What is a Slip and Fall Accident?
In legal words, a slip and fall or trip and fall is a type of accident on the property of another person or business that causes injuries and, hence, becomes part of premises liability lawsuits. In this accident type, a person slips or trips and falls due to hazardous conditions (including leaked or spilled liquid on the floor, holes in the ground, or unsecured floor tiles) on someone else’s property. If a person sustains injuries on public properties, they may sue the city itself.
Falls can happen on the same level, from one level to another, or down several floors, like stairs. They can occur anywhere—in public or private spaces, such as offices, schools, construction sites, parks, schools, and sidewalks. If it has been caused by the negligence of others and resulted in injuries, a California injury lawyer can be your best ally.
This is an old report, but it will provide an idea. According to the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, over eight million people in the U.S. were injured in slip and fall accidents in 2004. That being said, it is believed that the number was much higher as many falls were not reported.
Factors that Determine Liability in Slip and Fall Accidents
Uneven surfaces, wet floors, and other hazards are the primary cause of slip and fall accidents. However, several other factors can influence the liability in such cases.
Property owners/managers are responsible for maintaining safe conditions to prevent foreseeable accidents on their premises, but liability can be affected by other factors, like the property owner’s knowledge of the danger, the foreseeability of the hazard, and the injured party’s own negligence.
For example, a property owner who failed to promptly warn visitors of the danger or address the known hazard may be held liable for any injuries caused. On the contrary, if the injured individual was trespassing or behaving recklessly at the time of the accident, it may have been negligence on their part, which would cut down the property owner’s liability.
Assessing these factors necessitates an in-depth investigation of the circumstances surrounding the accident. An investigation may involve gathering evidence, witness testimony, and legal evaluation to discern liability and seek deserved compensation for the injuries, which would require an Orange County slip and fall lawyer.
Reasons Behind Slip and Fall Accidents
Causes for slip and fall accidents are as many as the places where they can occur. Some of the most common causes are:
- Liquid spills
- Unstable/uneven flooring
- Cluttered floors
- Poor lighting
- Inappropriate footwear
- Tracked ice, snow, or rain
- A lack of safety equipment
- Improper workplace safety standards
- Damaged surfaces like cracked tiles or potholes
- Torn carpeting
Most slip/trip and fall accidents occur on construction sites. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) calls them one of the “fatal four” leading causes of workplace deaths in the USA—third after poisoning and vehicle accidents. It is the leading cause of death for individuals aged 65 and above.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can cause minor cuts and bruises or, in the worst case, even death. Some of the more common injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents are:
- Puncture wounds
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Head and traumatic injuries
- Lacerations
- Partial or total paralysis
- Death
Evidence for Slip and Fall Accidents
Pursuing a lawsuit requires proof. Unless you do it yourself, you will need an Orange County injury lawyer to help you collect the following:
- Photos/videos as evidence of the accident
- Medical treatment records of the injuries
- An expert’s assessment of your lost income (if any)
- Estimates of possible losses suffered due to the accident
- Maintenance logs for flooring or installations that needed repair
After getting the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and collecting expert opinions on your injuries and the facility’s safety, your lawyer can start putting your case together. Most personal injury cases are settled outside the courtroom if the plaintiffs and at-fault party reach a mutual agreement and satisfactory settlement. But, sometimes, personal injury cases like this end up in the courtroom.
While it can help you claim the compensation you deserve, it disrupts normal life. It is another big reason for seeking professional legal help, and at such times, A1 Accident Lawyer is here to handle the heavy lifting for you. We will represent you in court and pursue damages on your behalf.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyer Today!
If you give us the privilege of representing you, we will give it our all to assist you with your slip-and-fall case. We will:
- Identify who is liable
- Communicate with all involved parties on your behalf
- Collect evidence
- Determine your case value
- Fight for you to get the best possible outcome
- Keep you updated on every step of the process
Every case has a different statute of limitations. All deadlines for claims and lawsuits require you to consult with an experienced and dedicated personal injury lawyer in California promptly after your accident. Evidence collecting is best done on the spot and as soon as possible.
Also Read: What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
