A parking lot slip-and-fall may be the result of uneven surfaces, bad lighting, or improper maintenance. The lack of upkeep to the parking lot can lead to an injury that may require months of medical treatments and recovery. Such an injury might leave the victim with substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and a reduced quality of life.
In California, a slip-and-fall accident can give rise to a premises liability claim. These types of claims underscore the idea that all property owners should exercise reasonable care to keep their property safe. If you slip in a parking lot and it results in damages or injury, you may be entitled to compensation. To preserve your rights and protect your best interests, you should hire an experienced California slip-and-fall lawyer to help construct your case and fight for your right to compensation.
What to Prove in a Premises Liability Claim in California
A California business property owner is negligent when they fail to use reasonable care to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. In response to your premises liability claim, the business property owner must show they have taken steps to find dangerous conditions and repair them in a reasonable amount of time. They should also provide fair warning about any hazardous conditions left unattended on their property. A premises liability claim requires you to prove the following:
- The business controls the premises through ownership, leasing, occupation, or some other method of ownership.
- The business failed to use reasonable care in maintaining the premises.
- The victim suffered injuries as a result of the property owner’s negligence.
To prove the property owner was negligent, the owner must have actually or constructively known about the danger. A property owner who took reasonable steps to find and fix dangers, but did not actually find any, may not be held liable. Parking lot conditions that could prove the property owner did not exercise reasonable care include:
- Potholes
- Broken or uneven surfaces
- Debris that the owner knew about but failed to repair or close off
- Inadequate lighting or broken light fixtures
- Accumulation of oil or other liquids that create slippery and unsafe conditions
- Poor layouts
- Blind spots
- Steep slopes
- Broken stairways
Property owners may try to find a way to blame the accident on the victim. Under California comparative negligence laws, the victim can be held partly at fault, thereby reducing the available compensation by their percentage of fault. To ensure that you receive your full and just amount of compensation, hire a slip-and-fall attorney. A business that fails to keep its parking lots safe should face the consequences of its negligence.
Contact Setareh Law’s Premises Liability Lawyers after a Slip-And-Fall Accident
An extensive investigation may be needed to prove that a business failed to maintain its parking lot in a reasonably safe condition. At Setareh Law, we have the skills and resources needed to conduct a thorough investigation. Our legal team knows how to collect vital evidence, such as parking lot video footage, witness statements, statements from medical professionals, and accident reports.
The attorneys at Setareh Law have over fourteen years of experience handling various personal injury claims, including slip-and-fall accidents. We understand the complications of pursuing a legal claim, and we take pride in helping our clients during difficult situations. To schedule a free case evaluation, you can fill out this online form or call (310) 659-1826.