Slip and fall accidents can happen in grocery stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, workplaces, sidewalks, and parking lots. In California, a slip and fall accident may raise questions about premises liability when a dangerous property condition contributed to the incident. However, the fact that someone fell on another person’s property does not automatically mean the property owner is legally responsible. Liability usually depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident, including the condition of the property and whether the responsible party knew or reasonably should have known about the hazard. As a result, it is important to understand the common causes of slip and fall accidents and the injuries that may result to help injured individuals determine what steps to consider after an accident.
Slip and Fall Accidents: How They Occur
Wet or Slippery Floors
Wet floors are a frequent factor in slip and fall incidents. Water, spilled drinks, cleaning products, grease, or other substances can make a walking surface slippery.
Poor Lighting
Dim hallways, dark parking areas, or burned-out lights may make dangerous conditions more difficult to see, which can ultimately lead to a fall.
Damaged or Unsafe Stairways
Stair-related falls may occur because of loose handrails, broken steps, uneven stair heights, worn surfaces, missing railings, or inadequate lighting. Falls on stairs can be especially serious because an individual may fall several steps or land on a hard surface.
Weather-Related Conditions
Rain and other weather conditions may cause water to accumulate near entrances, sidewalks, stairs, and parking areas. As a result, property owners should always take reasonable measures to address conditions created by rain or collected water.
Types of Injuries that May Occur
Broken Bones
Fractures are usually associated with falls. Wrists, arms, ankles, hips, and legs may be injured when a person attempts to catch themselves or lands directly on a hard surface.
Head Injuries
A person who strikes their head during a fall may experience a concussion or other traumatic brain injury. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, memory difficulties, or sensitivity to light and sound.
Back and Spinal Injuries
Falls can place substantial force on the back and spine. Potential injuries include muscle strains, herniated discs, nerve irritation, and other spinal conditions. Additionally, back injuries may interfere with mobility, employment, exercise, and ordinary daily activities.
Sprains and Soft Tissue Injuries
Ligaments, tendons, and muscles can be stretched or torn during a sudden fall. Although soft tissue injuries may not always be immediately visible, they can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement.
Hip Injuries
Hip injuries can be especially significant for older adults. A hard fall may result in a hip fracture or other injury requiring hospitalization, rehabilitation, or surgical treatment.
Property Owner and Their Responsibilities
California premises liability law generally requires individuals and businesses controlling property to exercise reasonable care in maintaining their premises. A property owner is not automatically responsible simply because an accident occurred. Depending on the circumstances, an injured person may need to establish that a dangerous condition existed, that the defendant knew or reasonably should have known about it, and that the condition was a substantial factor in causing the injury.
The Necessary Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
After a fall, obtaining appropriate medical attention should be a priority. Injuries may become more noticeable in the hours or days following an accident. When possible, an injured person may also want to do the following.
- Report the incident to the property owner
- Document the location where the initial fall occurred
In addition, photographs or videos may help preserve evidence of spills, damaged flooring, lighting problems, missing warning signs, or other conditions that could later change. The names and contact information of witnesses may also be useful. Medical records, receipts, photographs, incident reports, and correspondence concerning the accident should generally be preserved.
Seeking the Help of a Legal Professional
It may be beneficial to seek the help of a legal professional if you are involved in a slip and fall accident. Oftentimes, injuries may not appear right away, leaving victims fearful and unsure of their future. An attorney may be able to assist in determining the necessary steps to take in order to preserve important information and begin working towards recovery.
The Legal Team at KAASS LAW
The qualified personal injury attorneys from KAASS LAW may be able to review the specific facts of your case, preserve necessary pieces of evidence, and help victims understand their rights through the claims process. If you or someone you love has suffered from a slip and fall accident, you are not alone. Call KAASS LAW today for a confidential consultation and to learn more about your casew moving forward.