Sacramento Slip and Fall Injury Attorney
In Sacramento, California, slip and fall accidents are among the most common scenarios that result in personal harm. Depending on the circumstances, they can cause multiple broken bones, spinal cord injuries, concussions, and many other physical consequences. In construction, falls are the number one cause of worker death, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Contents
Types of Slip and Fall Accidents in Sacramento
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. Determining fault after a harmful accident often needs a consultation with an experienced lawyer. Our Sacramento injury attorneys have handled slip and fall cases dealing with hazards such as:
- Uneven curbs
- Damaged sidewalks
- Potholes, trenches, and ditches
- Icy parking lots or sidewalks
- Obstacles in walkways
- Loose cords or wires
- Wet and slippery floors
- Damaged floors
- Oily or greasy floors
- Unsafe carpeting
- Faulty staircases
- Inadequate lighting
Slips and falls can happen at grocery stores, restaurants, parks, playgrounds, workplaces, hospitals, or private residences. Regardless of the location or cause of the slip and fall, the injured party may be able to file a claim if the property owner is responsible for inflicting harm.
What Are Some Common Injuries Sustained in a Slip and Fall Accident?
While some people may consider slip and fall accidents less severe, the dangers of a slip and fall accident are prevalent. The National Floor Safety Institute states that there are around eight million emergency room visits each year due to falls, and roughly 12% are slip and fall accidents. Some of the most common injuries one can face due to a slip and fall accident are:
- Broken bones
- Sprained ankles or wrists
- Knee damage
- Shoulder dislocations or muscle strains
- Spine and nerve damage
- Traumatic brain injury
- Cuts and bruises
When someone else’s disregard for your safety and the safety of others causes you to suffer serious harm, you have the right to seek compensation for the injuries you sustain. It is worth the time and effort to contact a personal injury attorney about your situation. You may want to call more than one lawyer to get a second opinion, and to see who you feel would represent you best.
Are Slip and Fall Accidents a Form of Premises Liability in California?
Slip and fall accidents take the form of premises liability cases in most situations. Premises liability describes the responsibility property owners have to keep their premises safe for visitors. According to the law, property owners owe specific cares of duty to visitors depending on their status:
Invitees
Invitees are people the owner expressly or implicitly invites to the property, such as customers to a business or friends to a party. Property owners owe invitees the highest standard of care and must repair known hazards, search for unknown ones, and properly warn visitors of potential dangers.
Licensees
While there are people the property owner allows on the premises, some individuals may appear of their own accord. Licensees, including salespeople and land surveyors, can enter the property and still hold some standard of care. The amount is slightly lower for licensees than for guests, and the owner does not have to search for unknown hazards.
Trespassers
Trespassers are people the property owner does not invite and who enter without permission. Property owners owe no standards of care to trespassers other than not to cause them harm. The only exception is if the trespassers are children, in which case they earn the same degree of care as licensees.
These brief descriptions may give you an idea of the duties of care the property owner owes you, depending on your status as a visitor at the time of your slip and fall. Always consult with an attorney about your specific case, rights, and legal options moving forward. If the establishment owner did not provide you with the proper care as a visitor, you can seek compensation for the damages you incur due to their lack of care.
SACRAMENTO SLIP AND FALL INJURY LAWYER
If you’ve suffered a severe injury in a slip and fall accident, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your medical expenses, including future accident-related medical bills and lost wages from missed time at work.
Each state has its own statute of limitations, which is the period of time after the injury when you can legally file a claim for compensation. While this period of time varies based on numerous factors, the sooner you contact an attorney, the better.
