Torrance, CA Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

Every day, slip and fall accidents happen in many places throughout California. Although a “slip and fall” likely seems like a minor injury at first, the reality is that any slip and fall accident has the potential to cause severe injuries, including brain trauma and organ damage. The location and circumstances of a slip and fall incident are the two most important factors when it comes to determining whether you have grounds to file legal action in pursuit of compensation for your damages. However, if you are unsure of what to do next after a slip and fall, it’s essential to contact a reliable Torrance, CA slip and fall accident lawyer to help you navigate your case.

At McLachlan Law, APC, we have solid experience handling premises liability cases for slip and fall injuries. These personal injury claims, while similar to most other personal injury claims in terms of the legal proceedings involved, will also draw on premises liability laws that dictate the responsibilities of property owners to their lawful guests and visitors.

Find Legal Representation for Your Slip and Fall in Torrance, CA

Attorney Mike McLachlan and his legal team at McLachlan Law, APC understand that slip and fall accidents can cause severe injuries, extensive recovery time, and pain and suffering. We believe in ensuring our clients obtain maximum compensation for claimable damages in every case we represent. With more than 25 years of legal experience, Attorney McLachlan is capable of handling the most challenging personal injury cases, including premises liability claims for slip and fall accidents.

When you choose McLachlan Law, APC as your Torrance slip and fall accident attorneys, you can rest assured that we will do everything we can to thoroughly investigate your claim. We offer detail-oriented, compassionate legal counsel through all phases of your legal matter. Our goal is to maximize your recovery and allow you to recover with peace of mind as we handle your legal affairs.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability laws pertain to a property owner’s responsibilities in maintaining their property. Both residential and commercial property owners must ensure that no safety hazards on their properties could potentially cause injuries to lawful visitors. Some of the most common examples of premises liability hazards that can lead to slip and fall accidents include:

• Failure to clear snow and ice. After winter storms, property owners must clear snow and ice from walkways and entryways to ensure lawful guests and visitors do not sustain injuries.
• Broken stairs. Staircases, both interior and exterior, require regular inspections and maintenance to prevent falling injuries. If a stair breaks or stairwell collapses while in use, the victim could suffer severe injuries.
• Hard-to-see pits, ditches, and uneven terrain. Exterior areas can present a slip and fall hazard if it is difficult to see the ground due to poor landscaping.
• Wet floors. Commercial property owners must mark recently mopped floors to prevent customers and other visitors from slipping.

These are only a few common examples of slip and fall accidents that might occur due to negligent property management.

One important detail everyone should remember about premises liability claims is that property owners only owe a duty of care to lawful visitors, including those they invite onto their property for personal reasons as well as those with implied or express permission to enter the property for their own purposes. A trespasser who is unlawfully present on a property and suffers a slip and fall cannot take legal action against the property owner since they did not have permission to be present on the property.

Damages in a Slip and Fall Accident Case

Slip and fall accident claims fall within the purview of personal injury law. When you or a loved one sustains injuries due to a property owner’s failure to take appropriate care of their property, you can expect many of the same types of compensation you could obtain from any other type of personal injury claim.

An injured plaintiff can secure compensation for their medical expenses after a slip and fall injury. This applies to both immediate expenses for hospital bills as well as anticipated future expenses for necessary rehabilitative treatments. Some slip and fall injuries can cause long-term or even permanent damage. For example, someone may slip and fall onto a hard surface, failing to catch themselves in time to avoid hitting their head. A traumatic brain injury like this could potentially cause life-threatening medical problems and lasting damage.

Personal injuries can also lead to lost income if the victim must stay home from work for an extended period and recover. They may also be unable to return to work due to a disability developed from their accident. This would allow them to claim compensation for their lost future earning potential.

How to Succeed With a Slip and Fall Injury Claim

Any slip and fall injury claim is a personal injury claim. Therefore the plaintiff must prove the defendant was negligent in the care of their property in some way that directly resulted in the plaintiff’s claimed damages. This means the plaintiff and their Torrance premises liability accident attorney must establish that the defendant failed to act with reasonable care in the maintenance of their property or failed to adequately notify the plaintiff of a known safety issue. The issue of “foreseeability” often comes up in premises liability claim proceedings. This legal term refers to how obvious the danger a certain element presents and whether a reasonable property owner could have foreseen it, causing harm to a visitor.

It is also essential to prove the full extent of your damages and demonstrate that your damages would not have occurred but for the defendant’s negligence. This means you can only sue for the direct results of the defendant’s negligence.

Find Legal Counsel Now

There is no reason to wait any longer if you have suffered any type of slip and fall injury and need to take legal action. Medical expenses and lost income can quickly cause serious financial problems for anyone. If you are ready to take legal action for a recent slip and fall injury, contact our office. It’s essential to find a slip and fall accident attorney with the skill and experience to handle your claim successfully. At McLachlan Law, APC, our team has skillfully represented many past clients in challenging premises liability accident cases. We will put this experience to work in your case. Contact us today to schedule a case review with an experienced and compassionate Torrance, CA slip and fall accident lawyer.