Establishing Liability for a Slip and Fall Injury at an Apartment Complex
Suffering a slip and fall accident in an apartment complex will likely result in serious injuries. To make matters worse, it can often be difficult to identify who is responsible for the accident. Fortunately, with in-depth investigation and case analysis, it may be possible to identify the liable party. The following information will highlight what a victim should consider when establishing liability for a slip and fall injury at an apartment complex.
Damages Associated With a Slip and Fall Accident
Injuries resulting from a slip and fall accident can be extensive. Depending on how the accident occurred, some of the most frequent injuries documented involve:
- Serious head or brain injuries,
- Broken bones or fractured bones,
- Sprains, or
- Cuts and abrasions
The cost of medical attention following a slip and fall can be expensive and depending on the severity of the injury, medical treatment may be required for an extensive period of time. Seeking damages in the aftermath of a slip and fall in an apartment complex can help alleviate the burden of high medical expenses. Additionally, a majority of victims will undergo injuries that will prevent them from returning to work, which can severely affect their personal finances. Filing a claim against the negligent party can ensure that a person recovers the compensation they are owed following the accident.
Identifying Potential Liable Parties
Contingent on the nature of the injury as well as the circumstances surrounding the specific case, it may be possible to file a premises liability claim against any of the following parties:
- The property owners
- The landlord
- The building manager
- Those responsible for cleaning or maintaining the property
- Other tenants
- Other parties
Under California law, property owners and managers have a duty to maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition as well as eliminate potential dangers upon notice. When a property owner has failed to maintain a safe premises by means of repairs or notice, the responsible party can be held accountable for the resulting injuries and losses. Additionally, the responsible party can be held accountable for the building code violations that led to the accident.
Filing a Claim Following a Slip and Fall Accident at an Apartment Complex
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident and can demonstrate that the property owner, or other liable party, knew or should have known about the dangerous condition that caused the accident, you may be able to obtain financial compensation for your injuries. Following an accident, it is important to make a claim as soon as possible as the State of California has strict deadlines to file premises liability claims. Filing a claim can be a difficult undertaking, as it involves complex laws; consider consulting a knowledgeable law firm for more information.
Attorney Albert E. Hirst has many years of experience helping victims of slip and fall injuries file premises liability claims. Slip and fall accidents can quickly result in expensive medical treatments; consult the support of a qualified attorney for more information on how a liable party can cover these expenses.