Wet stairs due to nearby leaking ice machine in California personal injury case

If you slipped on wet stairs due to a nearby leaking ice machine in California, it could potentially be the basis for a personal injury claim under California premises liability law. Here’s how such a case would generally be evaluated:

Legal Elements of a Premises Liability Claim in California

To hold a property owner (or manager/tenant) liable, you need to prove:

  1. The defendant owned, leased, occupied, or controlled the property;
  2. The defendant was negligent in the use or maintenance of the property (e.g., allowing the ice machine to leak and create a slip hazard);
  3. You were harmed (e.g., physical injury, medical costs, pain and suffering); and
  4. The defendant’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing your harm.

Key Factors That Strengthen Your Case

  • Knowledge of the hazard: If the property owner or staff knew (or should have known) about the leak and didn’t fix it or warn you, they may be liable.
  • Lack of warning signs: If there were no wet floor signs or barriers near the wet stairs, that increases the owner’s responsibility.
  • Recurring problem: Evidence that the ice machine had a history of leaking or that other people had previously reported slips can support your claim.
  • Surveillance footage/witnesses: Video or eyewitnesses who saw the fall or knew about the hazard can help establish liability.

Next Steps if You Were Injured

  1. Seek medical attention and document your injuries.
  2. Report the incident to the property manager or owner.
  3. Take photos of the scene (if possible), including the stairs, puddle, ice machine, and surroundings.
  4. Preserve evidence like shoes or clothing worn during the incident.
  5. Consult a personal injury attorney experienced in California premises liability.

Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448

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