Blog

  1. Home
  2. Blog

July 13, 2018 Motorcycle Accidents

California is the top state when it comes to motorcyclists. According to World Atlas, there are approximately 800,000 motorcycles registered

Motorcycle couple holding helmets in hands on the road

California is the top state when it comes to motorcyclists. According to World Atlas, there are approximately 800,000 motorcycles registered here – at least 200,000 more than in any other state. For bikers and other motorists, this means accidents are more common and the CA legislature has adopted laws to minimize damage.

Under California law, anyone riding a motorcycle must wear a helmet. What happens if you were not in compliance with the state helmet law when you were injured in a motorcycle crash? It depends on the circumstances.

Recovering damages after a motorcycle accident

Have you been injured? Click here to call us for a FREE consultation!

Those who are injured by another person’s negligence are entitled to receive compensation for their injuries. This means if you were operating a motorcycle and were struck by the negligent driver of another vehicle, that driver would likely be liable for your injuries. However, the amount that you are allowed to recover can be reduced in proportion to your own negligence.

If you suffered a head injury in a motorcycle crash in which you were not wearing a helmet, the other driver may be able to argue that the injury would have been prevented if only you had complied with the helmet law. On the other hand, if your injuries were strictly to limbs or other parts of your body that do not affect your head or neck, a helmet still would not have kept you safe so there may not be a reduction in recovery.

It is not easy to guess what your chances of recovery will be in a personal injury lawsuit. Instead, speak with an experienced attorney who handles the specific type of case in order to receive an informed opinion.

Click here to call now for a FREE consultation!

Traumatic brain injuries caused by motorcycle accidents

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when someone experiences a bump or blow to the head that causes an internal injury. TBIs are the leading cause of accidental deaths and motorcycle accidents are the number 2 cause of TBIs in the United States. Sadly, according to national statistics, more than half of all motorcyclists who are admitted to the emergency room with a TBI do not survive the accident.

In some cases, a non-fatal TBI is immediately apparent, but in others it can go undetected while still causing impairment. Additionally, many TBI victims do not follow through with aftercare, increasing the likelihood of complications.

Recover for a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles

A TBI can cost a victim multiple times over, from the initial medical bills to lost wages. When it can be shown that the injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, that person may be liable under California law.

If you suffered a TBI or other injury in a motorcycle accident, regardless of whether you were wearing a helmet, speak with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer to find out about your rights. Attorney Sean Salamati fights for the rights of accident victims throughout Southern California and can help you understand your legal options. Call today to schedule a free confidential consultation.

Have you been injured? Click here to call our office now!

Additional motorcycle accident resources:

  1. California Legislative Information, California Vehicle Code Section 27803, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&division=12.&title=&part=&chapter=5.&article=7.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion, https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/
  3. World Atlas, The Number of Motorcycles by State, https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/who-rides-the-most-motorcycles-in-the-us.html
Read More

How to Choose the Best Motorcycle for Seniors

July 11, 2018 Motorcycle Accidents

As Baby Boomers approach retirement age, the average age of motorcycle riders has risen. In 2001, the average age of

Motorcycle headlight in perspective Close up photo

As Baby Boomers approach retirement age, the average age of motorcycle riders has risen. In 2001, the average age of American bikers was 40. By 2010, the average age had climbed to 49. But it is not just that the biker population is aging – in 2009, more than 10% of new riders were over the age of 50. It is important for seniors to buy the right bike for them in order to stay safe on our California roads.

Seniors flocking to motorcycles

A couple extra decades of life experienced comes with many advantages – many new riders are retired professionals and others who find they finally have the time and money to invest in a quality bike. And of course, age brings maturity and focus.

Unfortunately, age also increases the likelihood of injury, as well as healing time. Older riders need to take these factors into account when choosing a motorcycle.

No fee unless we win. Click to call for a free consultation!

Seniors are more likely to be seriously injured in motorcycle accidents

According to emergency room doctors, seniors are more likely to be seriously injured or die in a bike crash compared to younger riders and the numbers have been rising. For example, from 1996 to 2005, the proportion of bikers over the age of 40 involved in crashes rose from 28% to about 50%. Riders in the 50-59 age group have been the fastest-growing group to suffer motorcycle injuries. Notably, helmet and alcohol usage were consistent across age groups.

