Did you get hurt in a slip-and-fall accident at a retail store? If so, you’re probably asking yourself several questions. When is a store liable for a customer injury? Should you sue the store or owner in a slip-and-fall case? These are great questions, but the answers aren’t always straightforward. Fortunately, an experienced lawyer from Demas Law Group can help.
Keep reading to learn about store liability in California, or reach out today for a personalized case review with a Sacramento slip-and-fall lawyer. The first consultation is free. Call or contact us now.
Are Stores Responsible for Keeping Their Premises Safe?
Yes. Premises liability laws in California require stores and other businesses to take reasonable steps to protect customers from harm on their property. Stores must address hazards quickly and warn patrons of potential dangers that are not fixed yet. When a company fails in these obligations and someone gets hurt on the premises, they could be held financially responsible for any injuries through a personal injury lawsuit.
Who is Liable if I Slip and Fall in a Grocery Store?
Figuring out who is responsible for your slip-and-fall injuries depends on how the accident happened and who owns or maintains the grocery store property. Sometimes the party who owns the grocery store also owns the physical property, making them the only one to sue. But usually, the grocery store owner leases the property from an outside party.
If your slip and fall occurred because of a structural defect or something outside the confines of the store, the property owner might be liable for your injuries. Common examples of property owner negligence include broken sidewalks, entryways not being cleared of puddles or ice, and poorly maintained parking lots.
On the other hand, your accident may result from negligent actions by a grocery store employee or manager. In those cases, you would file a claim against the store owner. Common examples of store owner negligence include uncleaned spills, obstacles cluttering the floor, and stray cords creating tripping hazards.
Successful grocery store slip-and-fall settlements can include money for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Who Should I Sue: The Store or the Owner?
Identifying who you can sue means pinpointing whose negligence led to your injuries. A skilled slip-and-fall accident lawyer will investigate your claim to determine whose actions (or failure to act) caused you to fall. It’s possible for both the store and owner to share responsibility for the accident. If there is more than one liable party, your attorney can file multiple claims to pursue full compensation for your losses.
How Can My Lawyer Help Me Decide Who to Sue?
A slip-and-fall accident attorney will look at many types of evidence to determine liability. Examples include:
- Surveillance footage from the store
- Photos from the accident scene
- Incident reports, medical records, and other documents
- Eyewitness accounts
- Expert testimony
- Property records
Get Help From a Proven Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyer Now
Not sure what to do after falling at a store in Sacramento? Let the slip-and-fall injury lawyers at Demas Law Group review your case. With over 25 years of experience representing injured Californians, our legal team can provide strategic advice on building a solid legal claim for maximum compensation. Call or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.
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