Orange County Premises Liability Law Blog

We have likely all been in a situation where we get hurt after a minor slip or trip. Sometimes it is a result of a clumsy mistake but other times, it is the result of a hazardous condition on a person's property. When an accident is caused because of a person's failure to maintain safe premises, a party can and should be held accountable for their negligence. People all across California have a general idea of what a slip-and-fall accident involves, but it is good to tackle a few of the myths related to these types of common accidents. 

There are a number of misconceptions about these accidents which could have an effect on whether a person chooses to take legal action in the event of an injury. Among them is the notion that a slip or trip is just a result of a misstep or clumsiness. However, this is certainly not true. Property owners are responsible for keeping floors, stairways and other areas safe, clean and free from hazards. If they do not do this, they are putting people on site in danger. 

There are certain areas on a person's property that require an increased level of attention and maintenance. Accidents that happen on slippery surfaces on in stairwells, elevators and pools are unfortunately common. Depending on the level of disregard or negligence that contributes to an unsafe environment, a person could be seriously injured or killed on someone's property.

Property owners and landlords in California have a responsibility to make sure that the previously mentioned areas, as well as many others, are well-maintained and properly secured. If they fail in their duty to do this, they can be held legally and financially responsible for the damages that are caused in an accident.

When a hotel in California has an elevator inside, it is considered to be part of the property. Therefore, property owners must make sure that the elevator, like the rest of the hotel, is safe, clean and properly maintained. When it is not, unsuspecting people who are just trying to get from one floor to another can end up getting seriously injured in an elevator accident.

In general, people do not expect an elevator to be dangerous. People use them every day and we assume that a property owner has taken the proper precautions to make sure that it is running safely and smoothly. Unfortunately, not all property owners are vigilant with maintaining safe conditions on their premises. The devastation that can be caused by a broken or malfunctioning elevator can be horrifying. Elevators get stuck between floors or end up plummeting to the bottom floor, and passengers can be seriously injured or even killed in these situations.

Kids and playgrounds go together like peanut butter and jelly. A playground is a place to run wild, have fun and even take some risks in what should be a safe environment. While kids expect to have a good time at the playground, parents should be able to expect that a playground has been properly built and maintained so that their children can, in fact, have fun while playing.

In the state of California, playground inspections are required by law. It is the only state to mandate this type of testing and examination. In the event that there are any hazards or substandard equipment in place at a playground, a young child can end up seriously injured in an environment designed for safety and fun. The owner or operator of a playground that is not in compliance with safety standards can be held responsible if their negligence contributes to a serious accident.