Some of the reasons include:

  • Decreased reaction time
  • Visual impairment
  • Balance issues
  • Loss in bone strength
  • Reduction in brain size

Click here to call now for a FREE consultation!

Choosing a motorcycle as a senior

The first rule for anyone choosing a motorcycle is to put safety first. The surest way to do this is to choose a bike for your size and experience.

Some of the factors to consider include:

  • Your height and weight. Remember these may have changed over the years. Whatever your current stats are, you need to be able to reach all controls and put at least one foot on the ground when stopped.
  • Ability to control a heavy bike. As you rack up birthdays, it will likely become more difficult to maneuver a large bike. Consider a lighter weight in order to maintain control of your bike on the road.
  • Experience level. Newer riders may have a better experience with a lighter bike while learning to ride. For more experienced riders, larger touring bikes tend to be more comfortable.
  • Where and how you plan to ride. Take an honest assessment of where you think you will ride. Cities? Recreational trails? Long distances on the highway? There are bikes suitable for each of these but they may not all be right for you.

Have you been injured? Click here to call our office now!

Speak with a Los Angeles motorcycle attorney

Preparing for a safe ride is the first step to preventing a motorcycle accident. If you are injured in an accident, speak with Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer Sean Salamati as soon as possible. Sean is dedicated to serving personal injury victims throughout Southern California. Call today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

Additional resources for choosing a motorcycle:

  1. AARP, How to Choose the Right Motorcycle, https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/arts-leisure/info-05-2011/motorcycles-and-rides.html
  2. Futurity, Senior road warriors losing the safety battle, https://www.futurity.org/senior-road-warriors-losing-the-safety-battle/
Read More

5 Delayed Signs You May Have a Concussion

July 6, 2018 Brain Injuries

Research on traumatic brain injuries suggests that delayed treatment could prolong and even hamper recovery. A concussion is among the

concussion symptoms

Research on traumatic brain injuries suggests that delayed treatment could prolong and even hamper recovery. A concussion is among the most common types of brain injury, usually caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Depending on the severity, concussions can have life-altering consequences and complications, so it’s important to know the symptoms – especially considering they don’t always appear right away. In fact, they may take several days or weeks to manifest in subtle ways.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be knocked unconscious to have suffered a concussion. This type of brain trauma is not always the result of a bump to the head. A bad fall down the stairs, a violent body check (in contact sports or during a vehicle accident), is enough to bounce the brain inside the skull and damage delicate cells.

You can protect yourself and your loved ones by recognizing concussion symptoms, which can come on suddenly or slowly over time. If any of the following signs are present, you can reduce the risk of lasting repercussions by seeking prompt medical attention. With early diagnosis and proper care, most people with mild concussions can expect a full recovery.

#1: A bad headache that won’t go away

Concussive patients often complain of a “pressure headache” that tends to worsen when lying down and gets better when standing up. This type of headache doesn’t respond to OTC medications.

#2: You’re feeling detached and slow

A brain injury can impact mental function, making you feel foggy or like you took too much sleep medication. You may be feeling detached from your surroundings, confused and find it difficult to make decisions or pay attention.

#3: Not acting like your normal self

Subtle changes in mood and personality are another symptom of concussion that doesn’t show up right away. If you’re normally an upbeat, happy person who feels anxious, depressed or angry, this could be a sign of brain injury.

#4: Sleep disturbances

An estimated 90 percent of concussive patients experience some form of insomnia. If your sleep patterns have changed or you can’t fall asleep despite feeling tired, it’s time to get checked out.

#5: Coordination & balance problems

Feeling off balance is another hallmark sign of a concussion. This may or may not be accompanied by dizziness as well. Brain injury can also affect coordination since processing speeds are slowed down.

It’s easy to dismiss a bit of “brain fog,” or feeling slower than usual. But medical experts say that if you feel that something isn’t quite right, it’s better to consult with your doctor.

There is no definitive test for a concussion, meaning this type of brain injury can go undiagnosed in those who are not aware of the signs. If your physician also suspects a concussion, he or she may refer you to a neurologist for further treatment.

