Slipping and Falling in Los Angeles, Can you Sue?
If you slip and fall on a business owner’s property, they may be liable for damages. Below you’ll learn three of the factors that influence whether or not you can sue a business for a slip and fall in Los Angeles.
You Sustained Injuries
Theoretically, you can file a slip and fall suit if you were bruised on someone else’s property. Practically, though, your injuries need to be severe enough to cause damages. This is because you’re more likely to get compensatory damages (e.g. payment for medical bills, lost wages, and so on) than you are punitive damages in a slip and fall case in Los Angeles.
That said, even if it looks like you just got a bruise, you should take a picture of your injury to document the incident. This way, if a more serious issue arises as a result of the slip and fall, you’ll be able to file a lawsuit.
There Was No Sign Indicating the Potential for Danger
If the property owner didn’t accurately label a danger on their property, there’s a good chance they’re liable for damages caused by that danger. For slip and fall cases, this often means a “Caution: Wet Floor” sign can reduce a business owner’s liability.
The situation is more ambiguous if a “No Trespassing” sign was posted. In many cases, the presence of this sign indicates that the injured party was a trespasser. Even then, there’s a chance that the business may be liable if they didn’t suitably give a specific warning about a dangerous situation, or if they didn’t do enough to protect children from the potential danger.
When Can I File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in Los Angeles?
The statute of limitations for neglect is two years in California. Slip and fall lawsuits should be filed within this timeframe, but if your personal property was damaged as a result of the slip and fall, the statute of limitations is three years.
You want to speak with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident. This leaves you time for negotiations if the defendant offers you a settlement.
Need an LA Personal Injury Lawyer?
EFS Law Center has helped Californian plaintiffs get the compensation they deserve for years. If you or someone you love has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Los Angeles, call us now at 1-833-338-4878.
