Legal Definitions - artificial condition

An artificial condition refers to any feature, structure, or state of land or property that has been created, constructed, or significantly altered by human intervention, rather than being a naturally occurring element of the environment. This concept is particularly relevant in legal contexts, such as premises liability, where a property owner's or occupier's duty of care and potential liability for injuries may differ depending on whether a hazardous condition is natural or man-made.

Here are some examples illustrating an artificial condition:

• Example 1: Unsecured Fixture in a Commercial Building

  Imagine a large, decorative chandelier hanging in the lobby of a hotel. If the chandelier is improperly installed or maintained, leading to it becoming loose and potentially falling, its precarious state would be considered an artificial condition. The chandelier itself is a man-made object, and its installation and maintenance are human activities. Therefore, any hazard arising from its placement or condition is a direct result of human action, not a natural occurrence.

• Example 2: Man-Made Pond on Private Property

  A homeowner decides to excavate a portion of their backyard to create a decorative pond. If a visitor to the property falls into the pond due to inadequate fencing or warning signs, the pond itself represents an artificial condition. While water can be natural, the creation of the pond, its specific dimensions, and its location on the property are all results of human design and labor, transforming the natural landscape into a man-made feature.

• Example 3: Poorly Maintained Sidewalk Adjacent to a Business

  Consider a cracked and uneven concrete sidewalk directly in front of a retail store. If a pedestrian trips and falls due to a significant crack or raised slab, this defect is an artificial condition. Sidewalks are constructed by humans using man-made materials. Their deterioration, whether due to age, poor construction, or lack of repair, is a consequence of human activity (or inactivity), making the hazardous condition artificial rather than a natural feature of the ground.