Slip And Fall Injuries In California Malls

In California, malls are popular destinations for shopping, dining, and entertainment. From open-air centers to multi-level complexes, these malls attract a lot of foot traffic. Unfortunately, the sheer volume of people moving through these establishments, combined with the usual spills and clutter, increases the risk of slip and fall accidents. Unnoticed spills, uneven flooring, and inadequate lighting are among the common factors that increase the risk of someone slipping or tripping and sustaining an injury.

Mall owners and managers have a legal obligation to provide a reasonably safe environment for their visitors. Suppose someone gets injured from slipping due to the property management’s negligence. In that case, a slip and fall accident lawyer can assist the injured person in filing an insurance claim or a premises liability lawsuit. This claim seeks to recover financial compensation for the injuries sustained in the slip and fall incident.

Common Injuries Sustained From Slips And Falls In California Malls

If you slip and fall in a crowded place like a mall, the embarrassment and anxiety will get ahead of you and make you brush the incident off. However, dismissing the event as mere clumsiness can be a grave and costly mistake for you. Trip-and-fall accident victims may not notice at first that they have already sustained injuries.

Anyone who slips and falls at a mall can suffer a wide range of injuries. While it’s critical to seek immediate medical assistance from a doctor, it can also be beneficial to seek legal help from a lawyer who handles slip and fall accidents. Doing so helps injured victims like you to pursue financial compensation.

Here are some of the common injuries victims sustain after an unexpected slip and fall accident at a California mall:

Head And Brain Injuries

Head injuries are common after a slip and fall incident, particularly in shopping malls, which typically feature tile, concrete, and polished stone floors. Unlike grass or carpeted areas, these hard surfaces offer very little cushioning, meaning the force of a fall is transmitted more directly to the head and body. The force of impact can be strong enough to cause the brain to hit the skull. A victim may incur injuries like skull fractures, concussions, and other traumatic brain injuries due to such forces.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the many life-changing consequences of a slip and fall incident. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that acts as the main communication highway between your brain and the rest of your body. Damage to this area can lead to various impairments.

Depending on the exact location of the injury, spinal cord damage can affect your ability to control your arms, legs, torso, and even your breathing. It can also cause significant limitations in mobility, requiring the victim to use assistive devices like wheelchairs or braces. Worst-case scenarios involve temporary or permanent paralysis.

Nerve Damage

Falls can cause serious damage to the back. Nerve damage, in particular, can cause severe pain, numbness, tingling sensations, weakness, and, in extreme cases, paralysis. Spinal cord injuries and nerve damage can irreversibly change a person’s way of life. That’s why they are typically regarded as catastrophic injuries. Accident victims and their families are granted by law the right to pursue compensation for both ongoing hospital costs and future medical care. However, the process isn’t often straightforward, and both the property owner and their insurer can downplay the incident to avoid paying the full amount. A slip and fall lawyer works to help victims seek an appropriate settlement for their injuries.

Soft Tissue Injuries

When people fall, their bodies may twist or contort in unnatural ways, causing muscle strain or tears. Sprains, strains, and contusions can cause pain and discomfort. In severe cases, these injuries can lead to long-term issues like chronic pain, reduced mobility, and decreased quality of life.

Unlike other bodily injuries, soft tissue injuries often do not produce the clear-cut evidence needed in a court case. X-rays and other imaging tests typically used for fractures or bone breaks won’t show significant abnormalities. Furthermore, pain is the primary symptom of soft tissue injuries. While the pain is real for the person experiencing it, its severity can be difficult to objectively measure or quantify.

Sprained Wrists Or Ankles

In a slip and fall incident, you may instinctively cushion the fall by putting your arms out or making an uneven step. However, doing so can result in a sprain or strain as the ligaments in your wrists or ankles can tear.

A sprained ankle or wrist can seriously disrupt your life, even if it may not appear like a major injury. You may be unable to perform normal activities, such as cooking, walking, buttoning a shirt, and typing. Since ligaments and tendons have a low blood supply due to a lack of blood vessels, sprains and strains can take a long time to heal.

Broken Bones

Fractures after a slip and fall accident can range in severity from minor to severe. Broken hips or pelvis are common injuries, particularly for older adults who fall or those with osteoporosis. With enough force, the fall can result in bone fractures in several areas of the victim’s body. Unfortunately, the bones are not the only ones affected, as fractures can also damage the surrounding tissues.

In some cases, fractures can result in a permanent loss of movement. Proper treatment is crucial to reducing the risk of chronic pain. These injuries often require multiple surgical procedures, followed by an extended period of physical therapy for full recovery.

Hip Fractures

Among the vulnerable demographics at risk for trips and falls are the younger and the elderly. The younger generation is more likely to recover due to being more flexible, whereas the older generation takes longer to recover due to being more delicate.

A fractured hip is among the most serious injuries that can occur after a fall. In fact, falls cause the majority of cases involving hip fractures, especially among the older population. Such an injury in the elderly frequently requires extended hospital stays, bed rest, and long-term care. Despite this, it can be difficult to fully recover.

Dislocated Shoulders

It’s normal to land on your shoulder or hit an object when you trip over something and fall. When the upper arm bone pops out or separates from the shoulder blade socket, you end up with a dislocated shoulder. The shoulder is the most movable joint in the human body, making it more likely to dislocate in the event of a slip and fall.

