Slip & Fall Accidents

Slip & Fall or Trip and Fall accidents are injuries that occur when a property is improperly maintained. In California, property owners have an obligation to either keep their property in a safe condition or warn guests of any unsafe condition. However, far too often property owners ignore this duty, which can result in slip and fall injuries.

When Do Falls Occur

Falls most commonly occur when the premises are unsafe. Many common reasons for falls include: wet floor, icy walkway, poor lighting, unexpected tripping hazards, uneven floor, or slipper flooring. These dangerous conditions can exist anywhere that guests are anticipated, including: grocery stores, strip malls, shopping centers, parking lots, or office buildings. Slip and Falls can also happen either while working, or even off the job. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, over 85% of the workers compensation claims are due to employees sliping on slick floors. As such, many slip and fall injuries result in workers’ compensation claims, but can also lead to a negligence civil action, depending on the circumstances.

Two Types of Falls

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there are two types of falls: the first is an elevated fall and the second is a same-level fall. Same level falls usually occur when someone trips or slips while walking, running or working. Elevated Falls occur when someone is at a higher level, such as stepping off a curb, steps, or ladder. The CDC recognizes that elevated falls are generally more serious and dangerous than same-level falls. Often, when evaluating a slip and fall injury, we must consider whether it is an elevated or same-level fall.

Falls and Aginig

The severity of an injury in slip and fall case can depend on the age of the victim. The likelihood of injury, long term consequences, or even death, increases with age. This is particularly true for individuals over 85 years old – this age group’s risk for fatality from a fall is most heightened. This is further complicated by the fact that the likelihood of falls also increases with age.  Some statisticians have found that close to 2,000 older Americans will face mortality as a result of a fall within a nursing home.

Complications Resulting from Slip and Falls

Understandably, slip and fall injuries can result in a wide array of injuries. Some falls are minor injuries that result in bruises, hematomas, or minor strains. While other falls can result in long-lasting consequences, such as paralysis, limited mobility, or even fatality. Common slip and fall complications include:

• Broken or Fractured Arms
• Broken or Fractured Wrists
• Broken or Fractured Legs
• Broken or Fractured Ankles
• Back Strains
• Brain damage
• Death

How Can Anderson Franco Assist you if you have had such an accident?

Anderson Franco has extensive experience handling personal injury claims and slip and fall claims. Notably, Anderson Franco has represented slip and fall victims and insurance companies defending slip and fall accidents. This means that Anderson Franco is very well versed in advocating for slip and fall victims because he understands how insurance companies evaluate the claims.

What to Do after a Slip and Fall

1. Seek medical attention – the most important thing is for you or your loved one to get the help that you need. Your health and wellbeing are of the utmost importance. ENsure that your doctor is properly documenting all of your injuries. These medical records will be used in your lawsuit and therefore it is important that they capture the severity of your injury  accurately.
2. Document and Report your Accident – Regardless of the location it is important to get your slip and fall documented. Depending on where the accident occurs, you should reach out to your landlord, apartment manager, HOA, store owner, or facilities manager And get a written report. If possible obtain a copy of this report before leaving.
3. Take photos and obtain documentation of everything – It is important to obtain photos of where the slip and fall occurred, your injuries, or anything else that may be relevant. In addition you will want to obtain names, phone numbers, email addresses, or any other information that is relevant from parties that were present when your fall occurred. These individuals and statements which they are later able to provide could be used to prove your keys and to obtain the settlement that you deserve. if possible also document what you were wearing including shoes and whether there were any objects which resulted in your fall.
4. Refrain from commenting or posting on social media. Things that you post on social media, emails, and text messages, etc. can be used as evidence during your lawsuit. As a result, refrain from sharing any information without your lawyer present.
5. Call or message Anderson Franco. Anderson has dealt with many slip and fall accidents and is a trusted advisor to his clients. He can assist you in working with the opposing attorney, obtaining a settlement from your insurance, and working to lower your medical bills. He is able to handle the paperwork, keep in mind filing deadlines and will give you his one on one attention.