Slip and Fall Accidents – 4 Common Causes That Might Surprise You

Slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of emergency room visits.

In fact, slip and fall accidents account for over one million visits each year. 

Slip and fall accidents occur when a person slips, trips, or falls on another person’s property. Not every slip and fall accident results in a personal injury case, as there are a few requirements needed to prove another party is at fault, or negligent.

As outlined in California Civil Jury Instructions 1000, it must be proven:

• The defendant controlled the premises and had a duty of care 
• The defendant was negligent in the use or maintenance of the property 
• The plaintiff was injured 
• The defendant’s negligence caused the injuries sustained by the plaintiff

There are many different ways slip and fall accidents occur. Some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents include:

Uneven flooring or ground surfaces

Studies show that floors and other flooring materials are the direct cause of over 2 million fall injuries every year. It’s not uncommon for people to trip over loose tiles, or fall because of uneven flooring. 

It’s important that floors be fixed as quickly as possible to prevent injuries.

Wet floors

A wide variety of slip and fall accidents can be caused by wet surfaces. For example, someone can spill a beverage at a grocery store without maintenance cleaning it, or another shop may suffer from a leaky roof that drops water to the ground following recent rain storms in SoCal.

Defendant’s still must protect clients safety, and should have wet areas either cleaned or blocked off to help prevent slip and fall accidents.

Missing or damaged handrails

Handrails can help in the prevention of slip and fall accidents by creating something for potential victims to grasp. If a shop, office, etc. has yet to fix broken rails, or if they don’t have any rails to grab, the hazards associated with slip and fall accidents can intensify.

Exposed wiring, cords, or other tripping hazards

A common danger might not seem like one initially. In this case, a loose wire from a cord plugged into a wall can be very unsafe. Someone can trip over the cord and come crashing to the ground. 

The number of injuries following slip and fall accidents seems endless. Frequent injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Head injuries like concussions
• Cuts and lacerations
• Back injuries like chronic back pain
• Fractured bones
• Neck injuries
• Death

Studies reveal one in every three people in the US over the age of 65 will experience a slip and fall accident every year. Additionally, slip and falls are one of the leading causes of workers’ compensation claims.

If you or a loved one was injured following a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

Even if you are uncertain your situation falls under the guidelines laid out by California Civil Jury Instructions 1000, contacting an LA slip and fall attorney at C&B Law Group can help sort out any questions you have.

For starters, we offer free consultations. Our team is available via phone, email, and text to help.

Additionally, our attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you won’t owe us any attorney fees until your case is successfully settled.

We’ve helped clients with compensation for their injuries following slip and fall accidents, recovering damages such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

If you were injured on the job, our workers’ comp team can help fight to make sure you receive proper compensation following your on-the-job accident.

You have the right to seek compensation following an injury caused by a slip and fall accident. Don’t let another party’s failure to maintain their property affect your physical and mental health.

Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone at seemingly any time. If it happens to you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to contact the Los Angeles slip and fall lawyers at C&B Law Group. 

We’re ready to help bring you the justice you deserve. Contact us today.