Daniel A. Higson
Attorney at Law
People trip and stumble all the time, but when injury or death occurs as a result of negligence on the part of the property owner, a slip and fall personal injury claim can be filed. Such an accident can occur anywhere: at a supermarket, a restaurant, or even a private residence. Ventura Slip and Fall Attorney Dan Higson is here to help.
If any negligence was involved to cause a slip and fall accident, the victim can be entitled to compensation for his or her medical costs, pain, and loss of work. By finding a personal injury attorney, you will increase your ability to get the most compensation possible and have an expert on-hand for the technical aspects of the lawsuit. If such an accident happens to you or a loved one, contact Ventura Slip and Fall Attorney Dan Higson to find out what can be done for your situation.
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Slip and Fall Injuries
A slip and fall accident can range from minor scrapes to permanent, life-altering injuries. It is also not uncommon for a slip and fall accident to lead to the death of the victim. Neck and back injuries, knee and hip injuries, and broken bones can affect a person for a long time. Sometimes an injury won’t show up for a while after the accident, so it is important to see a doctor quickly even if you feel fine. It is important to get any damage recorded by a medical professional as evidence for any future use in a lawsuit.
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The damages that can be claimed in a slip and fall case include:
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Long-term and short-term medical care
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Pain and suffering
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Therapy and assistance
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Lost wages
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Ongoing support in the case of catastrophic injury
Major Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are caused by many factors. If the location where the accident occurred contains some type of hazard that could have been avoided, a strong case can be made for compensation. These hazards often come from poorly designed structures such as defective flooring or improper lighting. They can also arise from badly maintained areas that contain obstacles such as slippery surfaces or objects impeding a walkway. The most common locations for slip and fall injuries include:
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Busy areas
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Cluttered walkways
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Doorways
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Ladders
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Ramps or stairs
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Uneven or unstable walkways
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Wet floors
Who is Responsible?
Many issues can cause a slip and fall injury, and they can be caused by several different people. Property owners must take responsibility for maintaining and managing the location and provide an area that is safe for visitors. They should inspect the area regularly and fix any hazards that arise in a timely fashion. In the case of a sidewalk or other public area, the owner must contact the government agency in charge of taking care of the problem. Since the property owner should know about his or her property and any problems within it, it is generally accepted that the owner is at least partly responsible for an accident, even if an employee was more directly accountable.
Several other people can be at fault for a slip and fall accident other than the property owner. Managers and renters are commonly at fault. Other employees can also cause a problem or fail to fix one, such as janitors or gardeners. On the other hand, a larger company might be at fault, such as a franchise operator or school district.
There are two main defenses against slip and fall claims for the people who are being blamed. The first is if the hazard arose quickly, not giving the owner enough time to discover and fix it. The other is if the injured person could have easily avoided the accident and is proven to be at fault.
Seek Legal Help
If you, a family member, or friend have been the victim of a slip and fall accident and believe that negligence was a factor, it’s important to seek legal help. Personal injury cases are complex, and a specialized attorney can help you get the most out of your slip and fall claim. If you have any further questions about slip and fall cases, contact Dan Higson today!