Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common reasons behind hospitalizations, emergency visits, physical incapacitation, and death. Hundreds of thousands of slip and fall accidents occur each year in the United States, leaving their victims with thousands of dollars in costs of medical/surgical treatments and significant potential loss of income due to their injuries. Besides hefty medical bills and the consequent financial setback, these accidents have a high rate of serious physical injuries, including bleeding, bruises, bone fractures, paralysis, and death.
Although slip and fall accidents are very common, it is quite difficult to anticipate them because they can happen anywhere and at any time. However, there are some locations and situations where these accidents are more likely to take place, including crowded public and private areas that have a higher risk of having unaddressed safety hazards. If you or your loved one got injured in such an accident, you can enlist the services of a skilled slip and fall lawyer at Salamati Law Firm in Los Angeles, CA who can help you obtain fair financial compensation for your injuries through a lawsuit against the negligent party.
Common Slip and Fall Locations
Slip and fall accidents can occur in a wide range of public and private locations for a number of reasons. Statistics show that the following locations carry the highest risk of slip and fall accidents:
Stairways
Stairways that have not been maintained properly are one of the most common locations for such accidents. With time, stairways can become host to a number of safety hazards, including poor lighting, missing handrails, loose carpeting, liquid spills, etc. Uneven stairs also cause unsuspecting individuals to slip and fall.
Parking Lots
Parking lot slip and fall accidents occur due to poor lighting, slippery surfaces (rain, ice, snow), oil spills, open potholes, broken or uneven pavements, and more. Distracted drivers driving in parking lots can also cause individuals to slip and fall, getting seriously injured in the process.
Public Places
Public places like shopping malls, restaurants, grocery stores, and airports are prime locations for slip and fall accidents that result from unaddressed safety hazards. These places see a lot of foot traffic each day, increasing the risk of people slipping and falling if there are slippery surfaces, loose carpeting, lack of railings, insufficient warning signs, etc.
Private Properties
Besides public places, private properties like offices, residential apartments, and houses are common locations where slip and fall accidents might occur. Each private property owner owes their guests or visitors a duty of care, which entails the creation and maintenance of safe conditions in their establishment.
The presence of safety hazards and the failure of property owner/staff to address these hazards timely violates this duty of care. If it leads to a slip and fall injury, the injured individual can pursue legal action against the property owner for the compensation of damages.
Consulting a Lawyer
In the aftermath of any slip and fall accident, it is essential to consult an experienced slip and fall lawyer who will guide you through the complicated legal process of filing a lawsuit and assist you in obtaining fair financial compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial damages. A competent attorney will also help you gather relevant evidence and file the required paperwork to make the process easier.