Walking is a simple action that should never result in a serious accident. However, this may be the case if a property owner does not take care of the grounds they own. When this happens, the property can become hazardous and cause an accident to take place. This is known as a slip and fall accident. These incidents can cause severe, potentially life-changing injuries. It is because of this that those who are harmed due to the negligence of a property owner can pursue legal action with the assistance of an experienced California personal injury attorney.
What are Examples of Accidents?
There are many different places where a slip and fall accident can happen in California, such as sidewalks, streets, parking lots, etc. These may be in the event of the following:
- Hazardous sidewalks
- Weather conditions (snow, ice, standing water)
- Potholes, uneven pavement, cracked surfaces
- Loose debris
- Hazardous materials
- Slippery substances
Who is Liable for an Accident?
In the state of California, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their grounds. This is to ensure others who come onto it do not become harmed as a result of hazardous conditions due to negligence. This is required of all private citizens, public stores, private companies, and municipal properties, otherwise they can be held liable for negligence in the event of injuries. It is important to note that property owners are also required to care for the sidewalk adjacent to these grounds and can be held liable for dangerous sidewalk conditions.
How do I Prove Negligence?
When a person is injured in a slip and fall accident, they can pursue legal action by filing a personal injury claim. This requires them to prove negligence took place and was the direct cause of their injuries. This can be done with evidence that shows the property owner knew about the conditions that caused the accident and failed to fix them. Evidence that can be beneficial for a case can include medical documentation of the injuries, pictures of the hazard, witnesses to the incident, and more. If they are successful, the injured party may recover compensation for damages that stem from the accident.
Contact our Firm
When someone is wrongly injured in an accident, they often require financial compensation to heal. That’s where we come in. Contact the Law Offices of Brian J. O’Grady today to learn more about what our firm can do for you.
