When a party is injured on the property of another due to the negligence of the property owner (or the entity occupying or controlling the property), the injured party may bring a claim against the property owner. The claimant must prove that the owner was negligent and that this carelessness caused the injury. The claimant will file a complaint, and the legal process will begin. The parties to the lawsuit will engage in discovery, which may include depositions, exchange of documentation, and questioning of parties to the lawsuit and witnesses. The defendant owner will typically file a motion for summary judgment through counsel after discovery. This motion filed on behalf of the defendant declares that after considering the case evidence, the law cannot support a valid claim on behalf of the injured party against the owner. The presiding judge will rule whether the case should be dismissed or proceed to trial. If the judge finds a genuine issue of material fact regarding the owner’s liability, they will deny the defendant’s motion, and the case will move to trial.