Orange County Slip and Fall Attorney

Slip and fall injuries are a common but serious type of premises liability accident. In California, these incidents often occur due to hazardous conditions that stem from the negligence of property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions for visitors.

At the Law Offices of Steven Zwick, our dedicated attorneys are committed to helping those who have suffered injuries due to slip and fall accidents. We understand the toll these incidents can take and we strive to help you pursue the compensation you need. Based in Mission Viejo, California, we serve clients throughout Orange County. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

What Is a Slip & Fall Accident?

Slip and fall injuries occur when hazardous conditions on a property cause a person to lose their footing and subsequently fall. These accidents can lead to significant injuries ranging from minor bruises to more severe conditions like fractures, sprains, or traumatic brain injuries.

Whether they own residential, commercial, or public spaces, property owners have an obligation to ensure their environments are safe for all lawful visitors under California law. When they neglect this responsibility, they may be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result.

Common Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can arise from a variety of unsafe conditions on a property. Some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents include but are not limited to:

Wet or slippery floors: This can be due to spills, recently cleaned surfaces, or accumulated rainwater (or snow and ice) without proper warning signs.

Loose or torn carpets and mats: Unsecured floor coverings can create tripping hazards.

Uneven flooring: Cracks, potholes, or sudden changes in flooring levels can often lead to dangerous trips and falls.

Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting can obscure potential hazards in walkways or staircases and subsequently increase the risk of accidents.

Unmarked hazards: Failing to provide visible warning signs around temporary dangers can result in preventable injuries.

Injured in a Slip and Fall?

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Potential Compensation for Slip & Fall Accidents

Victims of slip and fall accidents commonly face substantial financial burdens and personal distress. Filing a personal injury claim allows you to seek compensation to help alleviate these burdens. Some common types of compensation you might be eligible to receive include:

Medical expenses: This includes the cost of emergency services, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any future medical needs related to the accident.

Lost income: If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may seek compensation for lost wages, as well as future earning capacity if your injury prevents returning to your previous employment.

Pain and suffering: Emotional and physical pain, as well as any decrease in quality of life, are considered non-economic damages eligible for compensation.

Out-of-pocket costs: These might include transportation to medical appointments, home care services, and other additional expenses incurred due to the accident.

Establishing Liability in Slip & Fall Cases

To successfully claim compensation for a slip and fall accident, you and your attorney will need to demonstrate that the property owner was responsible for creating or neglecting to remedy a hazardous condition and that their negligence directly caused your injury. A successful claim will rely on establishing the following:

Duty of care: You must prove that the property owner had a legal obligation to ensure the safety of the premises for visitors.

Breach of duty: you must provide evidence that the property owner knew, or should have known, about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or provide adequate warnings.

Causation: You must show a direct connection between the breach of duty and your injuries.

Damages: You must document the injuries and their financial implications, such as through medical bills and lost wages.

California law requires property owners to regularly inspect their premises and address any potential hazards. If not promptly corrected, property owners can be held liable for any slip and fall accidents that occur.

Comparative Negligence in California

California follows a comparative negligence law. This means that if you are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the accident and were awarded $100,000, your compensation would be decreased by that percentage and you would be able to recover $80,000.

How Can the Law Offices of Steven Zwick Help?

At the Law Offices of Steven Zwick, our experience and in-depth understanding of California premises liability law enable us to effectively handle slip-and-fall injury claims. Some of the ways we can help you with your case include:

Gathering crucial evidence: We strive to help you collect critical documentation and evidence to support your claim. This can include medical records, safety reports, surveillance footage, and eyewitness statements.

Working with experts: Our firm regularly collaborates with industry experts, such as engineers and medical professionals. This can help bolster your case by providing specialized insights into how the property owner’s negligence directly contributed to your injuries.

Negotiating with insurance companies: Our attorneys are skilled at negotiating with insurance providers to help ensure that you receive a fair settlement that comprehensively covers your losses and damages.

Aggressive court representation: If negotiations fail and a settlement can't be reached, we are ready to vigorously represent your interests in court and present a compelling case on your behalf to help achieve justice and compensation for your suffering.

Orange County Slip & Fall Accident Attorney

At the Law Offices of Steven Zwick, we believe each client and case is important. We tailor our legal services to fit the specific needs and circumstances of your case. By choosing us, you gain a committed legal partner dedicated to ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible while you concentrate on recovery.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, reach out to our firm today. Based in Mission Viejo, California, our skilled attorneys serve clients across Orange County and are prepared to help you navigate your premises liability claim. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.