Wednesday, November 16, 2011

What You Should Know about Slip and Fall

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics reveal that there are more than one million American citizens who suffer from a slip and fall injury every year. Out of such numbers, more than 17,000 people die. Furthermore, the CDC states that 15 percent of all job-related injuries can be attributed to slip and fall.

Victims of this accident must seek for a Santa Monica attorney right after the occurrence of such incident. It is very important to pay close attention to this matter so that no major complication will develop soon after. A lawyer cannot only offer you his or her legal prowess, but he or she can also refer you to the best doctor who specializes in slip and fall accident.

Meanwhile, based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), slip and fall accidents are the second leading bringer of impairments and deaths after car accidents. The earlier cited studies conducted by CDC and OSHA eliminate the wrong conception that many people have. Majority of the people thinks that legal charges are being filed because the plaintiff can get compensation at hand.

The following are the most obvious conditions that can lead to legitimate slip and fall claims:
  • Poor lighting
  • Unsafe staircases or steps
  • Clear ice
  • Snow or ice on sidewalks
  • Standing water puddles
  • Substandard flooring
  • Hidden drop offs or cracks
  • Floor mats that are secured improperly

Meanwhile, slip and fall cases can be classified under premises liability. It is stated under the premises liability statute that property owners and businesses are in full responsibility as to maintaining the safety of environment. If they fail to do so and somebody got injured, the property owners may be mandated to pay for the lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering.

In proving a claim, the victim must be able to establish that there was a risky situation in the property that directly contributed to the occurrence of slip and fall. The following may help:

  • Showing that the property owner should have had an idea about the hazardous condition
  • Showing that the property owner had the time to correct the problem that caused the fall
  • Showing that the property owner inattentively failed to give warning or correct the problem

Anyone who suffers from slip and fall should obtain proper legal advice from Santa Monica attorney in order to achieve justice from what has been suffered

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