Glendale Firm Advocates for Victims of Slip and Fall Injuries
Accomplished California lawyer works to maximize payment in premises liability cases
You could be at the supermarket, strolling on a sidewalk or even at a friend’s house when a sudden slip and fall causes a painful injury. The resulting effects could require medical treatment and force you make significant adjustments to your life during a slow, painful recovery. If you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident, Geragos Law Group is prepared to help. Our Glendale firm performs intensive investigations in these cases, then provides the aggressive litigation necessary to recover appropriate compensation. Regardless of what specifically triggered your slip and fall, we are determined to help obtain the payment you need to cover your medical bills and focus on resuming your normal activities.
Common causes and injuries resulting from slip and falls
A slip and fall (or trip and fall) accident is just what the name suggests. These claims arise when a hidden hazard causes someone to lose their footing. Injuries can be caused by the victim hitting the ground or twisting part of their body in an attempt to maintain their balance. Common reasons slip/trip and falls occur include:
- Wet surfaces
- Uneven flooring
- Debris on stairs
- Cracked sidewalks
- Broken or loose tiles
- Potholes
- Poor lighting
When a hidden hazard takes you by surprise, you could find yourself requiring medical treatment for one or more of the following conditions:
- Concussion or another type of traumatic brain injury
- Bone fractures or breaks
- Compacted vertebrae
- Compressed/herniated disc
- Torn cartilage or ligaments
- Muscle strains
- Pinched nerves
The effects of a slip and fall vary depending on the circumstances. Some injuries clear up within a few days or weeks, while others can induce chronic, debilitating pain. We pursue the appropriate compensation for your unique situation and prognosis for recovery.
Establishing liability for slip and fall accidents
Generally speaking, the party in control of a property has a duty to make the premises reasonably safe for visitors. The standards vary according to whether the property is commercial or private, and whether the injured party was a social visitor or a customer. To put it simply, a commercial proprietor, such as a storeowner, has a duty to make a reasonable effort to identify potential dangers and either correct them or provide a warning that is adequate for the average visitor. A social host only has a duty to warn about known hazards.
Legal responsibility for a slip and fall accident often turns on whether the property owner or manager behaved reasonably. The court will inquire whether:
- The defendant had a system in place to check for hazards
- How long the hazard existed prior to the injury
- The hazard was created by an employee of the property owner or another visitor
- There was enough time for a diligent property owner to respond to the hazard before the accident happened
- A warning was adequate
Other questions might also arise depending on the circumstances of the case.
What to do after a slip and fall accident
Slip and fall accident cases can be difficult to prove. Often, a defendant will fix the problem after a guest falls, making it more difficult to prove negligence. That’s why you should take photos at the scene if possible. Then, immediately seek medical attention, for your safety and to create a record of your injury. California law allows two years to bring a personal injury claim, but you should call an attorney promptly so that evidence is not lost.
Contact an experienced California slip and fall accident lawyer for a free consultation
Geragos Law Group in Glendale provides aggressive personal injury representation for victims of slip and fall accidents in Southern California. To schedule a free consultation, call 213-652-2129 or contact our office online.
