Common Causes of Slip and Falls in San Diego

Slip, trip, and fall incidents can happen anywhere, causing severe injuries and potentially even hospitalization. Such accidents can have physical effects that result in missed work, loss of income and wages, surgery and other medical bills, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and loss of quality of life.

It is important to understand the common causes of slips and falls in San Diego if you or someone you love has been injured due to negligent property maintenance. At CaseyGerry, our experienced attorneys can help you evaluate the facts of your case and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. Our team is strategic and proficient, and we are here to guide you through the process with the utmost care, compassion, and skill.

How Do Slip and Fall Injuries Occur?

Under California Civil Code § 1714, property owners must ensure the safety of patrons using their land, property, or place of business. This means ensuring premises are free of any of the hazards that frequently cause slip and trip accidents in San Diego. Property owners are therefore required to install proper lighting, handrails, and guardrails where necessary. Mitigation strategies such as keeping walkways clear of debris and other obstructions, promptly cleaning up spills, using warning signs, properly training employees, and conducting routine risk assessments of the property are also key to providing a fall-free environment.

Falls can occur because of:

• Broken handrails and guardrails
• Wet, greasy, uneven, or broken flooring
• Steps, escalators, and elevators that have not been properly maintained
• Loose objects or debris blocking a walkway or pathway
• Drawers or doors that have been left open
• Carpets or rugs with curled or uneven edges
• Crumbling and uneven curbs
• Poor lighting

One misstep on an improperly maintained surface can cause injuries such as broken bones, bruises, concussions, sprains, and strains. Retaining a respected law firm such as CaseyGerry can provide reassurance when contemplating legal action against a negligent property owner. Your well-being is our top priority, and we can help you understand your rights and legal options in a stressful situation.

Types of Damages Available for a Slip and Fall Injury

After a slip, trip, and fall accident in San Diego you can often recover compensatory damages if the incident was caused by a property owner failing to properly maintain their premises. Depending on the nature of the accident,  available damages may include:

• Medical expenses: This could include hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, nursing care, and maintenance care, as well as any possible future medical treatment
• Loss of income due to missed work: If your physical and mental injuries make it difficult for you to work, you may be able to recover lost wages as well as loss of potential future earnings
• Damage to personal belongings: During a slip and fall, your possessions—cell phone, jewelry, laptop, wallet, purse, etc.—may have been broken or rendered unusable
• Pain and suffering/mental anguish: Damages often include your loss of enjoyment of life due to any emotional distress you suffer; while this can be hard to quantify, courts use a formula to calculate a fair amount

With some exceptions, you have two years after the incident to file a lawsuit against the property owner to attempt to recover damages.

Contact a San Diego Attorney About Common Slip and Fall Causes

There are many common causes of slips and falls in San Diego, and CaseyGerry’s experienced, respected attorneys are poised to work with you on your case—no matter how complex. CaseyGerry has established a reputation in the San Diego legal community for its excellence in successfully handling complex slip & fall cases. Many firms refer their toughest and most challenging cases to CaseyGerry. Reach out to us as soon as possible after your accident to schedule a consultation.