Los Angeles Premises Liability Attorneys Handling Cases Involving Dangerous Conditions of Public and Private Property

What are considered dangerous conditions?

Our attorneys have successfully handled numerous dangerous condition cases over the years. We know that hazardous conditions can exist on public and private property, placing employees and visitors at risk of harm. Some of the more common premises liability claims we have seen involve:

• Elevator and escalator malfunctions. On public and private properties, elevators and escalators can be a cause of injuries when not maintained and inspected on a regular basis. Elevator doors may malfunction, trapping visitors inside or injuring them as they attempt to enter or exit. Escalators can also be extremely dangerous. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 10,000 escalator-related injuries present to emergency rooms nationwide each year. The steps of an escalator may malfunction, causing injury to the legs or feet of a rider. Mechanical defects can also cause escalators to jolt violently and unexpectedly. When individuals use elevators and escalators, they do so with the expectation that they are in proper working order. Yet disrepair and negligent maintenance can lead to broken bones, amputation, paralysis and even death.
• Fire hazards. When property owners choose to ignore fire hazards on their property, they are leaving the door open for deadly fires. Defective wiring and electrical equipment are major causes of property fires. Owners must ensure that their electrical systems are installed properly and maintained in an adequate manner. Heat producing appliances, like floor heaters, can also create fire hazards if not utilized in a secure manner. Property owners should also ensure that flammable liquids and garbage is disposed of correctly to avoid additional fire risks.
• Property defects. Public and private properties can have defects that place visitors at risk of harm. Defective building designs can lead to catastrophic injuries. For example, California has strict building codes in relation to the consistent threat of earthquakes. If a building designer fails to follow these codes and injuries result during an earthquake, the designer and owner may be held liable. Poor construction and low quality building materials can also cause resulting injuries.
• Inadequate maintenance. Buildings and properties require regular maintenance to address regular wear and tear. As owners become aware of potential hazards, they are responsible for repairing them before they cause injury to a visitor. For example, if the owner knows that a stairway banister is loose, but does nothing to repair it or warn visitors about it, he or she may be held liable if someone falls down the stairs while relying on the defective banister. However, owners do not only have a duty to repair, they may also have a duty to regularly inspect for possible risks. Adequately meeting this duty may require assistance from a professional who knows what to look for and how to identify dangers that may not be apparent to a lay person. If owners fail to take on this responsibility and an injury occurs, lack of knowledge may not be sufficient for a successful defense.