When going about daily life in Riverside, it’s not uncommon to visit many retailers, food establishments, offices, or even others’ homes. As potential patrons or invited guests it’s not too much to hope to experience hospitality in these spaces; an expectation most people forget, however, is the assumption of being kept safe while on the premises. Unfortunately, this is not often the case and an injury-causing mishap ensues because the property’s caretaker didn’t uphold their responsibility. If the party in charge of a property does not do their duty and fails to keep visitors or invited guests safe, they may be liable for injuries caused as a result of their negligence. If you or a loved one were injured on someone else’s property, contact an experienced Riverside Premises Liability Attorney today to see if you might be entitled to compensation.
Risk Factors for Premises Liability Injuries in Riverside
Riverside, a bustling city of over 326,000, is home to a large number of businesses employing many of the local residents. The University of California, Riverside Community Hospital, Wachter Inc., and Kaiser Permanente all bring in a large workforce both locally and from the surrounding areas. One of the more affordable places to live in Southern California, the residents who live in work in the area – as well as tourists to the area looking to take advantage of attractions such as the Mission Inn Museum and Fairmount Park – have created a large demand for restaurants, retailers, commercial centers, hospitals, residences, supermarkets, and offices to supply the comforts of life and economic opportunity needed for a happy, functioning community.
Unfortunately, the growing number of different establishments and residences springing up mean that the risk of injury when visiting someone else’s property is growing as well. A large population residing and traveling near construction sites and venturing into completed projects open to the public all carry the risk for accidents to occur and innocent victims injured – a risk that falls on the shoulders of those in control of the premises to warn about or remove.
Who Must Keep Visitors and Guests Safe?
Property owners, caretakers, and managers in Riverside have a legal duty to use reasonable care to keep their premises clear of unsafe or hazardous conditions that might injure visitors and guests. They must also exercise reasonable care to inspect their property for hazards and either adequately warn about these conditions or correct them. However, they don’t have to warn about any hazard that is so obvious a reasonable person would
- See it,
- Recognize it, and
- Take steps to avoid it.
Even if the party responsible for the property didn’t discover a hazard, if the condition existed for long enough they should have discovered it on reasonable inspect, they’re deemed to have constructive knowledge that it existed and may be liable if you’re hurt by that condition. If, for example, a pool of spilled soft drink remained on the floor of a restaurant for several hours before a patron slipped on it and fell, the owner would likely be deemed to have constructive knowledge. It’s unreasonable in that environment for the floors not to be checked within a several hour period.
What Would Be an Unsafe or Hazardous Condition on a Property?
California defines both unsafe and hazardous conditions broadly for purposes of premises liability. Many conditions fit the definition, but some are more common than others. However, just because a risk is not obvious does not mean it does not qualify as a hazardous condition. You could easily be injured in Riverside as an unsuspecting visitor by:
- Insufficient security at or around a swimming pool
- Slippery floors caused by wax or floor polish
- Falling objects
- Insufficient, malfunctioning, or nonexistent lighting
- Unsafe furniture at risk of falling over
- Loose or damaged flooring
- Faulty elevators and escalators
- Spilled liquid on the floor
- Improperly installed or frayed carpet and rugs
- Broken glass
- Debris or trash on the floors or steps
- Broken or missing handrails and steps
- Insufficient, malfunctioning, or nonexistent fire safety systems
- Failing to abate unsafe conditions or warn visitors about known hazardous conditions or conditions they should reasonably know of given proper inspection
Additionally, a property owner, manager, or caretaker’s legal duty includes providing adequate security on the property or warning visitors of known any known crime risk. For example, if the manager at a supermarket knows multiple muggings or assaults have recently occurred in their dark parking lot but don’t install light, repair existing lights, post warnings for shoppers, hire security, or take other reasonable measures to abate or warn about this hazard, they may be negligent and liable if someone is hurt during a subsequent mugging in the parking lot.
What Can I Recover If I Win My Case?
If you’re injured in an accident as a guest or visitor, it’s understandable to wonder what recovery you might receive – severe injuries, exorbitant medical bills, and inability to work resulting from a hazardous condition can all change your life and finances overnight. If you can establish negligence, you may be able to recover damages from the liable party to make you whole for your injuries such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost future earning capacity
- Permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Speak to an Attorney
If you were injured by hazardous conditions while visiting someone’s property in Riverside or the surrounding area, contact the knowledgeable Riverside premises liability attorneys at Walton Law, APC today. Our attorneys have years of experience delivering aggressive, personalized representation for victims just like you and delivering results; we’ve secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Contact us at (866)-338-7079 or use our online Contact Page to schedule a risk free, no obligation case review today. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you. The initial consultation is free, and you do not pay until we win your case. Let our attorneys evaluate the facts of your unique situation and fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf so you can focus on getting your life back on track.