Slip and fall accidents are largely self-explanatory, referring to situations in which a person is injured by falling, slipping, or tripping due to a dangerous condition on or in a walking surface. These falls can occur outside or inside a building, and can be caused by inadequate flooring, wet floors, dimly lit steps, or weather-related, or hidden hazards. For example, an ice patch on the concrete outside or a pothole within the concrete can both cause someone to slip and fall in a parking facility.
Negligence is the failure to fulfill a duty and, in the context of slip and fall accidents, refers to the failure of maintenance of a property and/or walking surface. Premises liability is the term used to describe the duty of a property owner for upkeep of that property for the safety of others, to a “standard of care.” Some states require the property owner to reduce problem areas caused by the weather. Examples of structural defects are; loose floor mats, loose rugs, loose tiles; standing water, dimly lit stairs or steps; cracks on holes in walkways or parking facilities. Examples of weather related hazards are: standing water and/or icy spots. The plaintiff has the duty to exercise reasonable care, meaning if any of your actions contributed to the accident, you may share the negligence.
If a slip and fall accident has happened to you, try to determine what caused the fall, and if it could have been anticipated and prevented. If witnesses saw you fall, obtain their names and addresses. Take a minute to reflect on the detail of the conditions of the area where you fell. Try to notice things like: poor lighting, slippery substance that made you trip, distractions, potholes, etc. If there was something on the floor try to obtain a sample of the substance. Try to take pictures of the area in question for a potential suit, and for your records. Report the incident to the manager or owner, and insist that they record and acknowledge the incident occurred.
As a potential plaintiff, you must prove that a hazard existed and the hazard caused your accident. The more evidence you are able to obtain from the site at the time of the incident, the better the chances the case will turn out in your favor. There are few steps you can take that carry more potential benefit than contacting a Los Angeles slip and fall attorney.
If you or someone you love is in need of legal assistance, call Sheridan & Rund at 310-640-1200, toll free at 888-640-6789, or contact us online. Our initial slip and fall consultation is absolutely free, and if our firm agrees to handle your case, our Los Angeles slip & fall attorneys will work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. You pay nothing out of pocket until our firm retrieves the compensation you deserve. It is imperative you contact our firm today because a lawsuit must be filed before the legal expiration date known as the statute of limitations. Please call Los Angeles attorneys Sheridan & Rund immediately to ensure you are rightfully compensated the money you deserve.