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Understanding California Personal Injury Law: Who is Liable if You Slip and Fall in a Restaurant’s Parking Lot?

California law is clear that in certain circumstances, the owner of a property can be held liable for a slip and fall accident. However, this is only relevant in very specific cases. Keep reading to learn what your options might be if you have suffered an injury in a restaurant parking lot, then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to request a free legal consultation.

Situations in Which California Property Owners Can Be At-Fault for Slip and Fall Accidents

California law clearly outlines situations in which a property owner can be found liable for a slip and fall accident. This includes situations in which:

  • They knew (or should have known) that there was a hazardous condition on their property and did not repair it within a reasonable amount of time.
  • They did not protect guests from hazardous situations.
  • There was a lack of warnings in the parking lot related to the hazard in question.

If one or more of these factors are true, then you might have a case. The best way to know for sure is to contact a California personal injury attorney at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

To better understand how these cases work, it is important to understand why they occur. Some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents involve broken furniture, railings that are broken or entirely missing, not putting up warning signs about hazards, failure to properly rope off construction areas, plumbing and/or roof leaks, loose carpet, uneven floors, spills, and cables or cords that were not covered.

Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

Most injuries caused by slip and fall accidents are relatively minor, but catastrophic injuries can occur too. The most common types of injuries are broken bones, including hips, wrists, and ankles. In fact, according to the CDC, 95% of broken hips occur due to falls.

Other common issues including soft tissue damage, such as torn ligaments and tendons, brain injuries, cuts and lacerations, spinal cord damage, injuries to the shoulder or neck, and knee injuries. Any of these injuries can be minor or serious, but even a seemingly minor injury can lead to long-term damage that means it is, in fact, a serious injury.

How to Determine if You Have a Personal Injury Case After Falling in a Parking Lot

If you have fallen in the parking lot of a restaurant, after you get medical care you should contact a personal injury attorney. You can reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation at your convenience.