Glendale Slip & Fall Lawyers

Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents & Injuries

Slip-and-fall accidents can occur in various ways and result in many injuries. However, the common denominator of a slip-and-fall injury claim is that the premises owner or manager was negligent in causing or allowing a hazard to lead to an accident directly. 

Causes of slip-and-fall accidents can include:

• Wet floors: Unmarked wet floors are one of the top causes of slip-and-fall accidents. They can result from cleaning, spills, leaks, or inclement weather conditions tracked inside.
• Icy walkways: Ice that forms on walkways, parking lots, and stairs can be hazardous if not correctly managed with salt or sand, especially in colder climates.
• Uneven surfaces: Cracked sidewalks, potholes in parking lots, or uneven flooring can catch people off guard and lead to falls.
• Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting can make it difficult to see potential hazards, such as steps, uneven surfaces, or obstacles, increasing the risk of a fall.
• Obstacles or debris: Items left in walkways, such as cords, equipment, or smaller debris, can be tripping hazards.
• Loose or worn carpets and rugs: Carpets or rugs that are not securely fixed to the ground or that are worn can cause people to trip and fall.
• Ramps without non-slip surfaces: Ramps that lack proper non-slip surfaces can be particularly hazardous, especially in wet or icy conditions.
• Stairs without handrails: Missing or faulty handrails on stairs are a significant risk factor for falls, as they provide essential support.
• Transitions from one type of flooring to another: Changes in flooring can lead to trips and falls, mainly if the difference is not clearly marked or if there is a significant change in traction.
• Open cabinets or drawers: In office environments, open cabinets or drawers can easily be overlooked, leading to trips and falls.

Slip & Fall Accident Injuries

The injuries from slip-and-fall accidents can range from minor bruises and scrapes to more severe injuries such as fractures, head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, sprains and other soft tissue injuries, and more. The severity of the injuries often depends on the circumstances and the individual's physical condition.

The consequences of slip-and-fall injuries can extend beyond physical harm, impacting victims' lives in various ways. Sufferers may face significant medical expenses, loss of income due to an inability to work, and extended terms of permanent disability.

What Must Be Proven in a Slip & Fall Injury Claim?

To establish a successful slip and fall injury claim, several key elements must be proven:

• Property owner's duty of care: It must be demonstrated that the property owner had a duty to ensure the safety of their property for visitors. This duty varies depending on the nature of the property and the relationship between the property owner and the visitor, with the highest duty owed to anyone invited onto the premises or who has a legitimate right to be there. 
• Breach of duty: You must prove that the property owner breached their duty of care. This involves showing that they failed to act as a reasonably prudent person would have under similar circumstances, either by creating a hazardous condition or not addressing a known hazard promptly.
• Causation: It must be established that the property owner's breach of duty directly caused the accident. This means proving that the slip and fall incident would not have occurred if the owner had taken the necessary precautions to address the hazard.
• Damages: Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered actual damages due to the fall. This can include medical expenses, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and other losses attributable to the injury.

Proving these elements requires thorough documentation and evidence, such as photographs of the hazardous condition, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony. 

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Slip & Fall Accident Claim?

Victims of slip and fall accidents could be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical needs that are related to the accident.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for earnings lost because of time off work while recovering from injuries.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injuries leads to long-term or permanent disability, victims may be compensated for the reduction in their capability to earn a living.
• Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for any personal property that had been damaged during the accident, like clothing, eyewear, or electronics.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar manners in the future.