Northern California Property Slip and Fall Accidents
Understanding Premises Liability Laws For Accidents on Property
Slip and fall accidents fall under an area of law known as premises liability law. Under premises liability law, if a property owner fails to properly maintain their premises and a person is harmed as a result of a dangerous condition on the premises, the property owner may be financially liable for the accident and resulting injuries. Common slip and fall accident scenarios, include:
- A person slipping on a wet or oily floor in a grocery store, mall, restaurant or office building
- A person stumbling over torn, scrunched carpeting in a hotel lobby or entryway
- A person being struck from a falling box on a shelf above
- A person slipping because of poorly maintained building elements such as stairways, handrails, ramps or balconies
- A person tripping because of potholes or uneven payment in a parking lot
- A person harmed by a hazardous condition in an elevator, escalator, unsecured construction site or swimming pool.
A northern California slip and fall accident lawyer at the law firm of Estey Bomberger can help you understand the legal process of a premises liability claim and what legal rights may entitle you to compensation from the negligent or reckless property owner or occupier.
Determining Visitor Status
In order to determine who is responsible for a fall-related injury, the status of the visitor (injured party) at the time of the accident must be established. The status of the injured party will determine whether or not a claim may be filed and compensation collected. Three different types of visitor status, include:
Invitee
An invitee can be any visitor that has been invited onto the premises in a commercial relationship. For example, patrons at a restaurant or customers at a retail store are considered an invitee.
Licensee
A licensee is an invited guest that is not on the premises to conduct business. A licensee can include social guests or any visitor whose presence is welcome and expected.
Trespasser
A trespasser enters the premises without the consent of the property owner. Many premises liability claims begin to unravel when the injured party is distinguished as a trespasser due to the fact that it is difficult to prove the landowner had prior knowledge of a visit.
Northern California Slip and Fall Accident Injuries
Due to the many extenuating circumstances of a slip and fall accident, injuries can vary considerably. More minor injuries may include cuts, scrapes, bruises, bone fracture injuries, knee injury, hip injury and joint injury. More severe fall-related injuries include head injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ injuries and limb loss injuries. Sadly, a large percentage of slip and fall accident injuries result in death.
Free Consultation with a Northern California Slip and Fall Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious slip and fall accident injury, do not worry about the cost of hiring a skilled lawyer. You deserve the best representation and at the law firm of Estey Bomberger, you will not be charged any fees unless we win compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We offer free consultations to review your case. To schedule a free consultation with a northern California slip and fall injury lawyer, call (800) 890-6722.