When we refer to a “slip and fall,” we are talking about the instances in which we slip or trip and fall and are injured as a result of a dangerous condition on another owner’s property. There are many conditions that can cause us to fall and become injured. In addition, the conditions can be present on either the outside or inside of another owner’s facility. Typically, the first reaction to your slip or trip and fall accident is embarrassment. How could I be so clumsy? On reflection you may discover that your injury resulted from the neglect of owner or occupant of the premises to maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition.
Who is at Fault?
Property owners have a duty to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition. When the owner’s violation of this duty results in injury, the injured party is entitled to receive all of the damages resulting from this breach of duty. This is the area of law commonly referred to as “Premises Liability.” However, these cases are sometimes difficult to prove. For example, if you were to slip on a wet floor in a restaurant it would be difficult to prove when the liquid was spilled and when the floor became wet. Furthermore, it would be difficult to prove that the owner “knew or should have known” of that dangerous condition.
Often the slip or trip and fall victim suffers minimal injuries and deserves nothing more than an apology from the party responsible for creating the dangerous condition. However, for various reasons, the fall may result in much more serious injuries. Writs, ankle, leg or hip fractures often occur as a result of a fall. Knee and facial injuries are also common.
Normally, the more serious the injury, the more likely the fall resulted from a dangerous condition that was either created by the landowner or was allowed to exist on the landowner’s property.
Examples of negligence that commonly cause slip and fall accidents include:
- Poor Maintenance of Stairways, Railings or Balconies
- Poor Lighting
- Wet Floors or Debris on Floors
- Torn or Ripped Carpeting
- Broken or Cracked Sidewalks
How to Respond
Often the slip or trip and fall victim suffers minimal injuries and deserves nothing more than an apology from the party responsible for creating the dangerous condition. However, for various reasons, the fall may result in much more serious injuries. Writs, ankle, leg or hip fractures often occur as a result of a fall. Knee and facial injuries are also common.
Normally, the more serious the injury, the more likely the fall resulted from a dangerous condition that was either created by the landowner or was allowed to exist on the landowner’s property.
Examples of negligence that commonly cause slip and fall accidents include:
- Poor Maintenance of Stairways, Railings or Balconies
- Poor Lighting
- Wet Floors or Debris on Floors
- Torn or Ripped Carpeting
- Broken or Cracked Sidewalks
Cities we serve in Ventura County, CA