In Los Angeles and throughout California, attorneys routinely pursue just compensation for individuals who suffer slip and fall (also known as “trip and fall”) accidents due to negligently maintained premises and dangerous conditions on property. This is because it is the legal responsibility of property owners, property managers, business proprietors and municipalities to ensure your safety as a visitor. If any of these parties falter in their responsibilities and you are injured physically from a slip and fall accident, you are legally entitled to compensation for injuries due to negligence. In some cases, punitive damages (compensation) over and above medical expenses and lost wages may be awarded.
What is slip-and-fall accident liability?
Slip and fall liability is defined as a failure of the owner or operator of a property – the building and the land on which it sits – to protect visitors against injury due to negligently maintained premises and dangerous conditions on property. Visitors can be anyone including apartment tenants and guests, customers in retail stores or service vendors tending to the building’s business. Municipalities are subject to the law as well, which covers all public sidewalks, parks, parking facilities and government-owned buildings. The following scenarios are subject to premises liability litigation:
- Cracked sidewalks
- Broken steps
- Merchandise littered store aisles
- Unmarked changes in elevation
- Poorly lit passageways
- Slippery surfaces due to leaks, spills or worn surfaces
- Tree roots above ground in walking areas
- Uneven floor surfaces