Legal guidance for TBI victims in Los Angeles

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 75 percent of all traumatic brain injuries in the United States are concussions. No matter if you were in a truck accident, car crash or slipped and hit your head, you deserve to be compensated if negligence played a role.

Salamati Law can explain your options and outline the best course of action in your case. Call our law office today and talk to an experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer in Los Angeles free of charge.

Additional Resources on Concussion Injuries and Symptoms:

  1. CDC, What are the Signs and Symptoms of Concussion? https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/symptoms.html
  2. Prevention, 8 Signs Of A Concussion You Need To Know https://www.prevention.com/health/g20489283/8-signs-of-a-concussion-you-need-to-know/
  3. BrainLine.org, Facts About Concussion and Brain Injury https://www.brainline.org/article/facts-about-concussion-and-brain-injury
Read More

Wet Surface Falls & Resulting Injuries

July 5, 2018 Slip Trip and Fall

A slip and fall accident, when caused by a property owner’s negligence, can give rise to a viable claim for

A slip and fall accident, when caused by a property owner’s negligence, can give rise to a viable claim for compensation. Wet surfaces are one of the greatest risks for a serious slip and fall injury.  According to the National Floor Safety Institute, wet or slippery surfaces account for the majority of fall accidents in the United States.

Given that many victims of such accidents sustain broken bones, traumatic brain jury, spinal cord damage, torn ligaments and other debilitating harm, it’s no wonder that these cases settle for high dollar amounts – often reaching six and seven figures.

Wet flooring surfaces, whether inside or outside of a building, are a hazardous condition that should be addressed immediately by property owners or managers. At the very minimum, guests should be made aware of unsafe conditions with a yellow warning sign or barred from walking on certain areas where slick surfaces are present. Property managers are also expected to place floor mats or anti-skid rugs where wet or slippery surfaces may exist. When this duty to use reasonable care is breached, and physical harm results, victims may be eligible to sue for monetary damages.

In order to protect your rights, it’s imperative to align yourself with a qualified slip and fall lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as possible. The legal team at Salamati Law has extensive experience handling premises liability claims in California, and works tirelessly to achieve maximum compensation for our clients.

Substantial fall injuries result in higher legal payouts

Fall injuries are not only painful to endure, they can be incredibly expensive. From hospitalization and doctor’s appointments, to surgery and long-term care, these injuries can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, putting a huge burden on victims and their loved ones.

Settlements will take into account not only past and ongoing medical bills, but pain and emotional suffering, lost income, and damages such as loss of consortium and loss of enjoyment of life. Historically speaking, wet surface fall accidents resulting in spinal cord injury, paralysis, skull fractures and brain damage have been some of the highest paying claims.

The Los Angeles-based Salamati Law office is committed to helping fall injury victims receive justice. Our firm boasts a stellar reputation for aggressive advocacy and has procured major settlements in complex slip and fall cases.

Through thorough investigations that uncover the truth and pinpoint liability, a personal injury lawyer from our firm can help victims and their families hold negligent property owners responsible. A successful personal injury claim can seek money damages that adequately reflect the pain, suffering and financial losses endured.

Causes of slippery surfaces and common defenses

Slippery and wet floors are often caused by:

  • Rain that falls into a doorway or is tracked inside
  • Waxing, polishing or mopping
  • Cleaning agents that accidentally spill on the floor
  • Naturally slick flooring surfaces such as marble
  • Spilled liquids that aren’t cleaned up

Property owners can be held accountable in a court of law if it is proven that they knew or should have known about a hazardous condition (i.e. a wet or slippery floor) or caused the dangerous condition and did nothing to remedy or address the situation.  Whether the slip and fall accident happened at a commercial property or a private home, there are several defenses that may be raised. These include:

  • Assumption of risk – the injured plaintiff was aware of a potential falling risk, as it was obvious, but voluntarily took this risk anyway
  • There was no breach of duty – the defendant may argue that they were not aware of a spilled liquid (or other condition that caused a wet surface)
  • Comparative negligence – the injured plaintiff bears some responsibility for the accident. For example, they were texting while walking and did not notice the “wet floor” sign

Superior legal representation in California

Your choice of Los Angeles personal injury attorney can mean the difference between a successful insurance settlement or having no compensation for your injuries, lost wages and medical bills. When your health and livelihood are at stake, put your trust in Sean Salamati.

