When someone slips and falls down a flight of unsafe stairs, the property manager can be held liable for the accident, according to premises liability law. The key to winning a claim is proving property negligence, meaning that the owner knew of the danger yet failed to either fix it or warn others. The severity of the injuries is also taken into account when evaluating these claims.
Unsafe stairs can include broken handrails, crumbling steps, and slippery conditions. When a handrail is broken or nonexistent, it makes it difficult for people to keep their balance and nearly impossible for them to catch themselves should they start to fall. All public and private buildings should be properly equipped to prevent accidents, as slip-and-fall injuries on stairs can be incredibly hazardous, leading to broken bones, spine injuries, paralysis, and even death.
Evaluating a Premises Liability Law Claim
When determining a settlement amount for premises liability claims in Santa Monica, California, an attorney will evaluate a series of factors like:
- The severity of the injuries
- The financial impact of the injuries
- Quality-of-life changes
- The evidence to prove negligence
Oftentimes, attorneys are able to settle cases of property negligence out of court, resulting in quicker compensation and lower fees for the victim. Receiving a fast settlement is especially important when the victim is out of work and experiencing financial hardship because of the accident. Howard C. Kornberg practices personal injury law in Los Angeles, California. He has extensive experience in premises liability law and a reputation for researching his client’s cases thoroughly to earn them the best settlements for their injuries.
Find out more about Premises Liability
Howard C. Kornberg is AV-rated* by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating given to attorneys for legal trial skills and ethical standards.
*AV®, BV®, AV Preeminent®, and BV Distinguished® are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards, and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings fall into two categories – legal ability and general practice standards.
