Call or text (818) 747-9113 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Slipping and falling can be a painful, costly experience and one of the most frequent types of personal injury incidents. These accidents can happen anywhere, from a grocery store to your own home. Injuries can range from minor to life-threatening, so it is important to know what to do if you experience a slip and fall accident lawyer Los Angeles.
Victims of slip and fall accidents may be able to file a slip and fall lawsuit against the property owner or manager responsible for their injuries and we can help the slip and fall victims to secure a compensation that they deserve.
At Babaians Law Firm, our experienced Glendale slip and fall accident lawyer will aggressively represent you and fight for you to recover maximum compensation. We have a proven track record of success in slip and fall cases and we are dedicated to getting our clients the best possible outcome.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact us today for a free consultation.
A slip and fall accident may sound like a general term for any unfortunate incident that causes someone to fall down. However, this is actually a legal classification of a certain kind of premises liability claim. A slip and fall injury is usually caused by circumstances outside of the victim’s control and is often the result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing.
For a free legal consultation with a slip and fall accident lawyer serving Glendale, call (818) 747-9113
What is Trip and Fall?
A slip and fall, also known as a trip and fall, is when a person trips over an obstacle and falls. This can happen anywhere, but most commonly occurs in places like stores or homes.
Slip and falls often result in injuries, ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious broken bones or head injuries. Common hazards that can cause slip and fall accidents include wet floors, loose carpets, uneven sidewalks, and cluttered walkways.
Glendale Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Near Me
(818) 747-9113
Hablamos Español | AVAILABLE 24/7
Is a Fall Considered an Accident?
Falling means losing stability or settling down on ground. It is one of the deadliest accidents worldwide in addition to personal injuries, especially in the elderly.
Falls among elderly persons can lead to serious injuries. According to CDC in 2005 15,000 people over 65 died from a fall accident. The second leading cause of injury related death for people between 65 and 84 is fall accidents.
The word accident is defined as an event that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally. So, a fall can be called an accident when it is not planned and you did not mean to do it. If a slip and fall accident is caused by someone else’s negligence, then the victim may have a slip and fall claim against the at-fault party.
Click to contact our Home today
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
There are many things that can lead to a slip and fall accident. Among the numerous causes are the following:
Leaks, Wet or Slippery Floors
Leaky roofs, wet floor surfaces, and slippery floors are some of the main dangerous conditions that can result into a slip and fall accident. This type of accident happens when the surface a person is walking on has been compromised due to water, oil or ice. When water seeps into a porous surface it can make it slick or slippery while standing or walking on it.
Exposed Cords
Cords that are not covered or mounted properly can easily become tripping hazards, leading to serious injury on both public or private property. Even if the cord is low to the ground, it can still be a hazard if someone trips over it or steps on it.
Uneven Floor Surfaces or Sidewalk
A Slip and Fall case can happen when someone encounters an uneven surface, such as a sidewalk, or an area that has become wet or slippery. Common causes of slip and fall injuries include cracked sidewalks, potholes, loose carpeting, icy walkways. Uneven floor surfaces can be caused by several things like weathering from heavy rains or snowfall, gradual erosion from foot traffic, poor construction materials and methods, and inadequate maintenance.
Loose Carpeting or Rugs
Whether you are on a residential property or commercial property loose carpeting or rugs can be a major cause of slip and fall accidents due to their unsteady nature. When carpets are not properly attached to the floor, they can lack proper padding which can lead to tripping and slipping. Loose carpets also often lack proper traction which makes it difficult to keep balance when walking.
Poor Lighting
Inadequate lighting is another risk factor for slip and fall accidents because it makes it difficult to see any hidden hazards in the area. Poor visibility can also lead to a lack of situational awareness for those walking on the property. As a result of these factors combined with human error such as running or not paying close attention to their surroundings, slip and fall accidents occur frequently.
Cluttered Floors or Stairs
Clutter on the floor or stairs is one of the leading causes of accidents, as it can create an unsafe walking environment. When items such as boxes, toys, wires, clothes, hoses, extension cords and other objects are left lying around on floors or stairs, it increases the chances for a person to trip over them and become injured. It is important to keep floors and stairways clear of clutter in order to avoid slip and fall accidents from occurring.
Property owners should take steps to prevent such incidents from happening by ensuring that all areas used by people are kept clean, organized and well-lit at all times.
Broken Furniture
Broken furniture, such as chairs, tables, and stools, are all common sources of accidents. Such pieces of furniture may become unsteady due to weak or broken legs or joints.
Failing to put up warning signs or neglecting to adequately block hazardous areas like construction sites can also lead to liability in a slip and fall injury.
