Parking Lot Slip and Falls can lead to severe injuries resulting from falling on the pavement. Common causes of these injuries include: 

• Ice, snow, or rain collecting in the parking lot 
• Water and other spills by others
• Debris and garbage in the parking lot 
• Inadequate lighting and signs warning of obstacles in the parking lot 
• Defects in the pavement such as potholes and cracks
• Drivers inability to see when backing in or out of parking spaces 

Determining liability for parking lot slip and fall injuries will depend on California’s premises liability laws and who was in control of the property at the time of the injury. 

Liability of Parking Lot Slip and Falls 

California’s civil code maintains that those in control of the property at the time of an accident can be held liable for the resulting injuries. A property owner or occupier will be found negligent for a parking lot slip and fall injury where they failed to maintain the safety of premises reasonably. Additionally, the owner or occupier can be liable for failure to remedy any dangerous conditions that could injure others by making repairs or providing adequate warnings. 

To find a premises owner or occupier liable for another person’s injuries, the plaintiff will have to prove: 

• The defendant was in control of the property;
• The defendant did not use reasonable care in maintaining and repairing dangerous conditions on the premises;
• The defendant’s negligence was the cause of some harm; and 
• The plaintiff suffered actual harm or injuries. 

While the owner or occupier of the property can be held liable for parking lot slip and fall injuries, there are others who a court might find was in control of the premises at the time of the accident, including: 

• The lease-holder of a property 
• The owner, manager, supervisor, or other employees of a business operating on the premises
• Government entities where the plaintiff was injured on public property
• Landlords of apartment complexes 

What Should I Do if I Was Injured After a Slip and Fall Accident?

If you were injured in a parking lot slip and fall accident, the following steps should be taken: 

1. Seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, accidents like these can cause injuries that become apparent later. Make sure to keep a record of all diagnoses and treatments. 
2. Submit a report. Most businesses will have official accident forms and processes to document injuries suffered while on the premises. 
3. Collect photos of the scene of the accident and gather information about witnesses, including names and addresses. This information could be substantial evidence necessary to prove the fault of the defendant. 
4. Don’t speak to insurance companies and call an attorney. Insurance companies are businesses that seek to pay less than you deserve when injured, and an experienced attorney understands how to handle these companies. 

Call the Law Office of Jahrmarkt and Associates, PLLC 

If you were injured in a parking lot slip and fall accident, call the personal injury attorneys at Jahrmarkt and Associates, PLLC. Our attorneys will help you understand who may be liable for your injuries and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (310) 226-7676 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation today.