A slip and fall accident in a stairwell can happen when a property owner or the current occupier fails to maintain the stairs in a safe condition. If you happen to take a tumble down a flight of stairs, you might be wondering who is liable for your injuries. In Los Angeles, some general guidelines can help you determine who is responsible.
First, it’s important to understand that the property owners are obligated to keep their premises safe. This means that they must make regular inspections of the property and make any repairs when required. Failure to do so and someone ends up with injuries as a result, they will be held accountable. Additionally, if a property owner knows about a potential hazard and does nothing to correct it, they could also be held responsible for any resulting injuries.
The experienced slip and fall attorney at Salamati Law in California has provided important information regarding liability in a stairwell slip and fall accident in more detail, including who is liable and what you can do if you’ve been injured.
What Causes Stairwell Slip and Fall Accidents?
Several different factors can contribute to a stairwell slip and fall accident. Some of the most common include poorly lit stairwells, loose or missing handrails, broken or uneven steps, cluttered stairways, and slippery surfaces.
Determining Liability for a Stairwell Slip and Fall
In Los Angeles, the property owner or occupier will typically be held liable for stairwell slip and fall accidents. This is because they’re required by law to keep the premises safe. As such, if they fail to inspect the property and identify potential hazards, they could be held accountable for injuries that occur.
Additionally, if a property owner knows about a potential hazard and does nothing to correct it, they could also be held liable. For example, if they know there is a loose handrail but do not fix it, and someone falls and is injured as a result, they could be held responsible.
What Should You Do?
If you’ve been a victim, there are a few things you can do to ensure justice. First, it’s important to immediately seek medical assistance. This will not only ensure you get the required medical attention but will also create a paper trail of your injuries that can, later on, be used as evidence.
Next, ensure you take photos of the accident scene and also collect the contact information of available witnesses, which will be helpful if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
Finally, you should reach out to a personal injury attorney, so they can review your case and determine liability. If they believe you have a strong case, they will fight for you and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
In Los Angeles, the property owner or occupier will typically be held liable for stairwell slip and fall accidents. This is because they’re obligated to keep the premises safe. As such, if they fail to inspect the property and identify potential hazards, they should be held responsible for any injuries that resulted from their negligence. Additionally, if a property owner knows about a potential hazard and does nothing to correct it, they also will be held liable.
