San Bernardino Premises Liability Lawyer

The Facts About Premises Liability

If you’re a San Bernardino resident who has lost a loved due to the negligence of another, California law can help you seek justice

Dangerous or poorly maintained properties are one of the most common reasons why people in San Bernardino suffer unnecessary injuries from tripping, falling, slipping or being struck by an object. Tripping and falling over a jagged or uneven path, slipping on a wet floor, or having your head struck by dangerous debris on a job site are just a few of the many ways that people get hurt from unsafe properties.

The numbers tell the story: according to the Centers for Disease Control, falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits each year with more than eight million people seeking treatment. Falls are also one of the most common causes of workplace deaths and disabilities.

Whether you trip, fall, or are struck by an object, serious risks abound including broken bones and traumatic injury to the spine and/or brain.

If you’re a person living in San Bernardino who suffered an injury at a work site, or in any other building or property that was poorly or negligently maintained, you may be able to seek compensation for your losses under California’s premises liability laws.

How Premises Liability Cases Work in San Bernardino, California

If someone enters a property and becomes injured, compensation may be in order under California law if the following legal pre-conditions are present:

• The property owner was aware — or should have been aware via the exercise of reasonable care — that the property presented hazardous conditions to visitors.
• The property owner failed to repair the hazard, or warn the victim about the hazard, or take some protective measures to prevent the hazard from injuring the victim.
• The victim has demonstrable harm from the hazard such as a physical injury.
• Negligence is a substantial factor in the incident

If these elements are in place, then you may have the legal ground to move forward.

How to React to a Premises Liability Injury

If you’ve been injured due to negligent property management or maintenance, there are a few key steps you should take immediately after the injury. First, seek any medical attention you require. Injuries such as falls often do not have immediately obvious injuries. In many cases, pain may manifest hours or days afterward. This means it is important to get a thorough examination including X-rays or other radiological imaging scans.

After medical treatment, speak to any witnesses to the incident. Third-party testimony is valuable because it is viewed as neutral.

Document the scene of the accident, including any cracks, slick spots, loose debris or other hazards. Photograph or video them. If you find other evidence that normal safety protocols were not followed, record this evidence as needed. Also, don’t forget to take photographs or video of any visible physical injuries.

Medical bills, lost wages, transportation costs and any other expenses related to your injury should be documented. Rigorous documentation of the environment and your injury can help lay the groundwork for a successful settlement or legal action.

Finding the Right Premises Liability Attorney to help you in San Bernardino

Establishing negligence in a premises liability case can be complex, so it’s essential that you work with an experienced attorney. The attorney can also help ensure that an insurer does not pressure you to accept an unfair settlement offer.

By working with an experienced law firm in premises liability litigation like MANSELL MANSELL AYALA + VILLANEDA, then you can help ensure that you are fairly treated under the law in San Bernardino — and that you are also fairly compensated for what you have suffered.