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Dangers of Slip and Fall Accidents in Parking Lots

Dangers of Slip and Fall Accidents in Parking Lots

by | Mar 9, 2023 | Personal Injury

Dangers of Slip and Fall Accidents in Parking Lots

Slip and fall accidents injure millions of people every year. From wet floors to fallen objects, there are endless things that can cause a hazardous situation. Did you fall in the store while shopping or slip on the sidewalk at your salon? If your accident was caused by the negligence of the property owner or business operator, you might be able to recover compensation for your injuries. Call us today at 888 964-1530 or visit us at http://mikepaynelaw.com

While not every accident is grounds for a lawsuit, there are some scenarios that fall under premises liability law in California.

California Law and Duty of Care

Premises liability in California requires that property owners and the people who manage a property must abide by certain rules and meet set standards. They have what is known as a duty of care to keep the space safe and give guests proper notice of potential hazards. This duty of care extends to people who own, occupy, lease, or control the property.

The premises liability laws in the state are based on negligence involving this duty of care that property owners and operators have. The law states that people have a responsibility for injury caused by willful acts but also damage occurring due to a lack of ordinary care.

The standard used by California courts is reasonable care, which means they must exercise a level of care that a reasonable person would consider appropriate. If they are negligent in their duty, they could be found liable for any damage caused to guests or visitors of their property. Owners and managers must inspect, maintain, and repair the property in a reasonably responsible way. If they know of any dangerous or potentially dangerous conditions, they must also provide adequate notice of these hazards.

Again, duty of care is based on what a reasonable person would do in a similar situation. Multiple factors will be considered when determining negligence in duty of care, including:

  • Likelihood of injury
  • Location of the accident
  • The severity of the injuries
  • The burden of avoiding the hazard

In addition to these factors, courts will likely consider whether or not the owner or operator knew about the conditions that led to the accident. If they did not know, the question of whether they should have known will become imperative.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Premises liability cases encompass many types of accidents, but slip and falls are one of the most common. This is due, in part, to the number of hazards that can cause someone to slip and fall. These include the following:

  • Uneven flooring
  • Loose carpet
  • Wet floors
  • Debris or objects on the ground
  • Cords across a walkway
  • Holes or missing flooring

If you are preparing to file a slip and fall claim against an owner or manager, you will need to able to prove that:

  • They owed a duty of care to you
  • They were negligent in their duty of care
  • You suffered harm as a result of this negligence

The question of responsibility further complicates slip-and-fall accidents because the person or entity occupying a property is not always the owner. You must determine which person failed in their duty of care and caused your accident.

This can be a difficult task with help from experienced legal counsel. Michael D. Payne has extensive experience with personal injury cases, including premises liability. The Law Offices of Michael D. Payne can be the resource you need for your physical and financial recovery after a slip and fall accident.

Slip and Falls in Parking Lots

Parks, office buildings, and stores provide numerous opportunities for potentially unsafe conditions, but parking lots are among the most hazardous locations. Icy patches, spilled oil, loose items, and poorly maintained structures can all create dangers in a parking lot. Did someone’s negligence lead to your injury-causing accident? If so, California’s premises liability law says you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party.

Parking lots are unpredictable spaces – moving vehicles, parked cars, pedestrians, cramped spaces, and objects like shopping carts, signs, and barriers all pose a hazard. Property owners must take precautions to make these areas as safe as reasonably possible and to warn visitors of potential dangers.

When slip and fall accidents do occur in parking lots, they can cause many severe injuries, including:

  • Broken bones
  • Strained muscles
  • Head injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Lacerations and bruises
  • Internal damage

Recovering from physical injuries is not easy, especially if your accident caused you to miss work and lose income. That is why recovering compensatory damages is important in your slip and fall case. Compensatory damages include both economic and non-economic damages that cover medical bills, lost wages, future medical needs, and, in some cases, pain and suffering.

Do you have questions about what kinds of damages you may be able to recover in your personal injury case? Michael D. Payne takes a personalized approach to each premises liability case he works on, and his knowledge and experience mean he can address any concern or question you may have about your case.

Scheduling a free consultation with the Law Offices of Michael D. Payne is the best way to find out what your options are in your slip-and-fall case. You owe us nothing unless we win your case, so there is no reason to delay any longer. Call us today at 888-964-1530 or visit http://mikepaynelaw.com/ to schedule your free consultation.