Slip and fall accidents can lead to devastating physical injuries that make a significant impact on your future health and quality of life. The occurrence of these accidents can be especially prevalent in places with heavy rain.
When a tripping accident happens to you or a loved one, you may have questions about available compensation from those with potential fault. A Lynwood slip and fall lawyer could offer help in these cases by addressing the many issues with slip and fall accidents. Contact a personal injury attorney at our firm to learn more.
How Slip and Fall Accidents Happen
Slip and fall accidents could happen anywhere and from a variety of circumstances. These circumstances include the nature of the surroundings and the conditions of the people moving in those surroundings. The surroundings that contribute to a slip and fall accident could occur naturally, be the result of human activity, or happen from a combination of the two.
Some common examples of conditions that could lead to a slip and fall accident include the following:
- Wet, icy, or otherwise slippery walkways.
- Obstructions (e.g., raised flooring, holes, and other conditions or objects that could cause tripping).
- A lack of supportive equipment (e.g., hand or guardrails).
- Poor lighting or visibility
- A lack of warning or signage about the potential fall hazards.
In the moment, it can be difficult to assess the cause of a slip and fall injury. This is one way a Lynwood attorney could be helpful in evaluating a slip and fall case. They could provide a reconstruction of the scene of a tripping accident to identify the potential causes and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents
Spine and neck injuries can be some of the most serious injuries that result from a slip and fall. This might include broken vertebrae, slipped discs, and other injuries that significantly limit mobility. Those in a fall accident may also suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBI), like a concussion, head laceration, or internal bleeding.
While head and back injuries are the more common types of injury for a slip and fall accident, people may encounter other serious medical conditions that require attention. For example, bone fractures, cuts, scrapes, or damage to internal organs. A lawyer in Lynwood could account for any injuries in a trip and fall claim.
When Could Another Party Be Liable for a Slip and Fall Injury?
It can be easy to shift blame for a slip and fall accident to oneself, but, in many cases, the cause of these injuries could belong to others who did not exercise proper care. This is often the person, business, or organization responsible for maintaining the area and addressing any dangerous conditions, for example, a property owner, tenant, or caretaker with responsibilities to keep a place safe from slip and fall conditions. A slip and fall attorney in Lynwood could conduct an independent investigation to determine who is to blame for the accident.
Can Preexisting Conditions Limit Slip and Fall Recovery?
A primary concern for many people injured in a slip and fall accident is whether a preexisting condition will prevent or limit their right to financial compensation, such as an elderly person with weaker bones who is more susceptible to a fracture or serious injury.
The challenge with enhanced injuries is that the damages often appear disproportionate to the negligent circumstances contributing to the slip and trip accident. However, state law recognizes the eggshell skull rule, which, depending on the facts, could permit financial recovery for a person with a previous infirm condition or particularly susceptible to injury. The plaintiff and their Lynwood Lawyer must generally show their condition or prior injury was not active before the slip and fall accident causing the enhanced injury.
Let a Lynwood Slip and Fall Attorney Assist With a Case
Every slip and fall case could present unique issues that make obtaining financial compensation for injuries more difficult. You may have trouble determining the parties truly at fault or understanding the severity of your damages to request fair compensation. An experienced Lynwood slip and fall lawyer could provide guidance in the complex legal and factual parts of your case. Beyond sharing knowledge and advice toward a case, their value could extend to representation at trial and in preparation of a settlement. If you have questions or concerns about legal rights following a tripping accident, consider scheduling a meeting with one of our attorneys.