Cerritos Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers
Did you suffer an injury as a result of slipping and falling? Did this occur in a public space or on someone else’s property? If so, this may constitute an act of negligence on the part of the property owner, and you may be entitled to compensation if the fall resulted in injury requiring medical attention. To be certain of your legal options, contact a Los Angeles slip and fall attorney.
What Is a Slip and Fall Injury?
A slip and fall seem like a self-explanatory incident. However, it entails a specific meaning in the legal sense. Cerritos slip and fall accident lawyers usually define it as a fall due to dangerous floor conditions. In most cases, this means a wet surface due to spilled liquids or recent mopping. However, slips may also occur outdoors in sidewalks or parking lots due to ice or slush.
Beyond slippery surfaces, a slip and fall may also occur due to other dangerous floor conditions, such as a cracked floor or gap in the ground. In a store, it may include a fall due to merchandise haphazardly left on the floor. Falls may also occur in a stairway due to a broken railing or uneven steps.
Other instances include:
- An obscured hole in a yard or grassy area
- Torn carpeting or excess slack
- Improperly set tiles
- Poor lighting
Do You Have Grounds for a Lawsuit?
Slip and fall is a premises liability case. This means the property owner has a duty to keep visitors safe. If the duty is breached due to a negligent act, such as improper property maintenance, then you may have grounds for an injury claim. Cerritos slip and fall lawyers can examine cases on an individual basis to determine whether there is merit for a claim.
Property owners generally must warn people if the floor presents a slip or trip hazard. This is why you commonly see those yellow “wet floor” signs in stores if there is a wet floor. Without a clearly visible warning, they can be held liable if someone falls and sustains an injury. A Cerritos slip and fall accident lawyer can evaluate the case and determine whether there was any negligence on the property owner’s end.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall
Did you fall and sustain an injury while in a public space or on someone else’s private property? There are certain steps you must take to increase your chances of a successful claim. First, you need to report the incident to the property owner, the manager, or even a security officer. You should also seek medical attention right away even if you don’t believe you’re seriously hurt. Let a doctor determine the severity of your injury.
In the immediate aftermath of your fall, document the scene. Take pictures of the floor conditions, gather witness information, etc. Finally, contact a Cerritos slip and fall lawyer. An attorney can assess your situation and determine your viability for a lawsuit.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Ellis Law Corporation. A Los Angeles personal injury attorney can assist you; the initial consultation is free.