Slip & fall

Slip and fall accidents can be hard to avoid, especially when the person is unaware of dangers such as spills on the floor or tripping hazards such as uneven pavement. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more than 240,000 non-fatal slip, trip, and fall accidents occurred in the workplace 2018 across the country. Slip and fall accidents account for more than one million hospital emergency room visits.

Proving liability in a slip and fall accident is a complex process. You need to prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the danger and did not make any effort to correct it. The issue of comparative negligence must be considered as well. In other words, did you do something that contributed to the accident? An experienced slip and fall lawyer working on your case will answer your questions, gather evidence, interview witnesses, deal with the insurance companies, and prepare your claim to obtain the maximum settlement.

Your next step could lead to injury

A slip and fall accident is probably not something you think about on a daily basis. But factors like dim lighting, faulty floors, damaged handrails, broken steps, snow, ice, and potholes can lead to serious injury in a matter of mere seconds.

Slip & falls among most common injuries

According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls account for more than 8 million hospital emergency room visits. At 21.3%, falls are the leading cause of hospital emergency room visits. Slips and falls account for more than 1 million visits.

More information

• Where Do Slip And Falls Or Trip And Fall Accidents Generally Occur?

Quick facts about slip & fall accidents

When you trip on the street or at work, it’s normally easy to recover. If you fall, you typically expect to be sore at the point of contact before the pain goes away on its own. While it may seem that they aren’t a big deal, slips and falls can lead to fractures and even death. The NFSI also released these quick facts:

• Slips and falls are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims
• Slips and falls accident are the leading cause of occupational injury for people 55 years and older
• Half of all accidental deaths in the home are caused by a fall
• Most fall injuries in the home happen on the ground level
• One of every three people over the age of 65 in the United States will experience a fall
• Compensation and medical costs associated with employee slip and fall accidents is approximately $70 billion annually
• 22% of slips and falls resulted in more than 31 days away from work

Slips and falls can occur at home, in the workplace, or just about anywhere else, and they can result in time away from work and/or serious, life-changing injury.

California Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations refers to the amount of time the law allows you to file a claim. In the state of California, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a civil lawsuit for “an action for injury to the rights of another” and for “an action for taking, detaining, or injuring personal property.”

It doesn’t pay to be late

If you try to file your claim after the two-year period ends, the defendant will likely make a motion to dismiss your case, and the court will most likely grant it. In this scenario, you wouldn’t have a chance to explain your case and earn the retribution you seek.

It’s imperative to immediately seek an attorney

Remember that the two-year period is a strict “clock” that doesn’t stop for weekends or holidays. If you’ve been the victim of a slip and fall and want to make things right, it’s crucial to talk to a lawyer sooner rather than later.

Contact a La Habra, CA slip & fall attorney

Any personal injury should be taken seriously, and that’s especially true considering California’s statute of limitations. Our team of lawyers in La Habra, California is experienced in slip and fall cases and can help you file your claim. Let the attorneys at Holland & Holland assist you through this difficult time. Contact us today for a consultation.