SLIP & FALL
Landlord Liability for Slip and Falls
Slip and falls commonly occur in apartment complexes, condominiums, and other residential properties. These slip and falls are often caused by slippery surfaces, uneven stairways, inadequate lighting, defective railings, and other dangerous conditions in the common areas of the property. These falls may result in substantial injuries, medical expenses, and loss of income. The experienced attorneys at the Slatter Law Firm will aggressively fight to recover the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Slip and falls in these properties are governed by the laws of negligence. Landlords owe a duty of care to any individual on their premises, including tenants and invitees. This duty requires landlords to routinely inspect their premises for any unsafe conditions. As such, landlords must properly maintain stairways, handrails, walkways, handrails, and other conditions in the common areas of the property. Landlords must repair or warn of any dangerous conditions within a reasonable amount of time. Additionally, landlords may be held liable for violations of building codes that cause your fall and injuries.
In order to establish that the landlord was negligent, your slip and fall attorney must show the following:
- The property was in an unsafe condition;
- The landlord knew or should have known about the conditions that caused your injury
- The landlord failed to repair or warn of the dangerous condition within a reasonable time; and
- The landlord’s failure to repair or warn of the dangerous condition was the legal cause of your injury.
If you were injured as a result of a slip and fall in your apartment or unit, the landlord is only liable for your injuries if the landlord had actual knowledge of the dangerous condition and failed to repair it.
However, the insurance company’s lawyers may argue that your own negligence caused or contributed to your fall and injuries, and therefore, you should be partially or fully liable for your injuries and damages. This is why it is important to hire an experienced slip and fall attorney, who will conduct a thorough investigation, including but not limited to site inspections with an expert; obtaining maintenance records, surveillance videos, prior complaints regarding the dangerous condition; and talking to other tenants regarding the condition.
Slips and falls often result in significant physical injuries that require lengthy medical treatment. Victims of slip and falls are entitled to compensation for their injuries. If you are injured in a slip and fall, you may recover compensation for the following:
- Medical bills;
- Future medical treatment
- Loss of income;
- Loss of earning potential;
- Scars or disfigurement; and
- Pain and suffering.
Statute of Limitations
Generally, lawsuits must be filed in Court within the applicable statute of limitations. Slip and fall cases must be filed within two years from the date of injury. If the plaintiff fails to file his or her lawsuit within such period of time, his or her case will be dismissed by the Court. As such, you should immediately contact a slip and fall attorney after your injury occurs.
Contact Us Today
Contact a Los Angeles personal injury attorney today if you or a loved one was involved in an accident involving a dangerous road condition. Slatter Law Firm has been helping individuals injured due to car accidents and slip and falls throughout Los Angeles and Southern California for over four decades. To schedule a free consultation, call our office at (310) 405-0964 or contact us online.
