Slip and fall accidents often result in serious back and spinal cord injuries, including fractured vertebrae. When a slip and fall accident in California is caused by a property owner’s negligence, victims have a right to file a lawsuit to recover compensation. If you or a loved one has suffered a fractured vertebrae injury after falling on someone’s property, you need an aggressive slip and fall accident attorney at your side.
At J&Y Law, our personal injury practice is dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals who have suffered spinal fractures in slip and fall accidents. Well-versed in the applicable premises liability laws, we have a proven history of holding owners of private, commercial, and public property accountable for slip and fall accidents resulting in fractured vertebrae.
Whether you were injured on a neighbor’s property or at a grocery store or public building, we can help. While slip and fall accident claims should be covered under the property owner’s insurance policy, insurance companies often attempt to delay or deny valid claims or pay as little money as possible to settle. Our legal team has the skills and resources to level the playing field and will fight for every dollar you deserve.
Knowing that a fractured vertebrae injury can be life-altering, we are committed to helping you get all the medical and financial resources you need to heal. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
When Spinal Fractures Are Caused By Slip and Fall Accidents in California
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common back injuries caused by slip and fall accidents include:
- Muscle sprains
- Herniated discs
- Tailbone injuries
- Neck injuries affecting the spinal cord
In addition, a slip, trip, or fall can result in fractured vertebrae or compression fractures. These injuries occur when a sudden impact on the spinal cord “compresses” the vertebra. Symptoms of compression fractures include:
- Back and neck pain
- Loss of mobility
- Reduced range of motion
- Nerve damage (numbness, tingling)
Although older individuals are at a higher risk of compression fractures, anyone can suffer fractured vertebrae injuries in a slip and fall accident, and the symptoms are likely to worsen over time without proper medical care. With so much at stake, it is crucial to have an experienced premises liability attorney handle your injury claim.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are typically caused by hazards such as:
- Wet or slippery surfaces
- Broken steps
- Poorly secured banisters
- Torn or uneven carpeting
- Debris/obstructed walkways
- Poorly lit walkways or hallways
- Uneven or warped flooring
Under California premises liability law, all property owners have a legal obligation to adequately maintain their property and promptly repair any hazardous conditions, as well as to warn visitors and guests about any dangers. Ultimately, a property owner who fails to provide a safe environment to visitors or fails to correct a hazard can be held liable for slip and fall accidents resulting in spinal fractures.
How J&Y Law Can Help
Our slip and fall accident attorneys will leverage their skills and experience to hold the negligent property owner accountable and will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve for your fractured vertebrae injury. Let our legal team handle all the details of your claim, so you can focus on recovering.
It is critically important to contact us as soon as possible so we can get to work immediately and conduct an investigation before the property owner has a chance to fix the hazard and escape liability. Our attorneys will:
- Take pictures of the accident scene/unrepaired hazard
- Identify and interview witnesses
- Collect medical reports documenting the severity of your compression fracture
- Handle all communications with the insurance company and opposing counsel
- Negotiate a settlement
- File a premises liability lawsuit if necessary
We will work to show that the property owner knew or reasonably should have known about the danger, failed to protect you from being injured, and get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your fractured vertebrae injury.
Damages You Can Recover for Compression Fractures in a Slip and Fall Accident
Although the compensation you receive depends on factors such as the extent of your injuries and the degree of your liability, you may be awarded economic and noneconomic damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Rehabilitative and long-term care
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Because premises liability claims fall under the state’s rules of comparative negligence, the damages you are awarded may be reduced if you were responsible for your injury in any way.
Let’s say you slipped on a spill at the grocery store, but you were not paying attention to your surroundings. An insurance claims adjuster or the court may determine that you were 20 percent at fault for the accident. This means that if the amount of your losses is assessed at $100,000, the amount of your monetary award will be reduced to $80,000.
Our experienced attorneys will work to help you avoid liability for the slip and fall accident that caused your compression fracture and demand full payment of your claim. We are committed to getting you compensation that considers all your medical and financial needs and are always prepared to litigate to achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact Our Experienced California Slip and Fall Accidents Today
If you have suffered a fractured vertebrae injury due to the negligence of a property owner, you need the powerful representation J&Y Law provides. Contact us today so we can start working on your injury claim. You will not pay any attorneys’ fees until we win compensation for you.