Trip and fall accidents are a common cause of personal injuries. These accidents can occur in a variety of settings, including public places, private properties, and workplaces. When someone trips and falls, they may suffer serious injuries such as broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trip and fall accident, it's important to understand your legal rights and options.
Common Causes of Trip and Fall Accidents
Trip and fall accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Some common causes include:
- Uneven or cracked sidewalks or walkways
- Wet or slippery floors
- Poor lighting or visibility
- Loose or torn carpets or rugs
- Potholes or other defects in the ground
- Obstructions in walkways such as boxes or cords
- Inadequate handrails or guardrails on stairs
- Defective stairs or escalators
These hazards can be found in a variety of settings, including grocery stores, shopping malls, office buildings, schools, and public parks. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn visitors of any potential hazards.
Proving Negligence in Trip and Fall Cases
To recover compensation for a trip and fall injury, the injured party must prove that the property owner was negligent. This means that the property owner failed to exercise reasonable care in maintaining their property and allowing visitors on their premises.
In order to prove negligence, the injured party must establish the following elements:
The property owner owed a duty to the injured party to keep the premises safe. The property owner breached this duty by failing to keep the premises safe. The breach of duty was the cause of the trip and fall accident. The injured party suffered damages as a result of the accident.
For example, if someone trips and falls on a cracked sidewalk outside of a store, the injured party may be able to recover compensation if they can show that the store owner knew or should have known about the crack and failed to repair it.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you have been injured in a trip and fall accident, it's important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and seek fair compensation for your injuries.
Here are some of the ways a personal injury lawyer can help:
Investigating the accident to gather evidence of negligence. Consulting with experts such as engineers or safety professionals to determine the cause of the accident and the extent of the injuries. Negotiating with insurance companies to seek fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Representing the injured party in court if a settlement cannot be reached. Providing ongoing support and guidance throughout the legal process.
Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer
When choosing a personal injury lawyer to represent you in a trip and fall case, it's important to look for someone with experience, a strong track record of success, and a commitment to client service. You should also look for a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law, as this area of law can be complex and requires specialized knowledge.
Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., located in Calabasas, Los Angeles County and serving California, has years of experience representing clients in trip and fall cases of all types. We are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to help our clients seek the compensation they deserve.
If you've been injured in a trip and fall accident, contact us today at 323-524-8994 to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with our experienced personal injury team. We'll review your case and provide guidance on your legal options.