Trips, slips and falls are some of the leading causes of personal injuries in the U.S. Depending on severity, slips and falls can lead to life-altering injuries like brain and spinal cord injuries. If you trip, slip and fall, while on someone else’s property, you may be eligible for financial restitution for the resulting injuries through a premises liability claim.
However, premise liability claims can be complicated by a number of different factors. Here are two common reasons why some premises liability claims fall through the cracks:
1. You were trespassing
If you enter someone’s property without their knowledge or consent, you would be deemed to have trespassed. Consequently, the property owner may not be necessarily liable for your injuries. This is because they did not expect you on the property and, thus, did not have the responsibility to keep the property safe.
However, a property owner may not intentionally place booby traps on the property.
2. You let the statute of limitations run out
A slip-and-fall accident can leave you with devastating injuries. However, you cannot pursue the liable party at your convenience. Rather, you must act within the California statute of limitations period. And this means filing your claim within two years from the date of the injury. Rarely is the statute of limitations tolled, so do not let it run out.
Safeguarding your rights
A slip-and-fall accident can turn your life upside down and leave you with serious injuries. Learning more about California premises liability and personal injury laws can help you avoid pitfalls that might lead to your claim’s denial.