Can a Building Code Violation Help My Slip And Fall Lawsuit?

Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone due to a variety of reasons and result in significant physical, emotional, and financial damages. While any unfortunate accident is bad enough on its own, it gets worse when you discover that the accident did not result from your negligence. Most of these accidents can be attributed to the negligence of the property owners or management staff who fail to recognize and eliminate any safety hazards at the property.

If your injury resulted from the negligence of the property owner, you can sue for the compensation of the damages incurred during and after the accident. Building code violations are responsible for causing a majority of slip and fall incidents throughout the world, including the United States. An experienced lawyer at Salamati Law in Los Angeles, CA can help prove a building code violation in a court of law, helping you obtain fair financial compensation for your losses.

Common Building Code Violations

Most municipalities have dedicated building code departments that are in charge of inspecting newly constructed buildings, including residential and rental properties, places of business, etc. If a building is found to violate these safety codes, a building code inspector issues a warning to repair or eliminate safety hazards from the building. Some of the most common building code violations that result in slip and fall accidents and injury include safety hazards like broken or uneven flooring, broken stairs, stairs with broken or missing handrails, poor lighting near curbs or stairs, broken escalators or elevators, improper handicap access points, fire code violations, missing warning signs near slippery surfaces, and more.

Proving Liability

To obtain financial compensation through a jury trial or settlement negotiations outside the court, you will need to prove that your slip and fall accident and subsequent injuries resulted from the negligence of the building owner or staff. Being familiar with the local building code is essential to prove your argument in court and win the lawsuit. All property owners must comply with their respective building codes to ensure that their premises are safe for guests, visitors, and tenants. It constitutes the duty of care that each property owner owes to everyone visiting the building. If a safety hazard exists on a property and directly violates the building code, the owner or staff should have had reasonable time to inspect and eliminate it or display adequate warning signs about the potential danger. Failure to do so breaches the duty of care owed to all guests and visitors at the property, and as a result, the property owner can be held liable for the damages that might result from such an accident.

Conclusion

Building code violations are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents and injury in the United States. If you suspect that your accident resulted from a similar type of violation, i.e., negligence of the property owner or staff, you can hold the negligent parties liable in a court of law. Consulting an experienced attorney is one of the best ways to secure your legal rights in such cases. Most law firms offer a free initial legal consultation that can help you formulate a winning legal strategy.