Slip and fall accidents are among the leading causes of injuries in Los Angeles. They usually lead to broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and long-term disability. If hazardous property conditions have injured you, a Los Angeles slip and fall attorney can assist you in holding the negligent parties responsible. To establish negligence, you must show that the premises owner knew (or should have known) about the hazard but failed to fix it. This is where a seasoned premises liability attorney LA can really make a difference.
Here are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents in Los Angeles, how they occur, and how the law requires negligence to be established.
Wet or slippery floors are the most common cause of slip and fall accidents.
These hazards often occur when spills in places like malls, restaurants, or grocery stores are not cleaned up promptly. Newly mopped floors with no appropriate warning signs are also a common hazard. In business settings, leaky refrigerators or water problems can cause the floor to be slippery, contributing to the hazard. Even rainwater brought in because there are no entrance mats can be a slipping hazard. In each of these situations, property owners are responsible for cleaning the surface immediately or placing visible warnings to prevent accidents.
In most older Los Angeles communities, cracked sidewalks and poorly maintained walkways are not difficult to find. Potholes in parking lots also create dangerous conditions, especially for pedestrians who are not expecting them. Inside buildings, dangers like loose boards, torn carpet, or raised tiles are serious tripping hazards. Sudden changes in the level of the floor that are poorly marked can also lead to falls. California law holds property owners liable for keeping walkways in a safe condition and repairing hazards in a reasonable timeframe.
Lighting is a critical part of slip and fall prevention. When areas are poorly lit, dangers are much harder to see. Dark stairways in apartment buildings, parking ramps with minimal lighting, and unlit pathways all set the stage for someone to take a fall. Department stores with burnt-out light bulbs, restaurants, and theaters that use mood lighting all have a way of hiding edges and steps.
Steps, balconies, and elevated platforms require properly installed and maintained guardrails and handrails.
Falls result when handrails are missing, broken, or loose. In other cases, guardrails on decks or balconies are improperly installed or have been permitted to rot, especially in older buildings that haven't been properly maintained. Building codes require safe railings such settings. If the accident happens due to a lack of or damaged railings, the property owner can be held liable.
Though Los Angeles is renowned for its warm, sunny weather, rain and storms do pass through every now and then, creating slipping hazards.
Wet leaves, mud, and trash tend to accumulate near entrances, making walkways slippery. Puddles in parking areas, especially those with poor drainage, also increase the likelihood of slipping. In the rare case of dropping temperatures, unattended walkways can be slippery, particularly in elevated or hilly parts of the city. It is the responsibility of landlords and business owners to take reasonable actions, such as the use of mats, salt, or warning signs, to protect visitors from these dangers.
Obstructions in walkways are a common cause of falls and are often easy to avoid.
Loose wires and extension cords running on the floor can easily trip someone. In retail shops, items and boxes placed in the aisle make it difficult for customers to get through safely. Construction materials or garbage not properly removed from walkways are another major risk. Even furniture or decorations blocking exits or narrowing down walking areas are included in unsafe conditions. Property owners are expected to ensure walkways are free from unnecessary obstructions.
Uncared-for staircases rank among the top causes of serious injuries. Unevenly high/low, loose, or damaged steps can trip or slip someone with ease. Worn-out stair carpet is likely to increase the hazard. Non-compliant staircases with local building codes expose homeowners to legal hazards since they can be held responsible for any resulting injuries.
Unmarked floor level changes are generally underrated but can be especially hazardous.
Slip and Fall Accidents in Los Angeles - Sunken living rooms in homes or restaurants can catch visitors off guard. Stores frequently have a single step or two between poorly marked areas. Sudden changes between various types of flooring, from tile to carpeting, for example, can also disrupt a person's balance. Where such elevation changes are not marked or protected by railings, they constitute a hazard that business properties must try to prevent.
Property owners have a legal responsibility to keep their properties in a reasonably safe condition for visitors, tenants, and customers. If they breach this duty by ignoring maintenance, denying repairs, or issuing no warning about hazards, then they can be held liable for injuries incurred.
An experienced attorney will investigate your case, determine if the property owner was indeed negligent or not, and help you recover damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
If the owner of the property is challenging any blame you might have problems determining fault. Your lawyers will need to provide strong evidence that shows:
An attorney will gather records, interview witnesses, and get video surveillance if it's available. They'll also try to find any safety code violations or history of neglect that will support your case.
To make a strong claim, your lawyer might gather:
Expert testimony regarding building codes or anticipated safety protocols can also demonstrate the liability of the property owner in certain situations.
What you do right after a fall can make a significant difference in the success of your claim. If you're able, do the following:
Next, call a premises liability attorney LA to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
It is helpful to have a slip and fall lawyer who knows how the local courts handle premises liability claims.
These injuries do more than hurt, they inflict financial hardship and emotional distress, too. You may be compensated for the following if your claim is successful:
An experienced lawyer will strive to obtain the full value of your claim, based on the seriousness of your injuries and long-term impact on your life.
Slip and Fall Accidents in Los Angeles - You can still proceed with the case, but public property cases have very strict deadlines, usually within six months thus, you should immediately take the necessary steps.
Definitely. Video evidence can not only show the manner and the reason of the accident, but also, through a lawyer, you can acquire footage before it is erased.
Owners' poor maintenance can be a sign of negligence. Cracked floor, broken staircase, or spills that have not been cleaned, the most frequent are superficial support for your claim.
It's unpredictable. Some get done within a few months, whereas other cases are still ongoing, especially when the problem or injury issue remains a question.
From medical bills to time missed from work, the effects have a way of lingering after a slip and fall accident. Don't suffer alone, especially if another person is responsible for your pain.
A seasoned and compassionate premises liability lawyer can lead you through your options and fight to obtain the justice you need. Call us at LA Injury Lawyers
Los Angeles. Your consultation is free of cost, and there is no fee unless we win your case.
Slip and Fall Accidents: Understanding causes and implementing Prevention Strategies
Slip and Fall Accidents: Understanding Causes and Implementing Prevention Strategies - TheSite.org