One of the most common causes of serious injuries is dangerous property conditions. As you may know, property owners have a duty to ensure their premises are safe for all who lawfully use them. Unfortunately, they don’t always live up to this duty, and people are severely injured as a result. If you or someone you know has been injured due to unsafe premises conditions, please don’t hesitate to contact a skilled Contra Costa County slip and fall lawyer from O’Connor Law APC for a free initial consultation today.
Common Types of Slip & Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can occur virtually anywhere, but certain locations and scenarios are more prone to hazardous conditions. Some of the most common types of slip and fall accidents include:
- Sidewalk Accidents: Cracked, uneven, or poorly maintained sidewalks pose a serious tripping hazard to pedestrians. Property owners and municipalities may be held responsible if they knew—or should have known—about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it.
- Supermarket & Retail Store Accidents: Spilled liquids, fallen merchandise, and slick floors are common in grocery stores and retail settings. Store owners and staff are expected to regularly inspect the premises and address hazards promptly.
- Stairwell Falls: Broken handrails, loose carpeting, or poorly lit stairwells often lead to dangerous falls. Property owners must ensure that staircases are safe and up to code.
- Parking Lot or Garage Falls: Potholes, poor lighting, and icy or wet surfaces in parking areas can all contribute to slip and fall incidents, especially at night or in inclement weather.
- Falls on Residential Properties: Landlords and homeowners can be held liable when tenants or guests are injured due to unsafe conditions on their property, such as broken steps, loose tiles, or cluttered walkways.
Common Property-Related Injuries
Injuries sustained from unsafe property conditions can be severe and life-altering. Some of the most common injuries associated with slip and fall or premises liability incidents include:
- Broken Bones: Fractures, particularly in the hips, wrists, or ankles, are common—especially among older adults.
- Head Injuries: Falls can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions or more serious brain damage, which may require long-term care.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the back or neck can lead to partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, or limited mobility.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Torn ligaments, muscle sprains, and deep bruises may not be immediately visible but can cause long-term discomfort and complications.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, sharp edges, or debris on the property can lead to deep wounds that may require stitches or lead to infection.
What Constitutes a Valid Premises Liability Claim?
Under California law, a valid premises liability claim must establish that the property owner was negligent in maintaining their premises. To prove a successful claim, the following elements generally must be shown:
- The Defendant Owned, Leased, Occupied, or Controlled the Property: Liability can extend not only to owners, but also to tenants, managers, and others who control the premises.
- The Defendant Was Negligent in the Use or Maintenance of the Property: This means they failed to repair, warn about, or correct a dangerous condition that they knew or reasonably should have known about.
- The Plaintiff Was Harmed: The injured party must have suffered actual damages—such as physical injury, emotional distress, or financial loss.
- The Defendant’s Negligence Was a Substantial Factor in Causing the Harm: There must be a clear connection between the unsafe condition and the injuries sustained.
Every case is different, and liability can depend on the specific facts and circumstances. A skilled personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and help you determine whether you have a valid claim.
Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Claims in California
In California, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a premises liability lawsuit. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. If you fail to file your claim within this period, you may lose your right to pursue compensation altogether. Importantly, however, there are some exceptions that may apply:
- Claims Against a Government Entity: If your injury occurred on public property (such as a city sidewalk or government building), you must file a special claim with the appropriate agency within six months of the incident.
- Delayed Discovery: In rare cases, if the injury wasn’t discovered right away, the statute of limitations may be extended based on the date of discovery.
Because these deadlines can significantly impact your rights, it’s critical to consult with a knowledgeable slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible after your injury.
Contact an East Bay Slip & Fall Lawyer Today
Here at O’Connor Law APC, we have extensive experience representing individuals through the premises liability claims process, and we stand ready to put that experience to work for you. Whether you were injured in a store, on the sidewalk, or otherwise as a result of a property owner’s negligence, you can depend on a skilled slip and fall lawyer from O’Connor Law APC to fight for the compensation you need to heal. Contact us today for a free consultation.