The Invisible Causes of a Slip and Fall Accident
There are other conditions that make a slip and fall accident more likely. Medical conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, vision impairments, and mobility issues can lead to a higher likelihood of such accidents. Some medications can cause side effects like dizziness. In these cases, one should make sure they take their medications the way it has been prescribe to them and avoid activities that has been mentioned on their medication.
Additional scenarios that may also lead to a fall accident includes being in a rush or walking while distracted.
However, just because any of these conditions exist, it doesn’t mean you are less deserving of compensation for your fall injuries.
Schedule a free consultation with our slip and fall lawyer in Glendale for your slip and fall claim so that we can evaluate your slip and fall case and determine how we can help you.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
What are the most common types of slip and fall injuries that occur in the United States each year?
Slipping and falling can result in serious injuries that could cause prolonged harm. According to NFSI(National Floor Safety Institute) falls account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits every year which is roughly 20% of all ER visits.
Slip and fall accidents are 12% of the 8 million fall accidents, which means 1 million people who experience a slip and fall accident end up in emergency room for immediate care for injuries sustained.
While there are no limits to the types of injuries you may sustain in a slip and fall accident, there are some that are more common. They include:
Sprains
A slip and fall injury can cause a sprain, which is defined as an injury to a ligament. Ligaments are the bands of tissue that connect bones to each other at a joint. A slip and fall on an icy sidewalk might cause a sprain when your foot twists under you and your weight bearing bones move out of place at the ankle joint. The movement of the bone tears the ligament that connects the two bones.
A bad sprain can feel just like a fracture, with pain, swelling and bruising. Sometimes, you might even hear or feel a “pop” when the injury occurs. However, with a fracture, you would also have difficulty moving the injured body part. If you think you’ve sprained something in a slip and fall, it’s important to see a doctor right away for an evaluation and possible treatment.
Depending on the severity of the sprain, treatment might include rest, ice, elevation and over-the-counter pain medications. More severe sprains might require immobilization in a splint or cast and physical therapy.
Broken Arms, Ankles or Wrists
Broken arms, ankles, or wrists are some of the most common injuries sustained in slip and fall accidents. These injuries can be very serious, and in some cases may require surgery. If you have suffered a broken arm, ankle, or wrist as a result of a slip and fall accident, you may be able to file a slip and fall claim.
Facial Fractures and Broken Teeth
Facial fractures and broken teeth are common slip and fall injuries. The face is particularly vulnerable to injury because it is relatively unprotected and unprotected falls can result in serious damage. Common facial fractures include those of the nose, orbital bones, cheekbones and jawbone. Broken teeth are also a common type of facial injury, and can range from a simple chip to a complete break.
In some cases, people suffering from facial fractures or broken teeth may also experience other injuries, such as concussion or head trauma. If you have suffered a slip and fall injury, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible in order to minimize the risk of further injury.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be devastating and life-changing. They can cause a person to lose mobility or feeling in their limbs, and in some cases they can even be fatal. If you or someone you know has suffered a spinal cord injury, it is important to seek legal help. A Los Angeles slip and fall attorney can help you file a slip and fall lawsuit.
Hip Fractures and Broken Pelvic Bones
One of the most common slip and fall injuries is a hip fracture. This type of injury occurs when the hip bone is broken, typically as a result of a fall onto a hard surface. Slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of hip fractures in older adults. Broken pelvic bones are another type of slip and fall injury that can be extremely painful and debilitating. These fractures can occur when the pelvis is crushed, such as when a person falls from a height or is involved in a car accident.
Treatment for hip fractures and broken pelvic bones typically involves surgery and a lengthy recovery period. Many people who suffer these types of injuries never fully recover and are left with chronic pain and mobility issues.
Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions
When thinking about serious injuries the first thing that would come to one’s mind is a brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions are a type of slip and fall injury that can occur when someone falls and hits their head on a hard surface. Concussions are the most common type of TBI, and they can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of a concussion may include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Most concussions will resolve within a few days or weeks with rest and relaxation. However, some people may experience more serious symptoms that can last for months or even years.
Treatment for a concussion may include over-the-counter pain medication, physical therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or relieve pressure on the brain.
These injuries can vary in severity, from soft tissue injuries that will heal on their own to a more serious fracture or head injury that may require surgery or long-term treatment.
Approximately 20% of fall accidents result in a severe injury. Brain and spinal cord injuries are especially troubling as they can have a substantial impact on a person’s ability to function in their everyday lives. Falls cause about 40% of all reported traumatic brain injuries and 26% of spinal cord injuries.
When you need a Los Angeles slip and fall attorney to help you get the maximum compensation you deserve, you can trust the team at Babaians Law Firm. We are located in Glendale but we cover all of Los Angeles County and California. We offer free consultations to ensure that cost does not prevent you from obtaining the legal representation you need.
Glendale Personal Injury Blog Posts:
