A slip and fall accident, otherwise known as premises liability, is when an unsuspecting person is injured on anothers’ property due to another’s negligence. As Georgetown injury lawyers, let us unpack what the law provides for.
What is Duty of Care?
When a company or public entity opens its property to the public, it has a legal obligation to keep the place safe. This is called its “duty of care”. This ensures the general public that it is safe when using or walking through public spaces. Negligence comes into play when that duty of care is not attended to.
Things that are included in the line of duty of care include:
● Conducting regular inspection of premises to look for hazards
● Taking timely action to correct any hazards
● Warning the public about potential hazards when found
● Maintaining the premises in an orderly fashion with safe and clear walkways
● Maintaining lighting, flooring, handrails, etc. so that visitors can maneuver safely
If the property owner or business owner knows about dangerous conditions and allowed them to remain unattended to or if they have not taken the time to fully inspect for these conditions, they can be held responsible for any injuries that take place because of them. This is when the skills of a Georgetown injury attorney come into play.
Who Can Be Held Liable For a Slip and Fall Accident in California?
Premises liability does not only affect commercial businesses but also private properties and public municipal and government properties. Consequently, the parties that may be held responsible for any injuries can include
● Business owners
● Property owners (may be different from the business owner if property is leased)
● Private homeowners and their respective insurance
● A property management company
● Any firm that is responsible for property oversight
● A government agency
● Any third parties who may have contributed negligently
What Can That Owner/Entity Be Liable For?
When it comes to premises liability, the property owner or business owner may be liable for an injury victim’s hospital bills and medical costs, lost wages or any other damages that may have been caused by the injury.
What Happens When the Victim is Partly at Fault?
Because California is considered a comparative negligence state, even if you are partly at fault for the slip and fall accident, you can still recover some compensation for your injuries. In this case, the compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault.
Do You Need to Take the Matter to Court for a Slip and Fall Claim?
Most slip and fall claims will arrive at a settlement that is negotiated between parties. That said, however, slip and fall claims can be extremely complicated and shouldn’t be addressed without the assistance of a Georgetown personal injury lawyer. Negligence in a slip and fall claim can be difficult to prove and having the resources of a legal professional is best for these types of claims.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact the Georgetown personal injury attorneys at RPC Law. We offer a no-cost consultation so you can understand your rights under the law. Call us today.