I Had a Slip and Fall Accident; What Do I Do Next?

Slip and fall accidents can occur just about anywhere. Slip and fall accident lawsuits typically stem from instances of a person slipping and falling in a public space, such as a grocery store, a mall, a park, or even on a sidewalk or parking lot. The common theme running among these cases is that the slip and fall — and subsequent injuries — are the result of negligence or the poor condition of the property. Keep reading to find out the common causes of a slip and fall accident and to learn what to do if you are the victim of one.

Slip and Fall Accident Examples

Slip and fall accidents can occur inside or outside. Often, they are due to:

• Uneven Flooring. Whether carpet, tile, or hardwood, if the flooring is not maintained, it can crack, curl or warp. These issues can cause a person to trip and fall. Uneven flooring needs to be maintained by the person responsible for the property. If not, they could be considered at-fault for the slip and fall accident.
• Dim Lighting. If you can’t see where you’re going due to poor lighting, you are more likely to slip or trip and fall. Parking garages, apartment stairwells and department stores are a few examples of places where dim lighting could lead to a slip and fall accident.
• Outdoor Elements. Potholes, snow, ice, or cracked sidewalks are hazards that may or not be seen by a pedestrian, but can cause devastating injuries if a person slips and falls due to them. It is the duty of the property owner to ensure walkways are free from these hazards.
• Wet Floors. Wet floors are common hazards in grocery stores. Food or drinks could spill onto the ground, creating a slick floor where a person can easily slip. These are the situations the “Wet Floor” signs were created for.

Determining Fault

When you’re shopping or walking down the street, you don’t expect to encounter any hazards. The owner of the property owes each pedestrian or customer a “duty of care.” This means that they are responsible for ensuring that the area is free from hazards. So, they must repair uneven flooring, install high-intensity light bulbs, clear ice and snow, and mop up spills in a timely manner. If they cannot get to fixing an issue immediately, then they need to place a warning sign in the area to alert people of the potential danger.

What Should I Do After and Slip and Fall?

If you’re severely injured, definitely call 911 for help. If you can walk and didn’t lose consciousness, then be sure to see your doctor as soon as you can. If there were any witnesses to the slip and fall, gather their contact information. And definitely, alert the store employees or property owners. Finally, if you can, take photos of the area where the slip and fall happened.

The final step is to contact an attorney to discuss the details of your case. An attorney can help protect your rights under California law. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident due to someone else’s negligence, call The May Firm at 1-844-MAYFIRM. We offer an initial free, no-obligation consultation.