In a personal injury case, the term hazard means:
- Something unsafe that can lead to an injury if it isn’t fixed or warned about.
This is obviously pretty broad, but when you think about all the different things that are unsafe and can lead to an accident, it makes sense. One way or the other, you have a right to safety. And when somebody doesn’t live up to that, you can file a personal injury case. Our team at Maison Law can help you through it all. Set up a free consultation today.
What Can Be Considered Hazards?
Under California law, anything that is unsafe can be considered a hazard. They can show up anywhere, often when you least expect them. Maybe you’re walking through a grocery store and slip on a wet floor no one cleaned up. Or maybe you’re heading to your car in a dimly lit parking lot and trip over a broken curb. Even everyday places like sidewalks, stairs, or trails can hide risks that lead to serious injuries. Some hazards we see most often in personal injury cases include:
- Slippery surfaces. Wet floors, spilled drinks, or icy sidewalks that catch people off guard.
- Uneven or broken surfaces. Cracked pavement, loose floorboards, or potholes that make a simple walk dangerous.
- Obstacles in walkways. Clutter, construction materials, or random debris that shouldn’t be in your path.
- Poor lighting. Dark stairways, hallways, or parking areas that hide hazards until it’s too late.
- Defective equipment. Broken elevators, escalators, or machinery that malfunctions and causes injury.
- Unsafe stairs or railings. Loose handrails, missing steps, or stairs in disrepair.
- Road hazards. Poorly marked crosswalks, blocked stop signs, or intersections where drivers or pedestrians are at risk.
- Environmental hazards. Ice, snow, fallen tree branches, or slippery trails in parks or forests.
- Dogs or other animals that bite or knock someone down–usually because they’re not properly restrained.
- Neglected property maintenance. Anything a property owner knew (or should have known) could cause harm and didn’t fix or warn about.
Basically, a hazard is anything that creates a real risk of injury. Spotting it is often the first step toward understanding what went wrong and who may be responsible for your injuries.
What Do I Need to Do If I See a Hazard?
Fixing hazards or warning people about them is the sole responsibility of the property owner or manager in California. But you also have a responsibility if you see or notice a hazard. You have to:
- Make the property owner/manager aware of it.
One of the main defenses of an accident on someone else’s property is that they didn’t know about the hazard. So, when you report it, that goes away. But there’s still a risk of an injury. When you’re hurt by a hazard in California, you have options that our team at Maison Law can help you with. Set up a free consultation to talk it over.
