Sidewalk Slip and Fall Accidents in Modesto

When you are out walking, falling is unlikely to be on your mind. The fact is, however, that sidewalk slip and fall accidents in Modesto are not uncommon, and they tend to be quite dangerous.

If a property owner’s negligence caused you to slip and fall on a sidewalk, seek the skilled legal guidance you need. An experienced slip and fall attorney at Curtis Legal Group could help.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents on Sidewalks

Though each incident has its own set of circumstances, the primary causes of slip and fall accidents on Modesto sidewalks include:

• Inadequate outdoor lighting
• Poorly executed sidewalk repairs
• Slippery surface caused by wet debris
• Missing bricks or other integral elements
• Objects such as bikes cluttering the walkway
• Nuckled, uneven, cracked, or dangerously worn pavement

Do not wait to consult with a lawyer if you have suffered injuries due to negligence.

The Property Owner’s Responsibility

Falling on the sidewalk can leave you feeling especially vulnerable, and you may not know where to turn for the help you need. The owner of the property adjacent to the sidewalk bears a legal responsibility regarding your safety, which is called a duty of care. The level of responsibility depends on the kind of property owner involved.

Commercial Property Owners

Commercial property owners, such as those who own restaurants, stores, markets, and other businesses, have the most significant responsibility for their guests’ safe passage. This involves resolving any slip and fall risks that the owner knows about or reasonably should know about.

When there is a safety concern that cannot be remedied in a timely manner, commercial property owners are responsible for effectively warning visitors of the danger. Additionally, commercial property owners must put effort into identifying potential problems and effectively addressing them within a reasonable amount of time.

Ultimately, commercial property owners are required to implement the same reasonable level of care that other reasonable commercial property owners would demonstrate in similar situations. Any failure to meet this standard can support liability in a sidewalk slip and fall claim in Modesto.

Private Property Owners

The safety standards for private property owners are not as strict, but they are just as important. Private property owners are not required to perform regular inspections of their sidewalks. However, they are required to take timely action if they recognize, or reasonably should recognize, a slip and fall hazard.

We could help you hold a private or commercial property owner responsible if their negligence caused your slip and fall injury.

Who Can Pursue Compensation?

The duty of care that property owners owe regarding their adjacent sidewalks extends to anyone who is legally on the property. When it comes to sidewalks, this generally includes everyone unless the sidewalk is barred. Under California Penal Code § 602, if there are signs that declare it closed or if entry is blocked, proceeding is a form of trespassing.

Neither commercial nor private property owners owe trespassers a duty of care. They cannot, however, intentionally or willfully cause them harm. Contact a Modesto lawyer if you have questions about liability in sidewalk slip and fall accidents.

Discuss Your Sidewalk Slip and Fall Claim with a Modesto Attorney

Sidewalk slip and fall accidents in Modesto are all too common. If you have suffered an injury as a result of a property owner’s negligence, the well-respected attorneys at Curtis Legal Group are Heavy Hitters™ when it comes to results. We welcome the opportunity to help you. Learn more by contacting us online or calling our firm today.