Costa Mesa Slip and Fall Lawyers
When a Dangerous Condition On a Property Causes Serious Injuries
You don’t have to fall from an elevation, such as a balcony or a ladder, to suffer serious injuries. Slip and fall accidents account for more than one million hospital emergency room visits per year, as reported by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI). Falls occurring on the same level account for approximately 60 percent of compensable fall cases. If you have been hurt in a Costa Mesa slip and fall accident on someone else’s property due to property or business owner negligence, you may have a premises liability claim.
The Costa Mesa premises liability attorneys at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie have years of experience with slip and fall accidents and injuries. We’ve seen firsthand just how devastating and impactful they can be. If you or a loved one have been injured by a slip and fall incident, don’t hesitate to contact us and find out just how we can help.
Common Slip and Fall Accident Scenarios
Some slip and fall accidents are simply accidents, and no one else’s fault. On the other hand, many slip and fall accidents result from property owner negligence. Examples of dangerous conditions on a property that can lead to slip and falls include:
- Floors that are freshly mopped or waxed with no warnings posted
- Spilled grease or liquids not promptly addressed and safe walking surfaces restored
- Uneven floor surfaces, such as loose floorboards, or torn or uneven carpets
- Poor lighting in stairways and hallways
- Potholes in parking lots
- Defective sidewalks
- Icy walkways
Common Injuries In Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls are the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in the U.S., as stated by the National Safety Council. Common injuries in slip and fall accidents include:
- Head and brain trauma: Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Bone fractures: Fractures occur in 5 percent of people who fall, according to NFSI. Hip fractures are the most serious type of broken bones sustained in falls, leading to the most severe health problems and the largest number of deaths.
- Back and spinal cord injuries: A bad fall can cause damage to the vertebrae or slipped or herniated discs. In the worst cases, damage to the spinal cord itself can lead to partial or full paralysis below the level of the injury. Falls can also strain muscles and ligaments, leading to acute or chronic back pain.
- Shoulder injuries: When you trip and fall, it is a natural reaction to put out your arms to break your fall. This can dislocate the shoulder or strain the tendons. Falling directly on your shoulder can also cause a shoulder dislocation.
- Sprains and strains: Ligaments, tendons, and muscles can be overstretched, twisted, or torn in slip and fall accidents. Sprained ankles and knees are common.
Property Owners’ Duty of Care
In California, the owner or occupier of a property has the duty to exercise a reasonable level of care in maintaining the property to avoid exposing others to an unreasonable risk of harm. The owner or occupier is obligated to:
- Maintain the property.
- Inspect the property.
- Repair any potentially hazardous conditions; and
- Provide adequate warning of any dangerous conditions that exist on the property.
A property owner who fails in this duty may be liable for slip and fall accident injuries that occur as a result.
Proving Liability In a Costa Mesa Slip and Fall Accident Case
To win a premises liability claim for compensation after a slip and fall accident, you must show that you suffered harm as a result of the property owner or occupier’s negligence in managing the property. Your attorney must prove that:
- The person or entity against whom you are filing a claim (defendant) owned, occupied, leased, or controlled the property where you were hurt.
- The defendant was negligent in the use or maintenance of the property.
- You suffered an injury.
- The defendant’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing the harm you suffered.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Premises liability claims for slip and fall accidents can be complicated. Your best chance of recovering the maximum available compensation is to have an experienced attorney by your side.
Our Costa Mesa personal injury lawyers at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie have decades of experience and a track record of success for our clients. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for the people we serve. We offer a free initial consultation with no time limits or restrictions. Call us at (949) 752-7474 today to find out how we can help if you were injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property.
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