Who is Liable for a Slip and Fall Injury in Carlsbad?

If you slip and fall in Carlsbad — whether you are at a local store or restaurant, in a public park, or at the home of a friend or family member — is someone likely to be liable for your injuries? In other words, are you able to file a claim against a liable party in order to seek financial compensation? Determining liability for a slip and fall may be complicated, and it is important to discuss the details of your case with an experienced Carlsbad premises liability lawyer who can assess your case for you. In the meantime, you can learn more about parties who may be liable for slips and falls, depending upon the circumstances, and what you will need to do in order to file a civil lawsuit in order to seek compensation.

Parties Who are Commonly At Fault for Slips, Trips, and Falls

Who is usually at fault for a slip and fall? It all depends on the circumstances of the accident. Generally speaking, a property owner, property manager, or any other party in control of the property can be liable for a slip and fall if they fail to maintain the property in a reasonably safe manner. Accordingly, any of the following parties may be at fault in a slip, trip, and fall case:

• Business owner, such as a restaurant or retail store owner;
• Homeowner;
• City or local government for injuries on local public property; or
• State government for injuries on state public property.

Common Causes of Slips and Falls in Carlsbad

What kinds of negligent property maintenance can lead to liability for the above parties? The following are some common causes of slips and falls:

• Wet floors due to liquid spills;
• Damaged flooring or carpeting;
• Inadequate lighting;
• Tripping hazards on the property;
• Poorly maintained footpaths; and
• Broken or improperly maintained handrails.

Understanding the Timeline for Filing a Slip and Fall Claim

If you slipped, tripped, and fell in Carlsbad, how much time do you have to file a claim? On private property — such as a private business or a private residence — you will generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim according to California law. However, it is critical to be aware of the shortened timeline for slips, trips, and falls that occur on public property. For example, maybe you slipped and fell on a hazard at Poinsettia Park, or perhaps you slipped and fell on a wet floor at Carlsbad City Hall. Under California law, if you get hurt on public property, you will have only six months or one year to file a claim with the relevant agency. To ensure that your claim is filed in a timely manner, you should get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible.

Contact a Carlsbad Slip and Fall Lawyer

Did you slip and fall as a result of a property owner or property manager’s negligence? You may be eligible to file a claim in order to seek compensation for your injuries. To learn more about your options, you should get in touch with an experienced Carlsbad slip and fall lawyer today. Contact the Walton Law Firm for more information about the services we provide to injury victims and their families in Southern California.

Sources: I Slipped and Fell in Poway: Now What? What Should I Do About a Slip and Fall in an Oceanside Supermarket?