Contra Costa County Slip & Fall Accidents

Should You Seek Compensation?

Slip, trip, and fall accidents occur when someone loses their balance due to a slippery, uneven, or otherwise unsafe surface, leading to a fall. Though often minimized, slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries, including fractures, head injuries, and long-term disabilities. In severe cases, a slip, trip, or fall accident can impact an individual's ability to work and carry out daily activities.

At Law Office of Daniel Horowitz, we have worked with many victims of unsafe conditions. Our Contra Costa County slip and fall attorneys are ready to put their years of experience to work for you. From helping you understand your legal options to negotiating with insurance companies to advocating for you in court, we leave nothing to chance.

To discuss your case with one of our qualified legal professionals, schedule a free consultation online or call (925) 291-5388.

Establishing Liability in Slip and Fall Accidents

To establish liability in a slip and fall accident, you must demonstrate that the property owner or manager's negligence directly resulted in or contributed to your injuries.

Under California's pure comparative negligence system, victims can recover compensation proportionate to the defendant's share of fault in causing the accident. This means even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you could still pursue compensatory damages, albeit reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

Standards for establishing liability in a slip-and-fall accident include the following:

• The property owner had a duty of care.
• There was a breach in fulfilling this duty of care through action or inaction.
• The breach directly led to an accident occurring on the property.
• The accident resulted in actual injuries to the person involved.

Proof of negligence can vary, but it may involve showing that the property owner was aware of dangerous conditions and did not act to remedy them, such as not fixing a known issue with the sidewalk or not properly signaling a temporary hazard in a parking lot. In Contra Costa County, as in the rest of California, a successful claim hinges on presenting clear evidence linking the property owner's negligence to the injury sustained.

Common Slip & Fall Culprits: Poorly Maintained Sidewalks & Parking Lots

Sidewalk and parking lot accidents fall under the broader category of slip, trip, and fall accidents but are complicated by potentially complex liability scenarios. Whether due to uneven pavement, potholes, or inadequate maintenance, these accidents can lead to serious injuries. Property owners, including both private and public entities, are responsible for ensuring these areas are safely maintained to prevent slip and fall incidents.

Common locations for these accidents include:

• Public sidewalks near businesses
• Parking lots of shopping centers
• Driveways and entrances of public buildings
• Parking garages affiliated with office buildings or apartments
• Walkways through and around active construction sites

Individuals hurt in sidewalk or parking lot accidents in Contra Costa County may be eligible to seek compensation if negligence led to the unsafe conditions that caused their injuries. However, because a wide range of entities may be found liable, including private property owners, construction companies, municipalities, or even state governments, consulting with experienced legal counsel is encouraged.