When it comes to personal injuries, slip and fall accidents are by far among the most common. In fact, nearly a million people wind up in hospitals all over the United States as a result of a slip and fall accident per year. While some of the injuries sustained by slip and fall victims are as minor as a bump or bruise, some are actually quite severe like broken bones, brain damage, and death.
The legal impact of a slip and fall accident usually consists of a tort or civil case in which the injured party alleges negligence upon the party responsible for maintaining or owning the property in order to seek compensation for their damages. Slip and fall accidents are common both in public settings and private homes.
Slip & Fall Injury Claims
The standards for what would qualify as a viable slip and fall case in West Hollywood rely on a number of different factors. Most of these cases stem from accidents that took place at a business, leaving the business owner susceptible to a lawsuit due to their responsibility to provide safe conditions for the public and their employees.
However, our slip and fall attorneys have seen plenty of cases brought to court because a homeowner failed to maintain their property in a way that lived up to reasonably safe conditions and standards.
In all of these slip and fall cases, the burden of proof will fall upon the plaintiff. That means that if you were to fall and decide to bring a lawsuit against someone because of that fall, you will be responsible for proving to the court that your fall could have been prevented and that the defendant is responsible for your damages.
In some cases, the courts will find that both parties played a role in contributing to the slip and fall accident. The result in these cases is usually that any award that may have been given to the plaintiff may be reduced depending on the role that they played in their own fall.
The basis for any damages to be recovered are typically:
- Medical bills;
- Lost time from work;
- Pain and suffering; and, occasionally emotional distress.
However, be advised that emotional distress and pain and suffering are typically very difficult for you to receive compensation unless you have top-notch West Hollywood slip and fall attorneys on your side.
The Common Causes Of Slip & Fall Accidents
Our West Hollywood slip and fall attorneys are inundated with these cases each year. While some of the causes are unique, most of them boil down to the same few time and time again. Here are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents:
- Hazardous walking surfaces like wet floors;
- Weather conditions;
- Nursing home neglect;
- Unsafe footwear; and,
- Improper workplace training.
Are You in Need of a West Hollywood Slip and Fall Attorney?
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a slip and fall in West Hollywood, it is imperative to be prepared for what happens next.
Feel free to call our West Hollywood slip and fall attorneys anytime during our office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (323) 999-HELP. We will also make sure that there is always someone available to take your call 24/7 because accidents can happen any time and you shouldn’t have to wait. Of course, you can also visit our website as well and chat with a Live Chat representative.