. This means that unless there is a settlement, the trial against the association will begin the end of this month.

Source: New Jersey Hills, "Union Forge sued in slip-and-fall lawsuit," Camilla Somers, Jan. 31, 2012