Call today for a free case evaluation and discuss your claim with a veteran personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles.

Additional Resources on Wet Floor Slip and Fall Injuries: 

  1. University of Wisconsin, Accident Prevention: Slips, Trips and Falls http://www.uwosh.edu/ehs/campus-health-and-safety/general-safety/occupational-safety/accident-prevention-slips-trips-and-falls
  2. GuideOneInsurance, Wet Surface Slip and Fall Prevention https://www.guideone.com/safety-resources/slips-and-falls-prevention-wet-surfaces
Read More

4 Common Nursing Home Hazards

June 29, 2018 Elder Abuse, Slip Trip and Fall

The State of California Health Facilities Consumer Information System lists more than 2,600 long-term care facilities in the state. When

patient abused by nursing home caregiverThe State of California Health Facilities Consumer Information System lists more than 2,600 long-term care facilities in the state. When families choose one of these facilities for a loved one, they place great trust in it for their family member’s everyday care, safety, and well-being. Ideally nursing homes will be free of safety hazards but in many senior living homes, there are common dangers that can lead to serious injury. Our Los Angeles personal injury attorney explains below.

#1 Slips and falls

According to the Centers for Disease Control, falls affect the vast majority of seniors, and those who fall once are likely to fall again. The CDC estimates that approximately 75% of a nursing home’s residents will suffer a fall in a given year.

Risk factors for slip and fall accidents in nursing homes include:

  • Improper lighting
  • Floor hazards like loose carpeting or wet floors
  • Inadequate handrails
  • Lack of safety alert system to allow residents to call for help

#2 Medication errors

Many seniors take multiple medications. And any nursing home may be responsible for administering hundreds of prescriptions in precise doses each day. Medical errors can cause critical emergencies from overdose, falls from dizziness, and even death.

According to one study, between 16 and 31 percent of residents are improperly administered medications. In addition, three out of every four residents are prescribed at least one medication that is potentially incorrect. Improperly-administered medications have also been linked to falls by nursing home residents.

#3 Sedentary living

Limited mobility puts seniors at increased risk for bedsores. Also known as pressure ulcers, bedsores can develop on parts of the body that are exposed to prolonged pressure. Areas that come into contact with chairs and beds, such as tailbones, ankles, backs of heads, hips, and spines are especially vulnerable.

Nursing home staff need to help residents move as needed to alleviate pressure on these sensitive body parts. Early bedsores may only involve mild skin irritation but if left untreated, they can develop into serious wounds that involve muscle and bone, putting the resident at risk for infections and other serious complications.

If your loved one is showing signs of bedsores, it could be a sign that they are not getting the attention they need.

#4 Resident abuse

One of the most unsettling things to think about is a loved one being abused by a nursing home caregiver. Neglect, which can lead to bedsores and other ailments, is one type of elder abuse. But it can also take place in the form of physical or psychological abuse. Another form of nursing home abuse that is often overlooked is resident-to-resident abuse.

Whether a resident is abused by a caregiver or another resident, a nursing home is required to report within certain time frames. The facility may also be liable for the injuries suffered.

Talk to a an elder abuse and nursing home neglect lawyer in Southern California

If you or a loved one resides in a nursing home and suffers a personal injury due to the facility’s negligence, the law may allow recovery. Salamati Law serves personal injury clients in Los Angeles and throughout Southern CA so that they can receive the compensation they deserve while holding at-fault nursing homes accountable. A financial recovery may pay for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses. Call today for a free case review with Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer.

 Additional resources about nursing home hazards:

  1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Nursing Home and Personal Care Facilities: Hazards and Solutions, https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/nursinghome/hazards_solutions.html
  2. University of California San Francisco Science of Caring, How Can We Reduce Adverse Events in Long-Term Care Settings?, https://scienceofcaring.ucsf.edu/research/how-can-we-reduce-adverse-events-long-term-care-settings
  3. NPR, Serious Nursing Home Abuse Often Not Reported to Police, Federal Investigators Find, https://www.npr.org/2017/08/28/546460187/serious-nursing-home-abuse-often-not-reported-to-police-federal-investigators-fi
Read More

Rental Car Accident: Who Is Liable in California?

