Snow and ice, among the most common causes of slip and fall accidents, are rarely problems in Los Angeles. Here in Southern California, the most common causes of slip and fall accidents include wet surfaces, clutter, loose wires, and poor lighting.
An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure. So many slip and fall accidents are preventable had the property owner or manager addressed hazardous conditions before the accident happened. Because the person responsible for the property failed to keep the premises in a safe condition, the slip and fall victim may face medical expenses, lost wages, and a long recuperation. Some slip and fall injuries result in permanent impairment and may even prove fatal.
When a slip and fall accident is caused by a property owner’s negligence, and the person who fell suffers injuries, that injured party may be entitled to recover damages. Contacting a skilled Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer can help. At Salamati Law, we can fully investigate the circumstances of the case protect your rights to receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Here are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents:
Wet Surfaces
Wet surfaces, whether indoors or outdoors, contribute to a high percentage of slip and fall accidents. The wet areas may result from spills, leaks, rain, and other sources of liquids. The mopping of a floor can pose a slipping danger, which is why businesses should post “wet floor” signage or cordon off the affected section.
Indoors, spilled liquids at supermarkets or restaurants are frequent causes of slip and falls. Outdoors, improper placement of air conditioners can cause condensation to pool up on walkways. So can water from sprinklers if the spray pattern is not adjusted correctly and “waters” the pavement.
It is critical that commercial establishments train employees to recognize the hazards of wet surfaces and provide easily accessible means to control wet conditions. This includes mops, signage, and cones.
Cords and Cables
Loose cords and cables are major trip hazards. Businesses should ensure that electrical wires and computer cables are not lying across aisleways. Secure such cords and cables with hooks or other devices, so they do not stray into any place with foot traffic.
Clutter
Debris left in walkways is an accident waiting to happen. Property owners should clear any sort of clutter from hallways or walkways.
Inadequate Lighting
It makes sense that when a person cannot see where they are going due to poor lighting, the likelihood of a slip and fall increases substantially. At night, inadequate lighting may lead to falls in parking lots. Poorly lit hallways or stairwells are other prime locations for falls.
Sometimes, the slip occurs because of a combination of poor lighting and debris. If the area was well-lit, the accident victim may have seen the clutter and avoided tripping over it.
Other Slip and Fall Causes
Each property is different, and every slip and fall incident is unique. Other common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Torn carpeting
- Loose floorboards
- Broken handrails
- Uneven surfaces
The bottom line with hazardous conditions causing a slip and fall is that the owner should have rectified the issue within a reasonable time. The key term here is “reasonable.” For instance, if a waitperson spills a drink on the floor in a restaurant and a customer immediately falls, the defendant will argue that the seconds passing between the spill and the fall was not a reasonable time for cleanup. If the drink was spilled and not cleaned up right away, or if patrons were not warned away from the spillage, that is a different story.
Slip and Fall Damages
Compensation, or damages, in a slip and fall accident may include:
- Medical expenses, present, and future
- Lost wages
- Future loss of income
- Pain and suffering
A personal injury lawyer knows a reasonable settlement amount for the type of injuries their client suffered and the long-term consequences. Most slip and fall cases are settled, but if the insurance company refuses to agree to a fair settlement offer, we will litigate the case at trial when necessary.
Contact a Los Angeles Slip and Fall Lawyer
If you were injured due to property owner negligence, contact an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Los Angeles at Salamati Law. We offer free consultations. Complete our online form or call or text us 24/7 to schedule an appointment.
We will review your claim and determine whether you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Because all work is performed on a contingency basis, there is no fee unless you receive compensation. Hablamos Espanol.
