Common Misconceptions About Slip and Falls in California

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By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

What damages could I receive in a slip and fall accident case?

Every second of every day, someone across America will fall, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Falls are the number one cause of injuries and death for older Americans, and often result in serious injuries among younger people as well.  Slip and falls remain a field of law that is shrouded in mystery for many.  There are numerous misconceptions about slip and fall cases and premises liability law as a whole.  Our California slip and fall attorneys at J&Y discuss some of the top misconceptions about slip and falls below.

Misconception #1:  If I fall in a business establishment, I can automatically sue

Often, people believe that if they fall in a business, it is automatically the fault of the business and they have the right to sue.  Under California premises liability law, a cause of action will arise from a slip and fall if the business acted negligently.  Negligence could include a wide array of actions, such as failing to repair a broken step that the owner was aware of or applying an improper floor wax known to cause falls.  Without evidence of negligence, you cannot sue a business for your slip and fall related injuries.

Misconception #2:  Slip and falls happen only to older people

Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone. Whether you are young or old, you could one day fall in a store or public place.  Elderly individuals commonly file slip and fall lawsuits because their injuries may be more severe due to their age, but slip and fall plaintiffs of all ages can be found across California.

Misconception #3:  Slip and fall cases rarely result in large settlements

To the contrary, there have been several high profile, multiple million dollar settlements involving slip and falls in the past few years.  Slip and fall plaintiffs may be able to seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and ongoing disability.  The amount of damages to which you are entitled will depend on the extent of your damages and the strength of your case. Consult with a slip and fall attorney for more information about your legal rights.

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About the Author
Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.