June 28, 2018 Auto Accidents

California hosts more than 30 million registered cars, commercial trucks, and other vehicles on its roads. Approximately 200,000 auto accidents

Airport information car rental sign California hosts more than 30 million registered cars, commercial trucks, and other vehicles on its roads. Approximately 200,000 auto accidents occur in California every year, a substantial portion of which involve rented vehicles.

Assessing liability in any car accident is rarely a straightforward analysis, particularly if a rental car is involved. The attorneys at the Salamati Law Firm in Los Angeles have extensive experience in representing clients that have been involved in accidents with rental cars, both as drivers of those rentals or as owners of vehicles that have been in accidents with rentals.

The Basic Rule of Car Accident Liability in California

Regardless of whether a vehicle in an accident is a rental car, the basic rule in California is that the driver of the car that caused the accident will be liable for an innocent party’s damages and injuries. The fact that the responsible party was driving a rental car generally makes no difference.

Insurance Coverage and Accident Liability with Rental Cars

Assessing liability in accidents that involve rental cars can be more complicated because of insurance coverage issues. A driver’s insurance will typically reimburse an injured party’s damages, but several different insurers and types of coverage might apply when a responsible party is driving a rental car.

  • The at-fault driver’s personal auto insurance policy is often the first source of reimbursement for an injured party’s damages;
  • If the at-fault driver purchased separate insurance from the rental car company, that insurance might cover collision damage and other expenses;
  • The at-fault driver’s credit card company might also provide rental car insurance that might extend to another party’s damages and injuries.

California adds a further layer of complication because liability coverage is generally not included on car rentals that originate in California. The additional insurance that a renter might purchase often covers only damages to the rental car, leaving the renter’s personal insurance policies as the sole source of reimbursement for liability damages.

The Liability of the Rental Car Company

In specific cases, the rental car company might be liable for damages and injuries in accidents involving one of their rental cars. For example, the rental car company might be liable if:

  • It knowingly or negligently rented out a defective automobile, and the defect then precipitated the accident that caused damages and injuries (ex. the rental car had been subject to a recall for a safety defect, but the rental car company failed to remedy that defect); or
  • It rented a car to an individual that was not authorized to drive due to a suspended license.

Again, an experienced attorney will know to research these and other issues when a party is injured in an accident that involves a rental car.

LA Attorney Sean Salamati Knows the Ins and Outs of Rental Car Accident Liability

An attorney that is experienced with sorting out insurance coverage issues in accidents involving rental cars is the best resource to help an injured party recover the maximum amount of damages that may be available to compensate for physical damage, injuries, and other losses. Los Angeles car accident lawyer Sean Salamati has helped clients in L.A. County and throughout southern California to sort out liability issues in accidents involving rental cars. For answers to your questions about rental car liability, call our Los Angeles office today for a free consultation.

Additional Resources on Rental Car Accidents in California:

  1. Autoslash.com, Renting a Car in California? Watch Out for This Insurance Gotcha. https://www.autoslash.com/blog-and-tips/posts/renting-a-car-in-california-watch-out-for-this-insurance-gotcha
  2. DMV.org, When to Buy Rental Car Insurance. https://www.dmv.org/insurance/when-to-buy-rental-car-insurance.php
Read More

Common Types of Slip & Fall Accidents

June 15, 2018 Slip Trip and Fall

Every year in America thousands of painful injuries are caused by slip and fall accidents. According to national figures, such

caution wet floor sign at a corridor

Every year in America thousands of painful injuries are caused by slip and fall accidents. According to national figures, such incidents account for more than 20 percent of all spinal cord injuries and 15 percent of all accidental fatalities in the United States. As any experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can tell you, other injury-producing accidents in public and workplace environments, many slip, trips and falls are preventable.

