Los Angeles Slip and Fall Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents are some of California’s most common causes of serious and fatal injuries. While everyone is susceptible to severe fall injuries, individuals over the age of 65 are disproportionately affected.

At Barrett Law, we understand the responsibility property owners have to visitors. When you are injured in a slip and fall accident due to negligence, it is critical to have experienced representation by your side. Our slip and fall lawyers will advocate for your best interest and fight for a settlement you deserve.

Do I Need a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Redondo Beach or LA? Having a slip and fall lawyer represent your claim is essential to recovering your full compensation. Slip and fall injuries are often complex and usually result in lengthy recovery times. Medical care and treatment may continue for several months to years, leading to massive debt.

There is a misconception that insurance companies will have your best interest in mind when filing a claim. The role of an insurance adjuster is to investigate your claim. However, in many cases, the adjuster will use their investigation to minimize any payout or seek to deny coverage. A slip and fall lawyer can guide you through the claims process and ensure your case secures the compensation you are entitled to according to your policy limits.

Victims of negligent slip and fall accidents may face other challenges, including:

• Splitting their focus between healing to defending the legitimacy of their claim
• Gathering and preparing an extensive amount of paperwork
• Navigating a complicated appeals system if denied coverage
• Being forced to see insurance company-approved when they may not have your best interests at heart
• Pressure from the insurance company to accept a settlement below what their injuries are worth

When injured individuals have the representation they can trust, they have the peace of mind to heal.

Are Negligent Slip and Fall Accidents Common in California?

Negligent slip and fall accidents are common in Los Angeles and Redondo Beach. Currently, they are the leading cause of emergency room visits nationwide.

According to the National Floor Safety Institute, in the last reporting year:

• Slip and fall injuries account for 21.3% of emergency room visits
• 2 million falls are due to slippery or uneven floors every year
• 85% of workers’ compensation claims are due to slip and fall injuries

Slip and fall injuries are especially deadly for older age groups. In LA and Redondo Beach, slip and fall injuries are the second-leading cause of death for individuals 65 and older.

What Are the Leading Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents? Everything from uneven floors to cluttered walkways can lead to a slip and fall accident. In California, the leading causes of slip and fall injuries involve:

• Wet and slippery floors
• Uneven floors
• Broken, loose, or uneven steps
• Ice or snow
• Debris and clutter
• Unmaintained sidewalks (e.g., cracks and holes in the pavement)
• Uneven carpets or rugs
• Loose wires or cables
• Unsecured carpeting or mats
• Lights that cause a glare on shiny floors
• Uneven floor transitions

While there are several other causes of slip and fall accidents, the above are the most common.

What Injuries Are Associated with Slip and Falls? People can suffer severe injuries in a slip and fall accident. Most slip and fall emergency room visits involve:

• Bone fractures
• Broken and dislocated bones
• Soft tissue injuries and bruising
• Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
• Cuts and abrasions
• Spinal cord damage

The deadliest slip and fall injuries are bone fractures. More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by slip and falls. Hip fractures have a high risk of complications for those over the age of 65. A hip fracture often leaves an individual immobile for an extended amount of time, leading to blood clots, bed sores, and urinary tract infections.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident? Slip and fall accident claims fall under premises liability. Premises liability involves property owners and the duty of care they owe to visitors. A property owner can be considered liable for a slip and fall injury if negligence can be established.

For example, suppose a customer slips on a wet floor at a grocery store and sustains major head trauma. If there was no “wet floor” signage and the hazard had been present for an unreasonable amount of time without proper notification, the customer may have a strong claim.

Proving premises liability relies on establishing what a reasonable person would do under similar circumstances. In the above example, a reasonable store manager would have set up a wet floor sign within minutes of becoming aware of the spill. It can be argued that the absence of a wet floor sign is unreasonable and, therefore, an act of negligence.

When determining whether a property owner can be held accountable for slip and fall injuries, one or more of the following factors must be met:

• Did the owner create the dangerous conditions that led to the injuries?
• Did the property owner know about the hazardous conditions? Did they fail to correct the danger?
• Should the property owner have known about the potential hazards? Did they have an opportunity to prevent the injuries?

At Affeld Grivakes, our detail-oriented legal team will gather critical evidence to support your claim by conducting a thorough investigation. We will work to establish that the property owner knew of the hazards and failed to take measures to prevent your injuries.

What Damages Can a California Slip and Fall Attorney Recover?

Every slip and fall claim is unique. Recoverable damages can range from medical bills to emotional distress. Estimating the total worth of a slip and fall case requires the experience of a premises liability attorney.

The following elements typically determine the value of a slip and fall claim:

• The severity of your injuries
• The total cost of your present and future medical expenses
• How your injuries affect your day-to-day life
• If your injuries are permanent or disabling

Recoverable damages may include:

• Complete compensation for your medical expenses
• Lost wages if you cannot work
• Loss of future income
• Pain and suffering damages
• Loss of enjoyment of life damages
• Emotional distress
• Possible punitive damages

Call our offices today and speak to one of our dedicated team members about the details of your case.

Schedule a Consultation with a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Los Angeles Today

If you or a loved one have suffered a serious injury due to the negligent actions of a property owner, a Los Angeles and Redondo Beach slip and fall lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

The highly accomplished team of Affeld Grivakes has recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We understand the true impact severe injuries have on individuals and families. Our attorneys have years of experience helping injury victims after a devastating slip and fall. Call our offices today to set up a free consultation by dialing (310) 979-8700.