Slip and fall accidents (also known as trip and fall accidents) in Los Angeles are sometimes the result of property owners or managers failing to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of their premises for visitors. Sometimes, property owners are aware of the hazards their premises poses yet fail to make the necessary repairs or post signage alerting visitors to the dangers.
Every year, thousands of victims will be hurt in slip and fall accidents. Many slip and fall accidents may be mitigated by taking basic safety precautions. Sadly, proprietors often fail to institute these procedures or otherwise ignore the dangers. Victims who suffer slip and fall injuries may be able to hold these liable parties responsible for their breach of duty and recover compensation for the damages they have suffered.
Who can be held responsible in slip and fall accidents?
Typically, property owners or managers contracted to maintain a piece of property where an accident occurred may be held liable. This includes store owners that fail to recognize wet floors, private home owners that fail to alleviate hazards on their property, or even municipalities that are responsible for dangerous sidewalks.
Examples of premises liability accidents:
- Icy conditions outside buildings;
- Pot holes or shifting gravel in parking lots;
- Cracked or uneven sidewalks;
- Poor visibility from inadequate outdoor lighting;
- Wet, greasy, or otherwise slippery floors; and
- Clutter or otherwise obstructed pedestrian areas.
What kinds of injuries can slip and fall injuries cause?
Slip and fall accidents may conjure up all sorts of innocuous or mild ailments. The truth is, slip and falls can cause serious, debilitating injuries that may require a lifetime of care and attention. Even mild injuries may cause accident victims to suffer excruciating pain and suffering and work through prolonged physical rehabilitation.
Slip and fall accidents may result in:
- Lacerations;
- Torn tendons and ligaments;
- Broken bones;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Traumatic brain injuries; and
- Hip or knee fractures.
How do I prove liability in my slip in my fall accident?
Slip and fall accident lawsuits fall under an area of the law known as torts. California tort laws hold everyone, including property owners, must take reasonable steps to ensure their actions do not place others at an undue risk of injury or accident. Individuals or other entities who cause accidents through careless actions may be found to be negligent.
Courts will look for plaintiffs to prove four basic aspects of negligence in a tort claim:
- Duty: The property owed a duty to visitors to take reasonable steps to ensure their property was safe.
- Breach: The property owner breached his or her duty by failing to make repairs, provide upkeep, recognize hazardous conditions, ingor hazards.
- Cause: Dangerous conditions propagated by the property owner was the proximate cause of the victim’s accident.
- Damages: Did the victim incur damages such as lost wages from recovering from an injury, hospital bills or medical treatment, physical or emotional pain and suffering.
Los Angeles slip and fall accident attorneys
Winning a slip and fall lawsuit or securing a settlement is often easier said than done. While many property owners carry insurance for just such situations, they are often powerful entities with their own attorneys and claims adjusters who may dismiss the victim’s otherwise legitimate claim.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a slip and fall accident and you believe someone else’s negligence was the cause of the incident, talk to a Los Angeles slip and fall attorney. Seeking the advice of qualified Los Angeles slip and fall attorneys can help injury victims better understand their rights and prepare a strong case to recover the compensation they need to be made whole again.