Accidental falls are the third leading cause of accidental death in our country, and the number one cause of serious injury and death in the elderly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Below are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents.

Have you been injured? Click here to call us for a FREE consultation!

Floor Hazards

Slippery or wet surfaces are responsible for countless falls each year. Other floor hazards include:

  • Uneven pavement or sidewalks
  • Loose or torn rugs, floorboards, carpeting or mats
  • Wet floors
  • Ice or snow that hasn’t been salted or removed
  • Clutter, trash or debris on the floor
  • Recently waxed or mopped floors

Structural Hazards

Traumatic injuries, ranging from broken bones and torn ligaments to paralysis can be traced back to tripping hazards caused by:

Click Here to Call Our Office Now

Liability issues in slip and fall accidents

All property owners and caretakers have a duty to use reasonable care to keep their premises safe for patrons, employees and invited visitors. When business owners, employers and managers fail to maintain their property or fail to warn customers and hired staff about potential slip and fall dangers such as a spilled liquid or a recently waxed floor, they may be held liable by an injured party and their personal injury attorney for any ensuing damages.

In California, it is the proprietor’s duty to perform routine inspections and maintenance and warn guests and visitors of any on-site dangers.  This holds especially true for health care providers and administrators in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, where senior residents are more prone to debilitating injury.

Some 25 percent of nursing home falls are attributed to environmental hazards, including poor lighting, slick floor surfaces and clutter left about.

Have you been injured? Click here to call our office now!

California premises liability lawyer

Whether a slip and fall accident occurred in a nursing home, movie theater, at a neighbor’s house or in the workplace, victims may have a legal claim for compensation. The personal injury lawyers at Salamati Law understand the financial burdens and emotional toll of serious personal injury and has the expertise and resources to help victims obtain justice and the money damages they deserve. A successful claim can secure compensation for past and future medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation, pain, suffering and permanent disability.

For a free case evaluation with a Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer who is dedicated to client success, please call 1-855-476-1115.

Additional Slip and Fall Accident Resources:

  1. CDC, Falls are leading cause of injury and death in older Americans https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p0922-older-adult-falls.html
  2. National Floor Safety Institute, Slip & Fall Quick Facts, https://nfsi.org/nfsi-research/quick-facts/
  3. National Safety Council, Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention will Keep Older Adults Safe and Independent http://www.nsc.org/safety_home/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/Pages/Falls.aspx
Read More

4 Things to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

June 15, 2018 Slip Trip and Fall

Slip and fall accidents are responsible for thousands of injuries every year, in businesses, homes, and on streets. People who

caution wet floor sign at a corridorSlip and fall accidents are responsible for thousands of injuries every year, in businesses, homes, and on streets.

People who slip and fall are often disoriented. They may be injured. They may be embarrassed. They may simply want to get home.

But it’s very important to take the right steps after a slip and fall accident. Businesses and private property owners must take reasonable care to maintain their premises in a safe condition. If something occurs to make the premises unsafe, such as spilled liquid or rain, they must take steps to clear up the unsafe conditions, including placing warning signs around the area.

Click Here to Call Our Office Now

Businesses and private property owners can also be responsible for sidewalks that are directly in front of their property.

If they don’t do this, they can be found liable for any injuries in a slip and fall. But injured people need evidence of their injuries, and they need evidence of what the conditions were. Immediately leaving the scene could mean that you don’t have a record of what happened, and thus you don’t have evidence. This will make it much harder for your Los Angeles personal injury attorney to present your case.

Here’s what you need to do after a slip and fall accident.

1. Get medical attention

If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, the first thing you need to do is seek appropriate medical attention. Don’t wait! Falls that resulted in your hitting your head could cause a concussion, for example, which can have serious consequences. You may feel okay, but still have serious injuries.

Be sure to tell your doctor everything that happened. If you bring a legal claim, those records can be used.

Have you been injured? Click here to call us for a FREE consultation!

2. Report the incident

Second, you need to report the incident to the person in charge. This could be a store manager, a landlord, or whoever would be responsible for the area.

They need to know that a condition exists that needs to be fixed. In addition, if you have a legal claim that goes to trial, a jury might find it odd that you never reported the incident.

