Slip and fall accidents are common in California, especially on wet surfaces. However, property owners and business establishments have an obligation to prevent these accidents and protect visitors and patrons. If you or a loved one have been injured in a wet-surface slip and fall accident, J&Y Law is here to help you obtain meaningful compensation.
We regularly handle slip and fall accident claims, including those involving slippery surfaces. A slip and fall accident is more than embarrassing, a hard fall can result in serious injuries. We know how to hold negligent property owners accountable and will fight for every dollar you deserve. Whether you have been injured on private, commercial, or public property after slipping on a wet surface, we can help.
Well-versed in California premises liability law, we have a proven history of achieving positive outcomes in settlement negotiations and litigation, having recovered millions of dollars for injury victims. Once you become our client, your claim will be handled by an experienced slip and fall accident attorney who is equally comfortable at the bargaining and in the courtroom.
Contact our office today for a free consultation. You will not pay any attorneys’ fees until we win compensation for you.
Common Causes of a Wet Surface
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), falls are one of the top three causes of injuries in the U.S., and slippery surfaces are a contributing factor in many slip and fall accidents. Wet surfaces that increase the risk of slipping and falling include:
- Spills on walking surfaces in residences and commercial buildings
- Oily substances on floors at factories and warehouses
- Wet floors at retail and grocery stores
- Wet docks and boat ramps
- Wet tile floors in kitchens and bathrooms
- Puddles on sidewalks or public parking lots
- Wet leaves on sidewalks
- Icy stairways and sidewalks
Regardless of the cause, wet-surface slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries that lead to expensive medical bills and force victims to miss work to recover. Property owners who are aware or should have been aware of wet surfaces can be held liable for slips and falls that result in injuries.
Injuries Caused by Wet Surfaces
People who slip and fall on wet surfaces can suffer a variety of injuries depending on how they fall (e.g. backward or forward) and how they land – striking the ground or nearby objects. In any case, common injuries from slip and fall accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Head injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Back injury
- Neck injury
- Knee or ankle injury
- Wrist or elbow injury
- Shoulder injury
- Nerve damage
- Muscle sprains or strains
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Paralysis
If a slip and fall accident results in fatal injuries, surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party to recover damages.
Property Owner Responsibility
All property owners have a duty to keep their premises as safe as possible, prevent injuries to visitors, and warn them of any dangers. In a business setting, for example, management has a duty of care to warn patrons of the danger of spills, recently mopped floors, and other wet surfaces.
To have a valid claim for premises liability, the injured party must be able to prove the following elements of negligence:
- The property owner had a duty of care to the victim
- The property owner breached that duty of care
- That breach of duty caused the victim’s injuries
- Those injuries resulted in damages
At J&Y, we have the skills and experience to prove property owner liability in wet-surface slip and fall accidents. But there are also steps you can take to protect your rights. First, try to take pictures of any wet surfaces after you fall. Second, get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Finally, save your shoes and any clothing that came into contact with the slippery substance.
Our attorneys will use this evidence to support your claim and handle all communications with the property owner, and their insurance company. If the insurer fails to offer a fair and reasonable settlement, we will file a premises liability lawsuit on your behalf.
Recoverable Damages in a Wet Surface Slip and Fall Accident
In a successful premises liability claim, you can recover economic and noneconomic damages, including:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses – past and future
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitative costs
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment life
Above all, we will fight for the compensation that considers all of your future medical and financial needs.
Contact Our Wet-Surface Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys Today
Being injured in a slip and fall accident due to a slippery surface is typically the result of the property owner’s negligence, but it takes an experienced attorney to hold the responsible party accountable and protect your rights. Contact our office today to get started.