Slip & fall accidents, also known as premises liability accidents, occur when an individual slips, trips, or falls on another person’s property and is injured as a result. These accidents can occur in a variety of settings, including stores, restaurants, offices, and other public spaces. According to California Civil Code § 1714, property owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a safe condition, and can be held liable for injuries sustained on their property if they fail to do so.
In California, slip & fall accidents are a common occurrence, with over 50,000 accidents occurring in the state each year. These accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries such as broken bones and head injuries. It is important for property owners to take necessary precautions to prevent slip & fall accidents from occurring, as the consequences for victims can be severe.
According to data from the California Department of Public Health, there were over 50,000 slip & fall accidents in California in 2020. These accidents resulted in over 10,000 hospitalizations and over 500 fatalities. Slip & fall accidents are more common among older adults, with individuals over the age of 65 accounting for over half of all hospitalizations due to slip & fall accidents in the state.
In addition to the overall number of slip & fall accidents in California, certain types of businesses and public spaces are more prone to these types of accidents. For example, data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) shows that retail stores and restaurants have some of the highest rates of slip & fall accidents in the state. This may be due to factors such as wet or slippery floors and inadequate lighting.
Overall, the statistics on slip & fall accidents in California highlight the importance of taking necessary precautions to prevent these accidents from occurring.
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.
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.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to slip & fall accidents in California. Some of the most common causes include:
Wet or slippery floors: California Civil Code § 1714 requires property owners to maintain their premises in a safe condition, including ensuring that floors are kept clean and dry. Wet or slippery floors can pose a significant hazard to individuals on the property and are a common cause of slip & fall accidents.
Inadequate lighting: Poor lighting can make it difficult for individuals to see potential hazards on a property, increasing the risk of a slip & fall accident. California Civil Code § 1714 requires property owners to maintain adequate lighting on their premises to ensure the safety of individuals on the property.
Tripping hazards: Objects left in walkways or uneven surfaces can create tripping hazards that can lead to slip & fall accidents. Property owners have a duty to remove or repair these hazards to prevent accidents from occurring.
Overall, it is important for property owners in California to take necessary precautions to prevent slip & fall accidents from occurring, including keeping floors clean and dry, maintaining adequate lighting, and removing tripping hazards.
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.
Slip and fall incidents can lead to a broad spectrum of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Minor injuries might include bruises, hematomas, or mild strains—these are often painful but typically heal with time and minimal medical treatment. However, not all slip and fall outcomes are so benign.
More severe falls can result in catastrophic injuries that change lives forever. These can include broken bones, such as fractures in the arms, wrists, legs, and ankles, which may require surgery and long recovery periods. Back strains are also common and can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.
In the most severe cases, individuals might suffer from traumatic brain injuries, which can lead to long-term cognitive issues, physical impairments, or both. Tragically, some slip and fall accidents can even result in death.
Recognizing the potential severity of these injuries is crucial for understanding the full impact of slip and fall accidents and the importance of preventive measures and appropriate legal responses.
Slip & fall accidents can have serious consequences for victims, both physically and financially. Physical injuries sustained in a slip & fall accident can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries such as broken bones, head injuries, and even death. In 2020, over 10,000 individuals were hospitalized due to slip & fall accidents in California.
In addition to physical injuries, slip & fall accidents can also have significant financial consequences for victims. This can include the cost of medical treatment, lost wages due to time off work, and other damages. California law allows victims of slip & fall accidents to seek compensation for these damages through a personal injury claim. According to California Civil Code § 1714, property owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a safe condition, and can be held liable for injuries sustained on their property if they fail to do so.
Overall, the impact of slip & fall accidents on victims can be severe, and it is important for victims to seek appropriate medical treatment and legal counsel to ensure that their rights are protected.
If you are involved in a slip & fall accident in California, it is important to take certain steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights. These steps include:
There are a number of laws and regulations in California that relate to slip & fall accidents. Some of the most important include:
Overall, it is important for individuals who have been injured in a slip & fall accident in California to understand the state’s laws and regulations related to these types of accidents, as they can have significant implications in the event of an accident.
There are several steps that property owners in California can take to prevent slip & fall accidents from occurring on their premises:
Post warning signs: If there are potential hazards on a property that cannot be immediately repaired or removed, property owners should consider posting warning signs to alert individuals to the hazard.
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.