Premises Liability

Roseville CA Slip and Fall Attorney

Michael Rehm – (916) 233-7346

 

Falls can be frustrating, but they can be even more so if the fall was the result of someone else’s negligence. Slip and falls are unfortunately very common and can result in serious injury or even death. If you are the victim of a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Contacting Roseville Slip and Fall Attorney Michael Rehm will help ensure that you obtain the compensation you deserve.

 

What is a Slip and Fall?

 

Not all instances of falling constitute a slip and fall accident. “Slip and Fall” is a legal term referring to when someone falls on someone else’s property as a result of dangerous conditions. Conditions that do not cause the fall but do contribute to the accident are also included. Common conditions for slip and falls include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Liquid or grease on floors
  • Ice or snow
  • Objects or debris on floors or hallways
  • Broken or missing railings
  • Uneven floors, pavement, or cobblestones
  • Missing warning signs for known hazards
  • Poor lighting

 

Who is Liable for a Slip and Fall?

 

Slip and fall cases fall under a category known as “premises liability.” In California, premises liability law states that the owner, possessor, or occupier of a property has a legal responsibility to protect others from dangerous conditions that may result in injury.

 

To determine whether a person can seek damages for a slip and fall accident, the person will need to establish the following:

  1. The defendant owned, leased, or controlled the property;
  2. The person was injured from slipping and falling on the property;
  3. The defendant was negligent; and
  4. The defendant’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing the accident/injuries.

 

Proving Negligence

 

In order to recover damages from a slip and fall, the victim must also be able to prove that the accident was the result of the property owner’s negligence. In California, the owner is deemed to be negligent in their use and maintenance of the property if:

  1. There was a condition on the property that posed an unreasonable risk of harm;
  2. The defendant either caused the dangerous condition, or knew that the condition existed and did nothing to fix it; and
  3. The defendant did not give adequate warning of the condition (e.g. not putting up a “wet floor” sign).

 

Possible Damages

 

A person who was injured in a slip and fall is entitled to compensation as a result of a property owner’s negligence. Compensatory damages can include the following:

 

  • Medical expenses for medical treatments and rehab
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Expenses related to property damage

 

A person can also seek punitive damages if they can prove the defendant’s actions amounted to oppression, fraud, or malice.

 

The statute of limitations for slip and fall lawsuits is two years, which begins on the date which the fall occurred. This time period is shortened to six months if the claim is against public or government-controlled areas such as schools, parks, and official buildings. If you fail to file a notice of claim or a lawsuit within this time, you will be unable to receive compensation.

 

Attorney Michael Rehm Can Help

 

Slip and fall cases can often be very complicated. They can involve extensive investigation to determine which entities are liable in the case, which can be very time consuming. The Law Office of Michael Rehm can help make this process as simple as possible for you. Attorney Michael Rehm has been handling slip and fall suits for over a decade. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury from a slip and fall in Placer County or in another location in California, don’t wait. Call today at (916) 233-7346 for a free consultation to discuss your accident and compensation options.