Slip and falls are a key cause of personal injury all over the world. Slips and trips can be caused by a number of issues: trip hazards such as cables, loose rugs or damaged flooring can trip even the most sure-footed person, while a slippery floor can cause your footwear to lose traction, resulting in a disastrous fall.
One main cause, and perhaps the most straightforward cause, of slip and fall personal injuries is wet flooring. Even safe and secure flooring can change its properties drastically when wet, becoming a real hazard. Water on a hard surface reduces traction, making it very easy for you to slip.
A slip and fall may seem minor, but one in five results in a serious injury, such as a broken bone or even a head injury. Although these injuries are sustained in seconds, recovery can take weeks, months, or even years. If a fall is particularly bad, it could be life-altering. For this reason, businesses, workplaces and other premises owners are legally obliged to prevent trip and slip hazards, such as trailing cables, unsafe flooring and wet floors. If they are unable to prevent such hazards—after all, spills do happen and flooring has to be cleaned—they must warn any people on the property of this hazard. We can only act suitably, e.g. by walking more slowly and being more cautious in general, if we are informed of the situation we are in and all associated hazards. That’s why traditional “wet floor” signs are bright yellow: this catches the eye, ensuring that passers-by are informed.
Of course, wet floors can combine with other hazards to create a serious incident. If a worker slips on a wet floor on a raised walkway and there is no railing there to break their fall or for them to hold onto, they may fall off the walkway. It may be more likely for a workplace or other setting that does not protect people sufficiently from wet floors to take other hazards lightly as well. If your personal injury was caused by a complex set of causes such as this, Scranton Law Firm can still assess your case and seek a settlement to cover your costs.
If you have suffered any kind of personal injury due to a wet floor, Scranton Law Firm will be happy to review your case free of charge. No matter where in California you’re based, our experienced slip and fall lawyers can travel to Stockton, Grass Valley, Folsom and everywhere in between to meet you in person to establish your case. If you prefer, we can also arrange a video conference call to discuss the details and get the ball rolling. Get in touch with our team today.
California Slip And Fall FAQs
1. Can I file a slip and fall claim if the accident occurred in a private residence in California? Yes, you can file a slip and fall claim if the accident occurred in a private residence in California, provided that the homeowner or property owner was negligent in maintaining safe conditions.
2. Are businesses in California liable for slip and fall accidents on their premises? Yes, businesses in California have a duty to ensure their premises are safe for customers and visitors. If a hazardous condition causes a slip and fall accident, the business may be held liable for the injuries.
3. What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident in California? After a slip and fall accident in California, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention if necessary. Report the incident to the property owner or manager and gather evidence, such as photographs of the accident scene and any visible injuries.
4. Do I need to prove the property owner’s negligence to win a slip and fall case in California? Yes, to win a slip and fall case in California, you must establish that the property owner was negligent. This involves proving that they knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to address it.
5. Can I still file a slip and fall claim if I was partially at fault for the accident in California? Yes, California follows a comparative negligence rule. As long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident, you may still pursue a slip and fall claim, although your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
6. Is there a time limit for filing a slip and fall lawsuit in California? Yes, the statute of limitations for slip and fall lawsuits in California is generally two years from the date of the accident. It is crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure you meet the deadline for filing your claim.
7. Can I handle a slip and fall claim without hiring an attorney in California? While you can handle a slip and fall claim on your own, it is not recommended. An experienced slip and fall attorney can navigate the legal complexities, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation.
8. Can I file a slip and fall claim for injuries in a government-owned property in California? Yes, you can file a slip and fall claim for injuries in a government-owned property in California, but it involves specific rules and procedures. Claims against government entities may have shorter deadlines, so it is important to act promptly.
9. What should I do if the property owner denies liability for my slip and fall injuries in California? If the property owner denies liability, consult with a slip and fall attorney who can investigate the case, gather evidence, and build a strong claim to challenge the denial.
10. Can I still pursue a slip and fall claim if I signed a waiver of liability in California? Waivers of liability are not always enforceable, especially if they were improperly drafted or if gross negligence was involved. Consult with an attorney to determine if you can still pursue a claim despite signing a waiver.