3. Take pictures and keep a record

In today’s world, many people carry a smartphone with a camera. For slip and fall victims, that’s actually good news. One of the most crucial things you can do is collect evidence of your slip and fall accident, and pictures are a great way to make an immediate record.

If you are injured, take pictures of your injury from several angles. Don’t wait until bruises have faded or cuts healed.

Take pictures of the area. Show any unsafe places.

If you don’t have a phone or camera, take notes immediately on what happened. People tend to misremember once a day or so has passed, so take notes as soon as you can. Write what happened, why, and what occurred as a result.

No fee unless we win. Click to call for a free consultation!

4. Get contact information of witnesses

If people saw you slip and fall, try and get their contact information. They may be called as witnesses in a legal case.

While many business owners and private property owners want to do the right thing, some may try to minimize the situation or even make untrue statements. Witnesses will make sure that you have evidence.

If You Need an Experienced Slip and Fall Attorney in Southern California

Were you or a loved one injured in a slip and fall accident in Los Angeles? Sean Salamati is a Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer who is experienced and aggressive in premises liability cases. Call us today for a free consultation at 800-957-9898.

More tips on what to do after sustaining a slip, trip or fall injury:

  1. National Restaurant Association. Don’t Trip Up: Preventing Slips and Falls. https://www.restaurant.org/Manage-My-Restaurant/Operations/Back-of-House/Dont-trip-up-Preventing-slips-and-falls
  2. National Safety Council. Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention Training. https://www.nsc.org/safety-training/workplace/slips-trips-and-falls
Read More

5 Things To Do If You Are Involved in a Lyft or Uber Accident in Los Angeles

May 9, 2018 Auto Accidents

As ride-sharing services continue to be a popular choice for transportation across Southern California, the likelihood of being involved in

woman waiting for lyft or uber rideshare

As ride-sharing services continue to be a popular choice for transportation across Southern California, the likelihood of being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Los Angeles keeps increasing. In some ways, Uber and Lyft crashes are like other auto accidents, but they can be extra complicated for a passenger who chooses to file a personal injury claim. If you are involved in a ride-sharing crash, here are some tips for what to do in the aftermath.

#1: Put safety first

Like any other type of auto accident, the first step is to check to see if everyone is safe. Be sure to check yourself carefully and do not be tempted to downplay your own injuries – pain often intensifies for the first 48 hours after a crash.

#2: Report the accident to the authorities

Call the police and, if there is any sign of an injury, the paramedics. Do not be tempted to skip making a police report, even if the Uber or Lyft driver wants to skip this step. You will be much better off if there is an official record of the accident.

#3: Gather information

Like any other crash, you should exchange contact and insurance information with the others involved in the accident. Also try to obtain:

  • Names and contact information of any witnesses
  • Notes on the vehicles involved, including license plate numbers, make, model, and color
  • Pictures of the vehicles, accident site, and even shots including people at the scene

#4: Seek medical attention

If you are immediately injured, head to the ER. But even if you think you are not injured, make a visit to your doctor as soon as possible. Many injuries caused by car crashes are not immediately known, but the earlier you address it, the better your outlook will be. Also, spotting an injury quickly makes it easier to prove that it was caused by the accident rather than something else.

#5: Speak with a lawyer

Your driver should report the accident to the ride-sharing company, but if they do not, someone needs to do that on your behalf. Let your lawyer do that; once you have a lawyer representing you, the Uber or Lyft insurance company will need to communicate with your lawyer instead of hassling you directly.

Your lawyer will also take care of things like sending letters informing the ride-share company and other potential parties that they must preserve all evidence for potential litigation. He or she can also help you determine whether you need to make insurance claims to anyone other than the ride sharing company’s insurer.

Protect your rights after a ride-sharing accident

Unfortunately, Uber and Lyft accidents are the wave of the future. The popularity of the services is growing, and so is the number of accidents involving ride-sharing vehicles. But the skilled Los Angeles car accident attorneys of the Salamati Law Firm understand the issues involved, helping those injured in Lyft and Uber accidents obtain full recovery.

