Friday, April 13, 2012

What to Know about Slip and Fall Accidents


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics show that there are more than one million Americans who suffer from slip and fall injury each year. Out of such numbers, more than 17,000 people die. Moreover, the CDC states that 15 percent of all job-related injuries are caused by slip and fall.

Also, based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), slip and fall accident is the second leading cause of impairments and deaths after car accidents. This is one of the things that people should take note of so that they will not neglect the risk of slip and fall.

Victims of this accident must seek legal help from Los Angeles lawyers right after the occurrence of the accident. It is very important to pay close attention to this matter so that no major complication will develop soon after. An experienced lawyer can also refer the victim to a doctor specializing in slip and fall injuries.

The following are the common conditions that lead to a reasonable slip and fall claim:

  • Ice
  • Substandard flooring
  • Floor mats that are secured improperly
  • Poor lighting
  • Unsafe staircases or steps
  • Standing water puddles
  • Hidden drop offs or cracks
  • Snow or ice on sidewalks

Slip and fall cases can be classified under premises liability. It is stated under the premises liability statute that premises owners are in full responsibility as regards to maintaining and ensuring the safety of environment. If owners fail to do so and a person got injured, the former may be ordered by the court to pay for the lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering of the latter.

In proving a claim, the plaintiff must be able to establish and prove that there was a dangerous condition in the premises that directly contributed to the occurrence of the accident. The following accounts may help:

  • Proving that the property owner should have had an idea about the risky condition.
  • Proving that the property owner had sufficient the time to correct the problem that caused the fall.
  •  Proving that the property owner negligently failed to give warning or correct the problem.

Anyone who suffers from slip and fall injuries should get proper legal advice from a slip and fall lawyer in order to achieve justice from what has been suffered. Contact the nearest law firm in your place immediately.

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