Property owners and occupiers in California owe a duty of care to their visitors. The specific duty of care depends on the visitor’s status and other factors, but under most circumstances, it involves ensuring the premises have adequate lighting to be reasonably safe, or at least warning visitors about inadequate lighting. Catastrophic and even fatal injuries have been attributed to insufficient lighting. A person might fall down a staircase, for example, or trip over a door threshold. If the … [Read more...]
5 FAQs About Faulty Handrail Premises Liability Claims
If you suffered a fall injury due to a faulty handrail, it may be possible to hold the property owner, manager, or landlord financially accountable for the resulting medical bills and other damages. Whether your handrail premises liability claim has merit will depend on a number of factors. The easiest way to find out if you have grounds for a claim is to schedule a free consultation with a premises liability attorney. A seasoned lawyer can help you determine if the duty of care may have been … [Read more...]
6 FAQs About Slip & Fall Back Injury Claims
From skydiving to horseback riding, there are all kinds of activities that require an assumption of injury risk—and for good reason. Extreme sports and other recreational activities are inherently dangerous, even when you take all recommended precautions. Chances are, however, most of the things you do on a day-to-day basis aren’t especially risky. You don’t have to sign a waiver of liability before entering the grocery store, for example, or when visiting a friend’s apartment … [Read more...]
7 FAQs About Premises Liability Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one is never easy, but it can be especially devastating when negligence is to blame. After a wrongful death, it’s hard to come to terms with the fact that the deceased would still be here today if only the responsible party had exercised reasonable care. While filing a wrongful death suit won’t bring the victim back, it could at least yield the funds that surviving family members need to rebuild their lives in the wake of the loss. If your relative died from injuries sustained … [Read more...]
4 FAQs About Injuries Caused by Concealed Holes on Properties
Concealed holes are a dangerous hazard that many property owners overlook. If you tripped or fell into a hole on someone else’s property, you may be wondering if you have grounds for a personal injury claim. The answer to this question depends on the circumstances. The easiest way to find out if your case has merit and how best to proceed is to speak with a premises liability lawyer. That said, you may find it helpful to learn the answers to some frequently asked questions about these cases. … [Read more...]
Can I Sue After Falling on a Dangerous Stairway?
When people are injured while walking up or down a staircase, they often blame themselves. The truth, however, is that negligent maintenance or faulty construction can make a stairway unreasonably dangerous. If you or someone you love was hurt while traversing a staircase, the property owner or another party may be liable for the resulting medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. At the end of the day, if the injuries happened due to a hazard that could have been reasonably … [Read more...]
If someone gets hurt on your property can they sue?
Business owners’ associations often hear the question “If someone gets hurt on your property can they sue?” The answer is yes, if the elements of a premises liability case exist. While people get hurt every day, they can only sue if someone else’s negligence caused their injuries. Elements of a premises liability claim Premises liability law answers the question “If someone gets hurt on your property can they sue?” It does this by explaining when a claim for compensation can be made, and when it … [Read more...]
What Evidence Should I Gather After a Slip and Fall?
Every slip and fall claim is unique, but in all such cases, the strength of the available evidence is the primary factor in determining whether the victim obtains a financial award. There are three elements you’ll have to prove to win a settlement or verdict: negligence, causation, and damages. Some of the most valuable evidence can be gathered at the scene, but your premises liability attorney can help you collect evidence that you’ve overlooked or that’s difficult to access. If the property … [Read more...]
5 FAQs About Trips, Slips & Falls Caused by Uneven Floor Surfaces
There are all sorts of reasons why a person might slip, fall, and suffer an injury. Often these unfortunate events can be traced back to the negligence of the property owner, occupier, or one of their employees. In this scenario, the injured party (or their surviving family) may be able to recover compensation for various economic and non-economic damages. If you or someone you love tripped or slipped and fell due to an uneven floor surface, you may be wondering if you even have grounds for a … [Read more...]
What Circumstances Might Warrant a Premises Liability Claim?
If you or a member of your family was injured while on another person’s property, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim. Property owners—and sometimes their tenants—have a duty to maintain their premises to a reasonable standard for both invitees and licensees. Even trespassers who suffer injuries may have grounds for a claim depending on the circumstances. Property owners and possessors who allow invitees onto their premises have a duty to conduct periodic inspections for … [Read more...]