Many people consider a slip or fall little more than an unfortunate accident. However, in many cases, a slip or fall can result in very serious injury, and possibly, disability. Most slips and falls could have actually been prevented had responsible steps been taken to ensure that a property was safe and free of potential hazards. Even a torn carpet, which may not seem like much of an obstacle, can pose a significant hazard, greatly increasing the chances that a slip or fall will occur. For our Sacramento clients involved in a slip and fall accident with torn carpets, a premises liability case can be started in order to hold the property owner responsible for the damages that have resulted from this type of accident.
What Is a Premises Liability Case?
A premises liability case allows the plaintiff to seek compensation for damages suffered as the result of an injury or accident that has taken place on a commercial, municipal, or private property. In these cases, the defendant is the owner of the property. These cases are meant to protect victims’ rights when an injury or accident has occurred because the property owner has failed to create a safe environment. A torn carpet is one such hazard that poses a threat to the safety of others and, therefore, is a good cause for a premises liability case.
Establishing Liability
Each premises liability case is unique based on the specifics of the situation. While this is considered a complex legal field, our attorneys have experience and knowledge that allows us to create strong cases that result in the best possible outcome for our clients. While it is easiest to determine liability in cases in which the plaintiff was a welcome or invited guest on the property, there are even cases in which an uninvited guest can seek compensation for damages suffered. In order to establish liability, we must determine that the property was generally unsafe or had hazardous obstacles (such as a torn carpet) that were not adequately identified.
Compensation
Compensation will be unique for each case and will be determined based on damages suffered as a result of the accident, as well as the specifics of the slip or fall. In many cases, the financial compensation in a premises liability case are upwards of $500,000. This amount is likely to include wages lost by the plaintiff (as well as the potential loss of future wages, the cost of medical expenses for the lifetime of the injury, and pain and suffering. In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be rewarded as a means of punishing the defendant.
Contact our Firm
A premises liability case is one in which the statute of limitations does apply. For this reason, it is imperative to act quickly if you have been injured in a slip or fall as the result of an unsafe property. Contact our firm as soon as possible to discuss your case and learn your legal rights in seeking financial compensation. We look forward to hearing from you.