Extension cords running across the floor in a California setting—whether in a store, restaurant, office, or event venue—can absolutely serve as the basis for a premises liability claim if someone is injured, especially due to a trip-and-fall.
Here’s how it typically plays out:
⚖️ Legal Framework: Premises Liability (California)
Under California law, property owners and occupiers have a duty of care to maintain reasonably safe conditions. That includes ensuring walking areas are free of obstructions or tripping hazards like extension cords—unless:
- They are safely secured, and
- Adequate warnings or markings are provided.
🧱 Plaintiff Must Prove:
- Control of the premises by the defendant.
- Defendant was negligent in allowing or failing to fix the hazardous condition (e.g., a cord across a walkway).
- Plaintiff suffered an injury.
- Defendant’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing the injury.
🧩 Common Risk Scenarios:
- Extension cords used during temporary setups (e.g., during maintenance or events).
- Cords left unsecured in busy walkways.
- Lack of warning signs, tape, or cord covers.
- Cords in dimly lit areas or around corners.
🔍 Key Questions in a Legal Case:
- Was the cord obvious or hidden?
- Was it secured properly (e.g., taped down, covered)?
- Did the owner or staff have notice of the condition?
- Was there a safer alternative (e.g., running the cord overhead or along the wall)?
- Were there past incidents or complaints?
📸 Strong Evidence for Plaintiff:
- Photos/video of the extension cord as it was during the incident.
- Maintenance logs showing who set it up and when.
- Witness testimony (e.g., about visibility or lack of warnings).
- Incident reports filed after the injury.
⚠️ Violations of Code/Industry Standards
California OSHA and building codes, as well as fire codes, may be relevant if the cords were placed in a way that created a fire hazard or egress obstruction.
💬 Defenses Property Owners Might Use:
- The condition was open and obvious, and the plaintiff should have seen it.
- The cord was temporary, and no safer method was feasible.
- Comparative negligence: The plaintiff was looking at a phone, wearing unsafe footwear, etc.
Remember: California uses a pure comparative fault rule. Even if the plaintiff is partly at fault, they can still recover damages, just reduced by their percentage of fault.
✅ Real Example:
Someone trips over a cord at a trade show booth, breaks their ankle, and sues the event organizer. If the cord wasn’t properly secured or marked and was placed in a walkway, liability is likely.
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
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