Read More on Uber and Lyft accidents:

  1. What Do I Do If My Uber Ride Crashes?
  2. Uber Accidents and Ride Sharing Liability in California.

Additional resources for Lyft and Uber accidents in L.A.:

  1. Inc.com, Ride Sharing Is Convenient. But What Happens If There’s an Accident?, https://www.inc.com/john-white/ride-sharing-is-convenient-but-what-happens-if-there-is-an-accident.html
  2. Nerdwallet, Should You Worry About an Accident With an Uber or Lyft Driver?, https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/insurance/should-you-worry-about-an-accident-with-an-uber-or-lyft-driver/
Read More

3 Construction Fall Hazards

May 8, 2018 Construction Site Accidents

Year after year, falls remain one of the top causes of death on construction sites across the nation. According to

Construction workers on construction siteYear after year, falls remain one of the top causes of death on construction sites across the nation. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), from 2003 through 2013, falls were responsible for more than 3,500 workplace deaths in the industry. During this decade, falls from rooftops accounted for nearly 35 percent of all construction worker fatalities. The real tragedy in this figure is that most of these deaths are preventable with proper training, the right equipment and planning.

In 2016 alone, 360 construction workers fell to their death while on the job. It is no surprise then, that falls are one of OSHA’s “Fatal Four” – the principle safety hazards that account for the lion’s share of construction worker deaths. The Fatal Four, which include falls, electrocutions, struck-by accidents and getting caught in-between incidents, are responsible for more than 67 percent of all reported deaths in the construction industry.

Occupational fatalities caused by falls

Fall hazards are prevalent at all construction sites and are defined as any factor that can cause a worker to lose their balance or support resulting in a fall. Any time you are working at heights more than four feet, you are at risk for a serious fall-related injury. OSHA mandates that fall protection must be furnished when working at 6 feet in the construction industry, or in environments where one is working above heavy equipment or dangerous machinery.

Major types of fall hazards in construction

What are the most prevalent fall hazards in construction? Anecdotal evidence and accident reports have shown these to be the biggest culprits:

#1: Unprotected roofs, roof edges and leading edges on structural steel.

Example provided by OSHA: An iron worker standing on a concrete wall fell 30 feet to the ground and suffered spinal injuries resulting in paralysis below the chest. He was wearing a harness at the time, but was not tied in.

#2: Improper scaffold construction.

Example: A worker preparing to remove masonry fascia from a build site fell from the third level of a welded-frame scaffold. There was no guarding system on the scaffold. And the surface was coated in ice, making it extra slippery. 

#3: Dangerous portable ladders.

Falls from unsecure ladders result in 100 deaths annually. Example: A worker fell 12 feet from an unsecured 24-foot extension ladder, which he had leaned against the façade board of a building wall. He suffered leg fracture injuries and was hospitalized for over a week.

Employer responsibility

Construction workers must be provided with proper training on how to identify fall hazards, whether working on scaffolds, ladders, or other building structures more than 6 feet in height. Employers are obligated to follow OSHA regulations by providing:

  • Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)/Personal Fall Arrest System
  • Ensuring portable ladders and scaffolds are properly used and in good condition
  • Performing routine worksite equipment inspections
  • Training on the use of fall protection equipment

Legal recourse for victims

When employers fail to ensure their workers have the right training and fall protection equipment, catastrophic injuries often result. OSHA’s regulations are in place to help minimize needless injuries and deaths and create a safe working environment.

The Salamati Law Firm is well-versed in the various hazards common to the construction industry. When negligence plays a role in serious personal injury, victims deserve an advocate who will fight for their rights to fair compensation.

To schedule a complimentary case review with a skilled construction accident lawyer Los Angeles residents have come to trust, call our offices today at 1-855-583-6837.

Additional Resources on Construction Fall Hazards:

  1. Construction Connect, Avoiding OSHA’s Fatal Four – Fall Hazards https://www.constructconnect.com/blog/construction-safety/avoiding-oshas-fatal-four-fall-hazards/
  2. Safety and Health Magazine, Falls in construction: A deadly hazard http://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/14832-falls-in-construction-a-deadly-hazard
  3. OSHA, Fall Hazards https://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/construction/focus_four/falls/falls_ig.pdf
Read More