Knee Injuries

You might twist your legs before you fall, and this sudden movement could potentially result in a knee injury. The complex arrangement of bones and ligaments in your knee makes the injury debilitating. Symptoms of an ACL tear include a popping sound, instability when moving, and immediate swelling. Meanwhile, pain and tenderness on the inner side of the knee may indicate an MCL tear.

The worst that can happen is dislocating your patella, apart from tearing your ligaments. You may only need up to 6 weeks to recover if it’s minor. However, severe ones may require a few months. Follow-up care is vital, while the knee’s reconstruction through the ligament’s replacement with a piece of the healthy tendon may be necessary.

Cuts And Bruises

Any impact after a fall may result in a cut or bruise. Under California law, disfigurement is regarded as a significant loss. A slip and fall accident lawyer can explain how the law applies to these types of injuries. Still, it remains essential to seek medical attention to avoid further complications, such as an infection. Additionally, taking pictures of your scrapes and bruises is crucial for documenting your injuries.

Chronic Pain

One injury commonly sustained in a slip and fall accident is chronic pain, which can sometimes be a symptom or result of a more serious underlying condition. Your life may never be the same if you have chronic pain, permanently reducing your range of motion and limiting your ability to work and engage in activities you once enjoyed. This is a serious loss, and you may have grounds to hold the at-fault party liable for the harm they have caused. If you decide to pursue a claim, working with an injury lawyer can be beneficial.

Premises Liability

Slip and fall accidents in California malls fall under the umbrella of premises liability law. This legal concept holds property owners, managers, tenants, and occupants responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their premises. They should also take reasonable precautions to prevent accidents from occurring, such as:

• Regularly inspect properties for potential hazards.
• Promptly address and repair any dangerous conditions identified.
• Provide clear warning signs or barriers when necessary to alert visitors to potential risks.

With legal aid from a slip and fall lawyer, victims of such accidents in California malls may be able to hold negligent property owners, managers, and tenants accountable for their injuries and damages. They may seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses, depending on the specifics of the case.

Malls In California

In addition to being one of the world’s well-known tourist destinations, California is also home to thousands of malls. These businesses cater to the needs of people from all walks of life. Some of the notable malls in the Golden State include:

• South Coast Plaza
• Citadel Outlets
• Irvine Spectrum Center
• Glendale Galleria
• Union Square
• Ghirardelli Square
• Seaport Village
• Westfield Century City
• The Americana at Brand
• Fashion Valley

While these malls offer a convenient one-stop shopping experience, they also present potential hazards that may pose risks to visitors. Shiny, polished floors can become slippery when they are wet from spilled drinks or tracked-in rainwater. Uneven pavement or poorly maintained escalators can also lead to unexpected falls. These issues can potentially cause serious injuries, affecting what should be an enjoyable shopping experience.

Common Causes Of Slip And Fall Accidents In California Malls

Slip and fall incidents happen in California malls due to various factors. One common reason is stepping on a wet or slippery surface. Spills, tracked-in rain, and even cleaning products make the mall floor a potential hazard.

Apart from wet floors, here are the other typical causes of slips, trips, and falls:

• Leaks in plumbing or roofing.
• Broken stairs or handrails.
• Cracks and potholes in asphalt.
• Uneven floors and poor construction.
• Inadequate lighting.
• Uncovered cables and cords.
• Snow and ice on sidewalks and parking lots.
• Wet and slick entrances due to snow, ice, and water carried in by visitors.
• Debris and merchandise in aisles.
• Electrical cords that are not properly secured.

Where Do Slip And Fall Accidents Occur In Malls?

Going to the mall should be fun, especially when you’re with family or friends. However, these blissful moments can turn into unfortunate experiences with accidents like slipping or tripping. Here are some common areas within the mall premises where visitors usually incur slip and fall injuries:

Escalators

Escalators help move people between different floors more quickly and conveniently than standard stairs and even elevators. Unfortunately, escalator and elevator accidents are also common occurrences tied to slips and falls. Your shoelace can get caught and trapped in the escalator mechanism, yanking your foot forward and causing you to tumble down. Unlike stairs with flat steps, escalators have a moving tread with ridges or grooves for traction. These ridges, while providing grip, can also be a tripping hazard, especially for people with mobility issues or uneven gaits.

Aisles And Walkways

Most aisles and walkways inside a mall are generally spacious and clear for easy navigation. However, if you go to grocery stores like Costco, you might notice some goods scattered on the floor. This situation is usually the result of other customers or merchandisers dropping the items and forgetting to put them back. Scattered items in these areas pose a tripping hazard for unsuspecting customers.

Food Courts

Most malls in California have restaurants offering different kinds of wet and dry food, beverages, and desserts. When food establishments are busy, drinks can get knocked over, and food items can end up on the floor. In an effort to serve customers quickly, staff members usually leave the spills behind and think of addressing them at a later time. However, these spills can create a hazard, potentially causing both patrons and employees to slip and fall.

Parking Lots

The unnoticed cracks, broken stairs, and uneven sidewalks in parking lots can cause people to trip, lose their balance, and get hurt. Dimly lit areas can also hide potential hazards like uneven pavement, curbs, or puddles, making it difficult to navigate safely at night or during bad weather conditions.

Other Spaces Surrounding Malls

The entrances, alfresco areas, and corridors of malls can get wet and slippery, especially during inclement weather. Because people frequently pass through these areas, hazards accumulate over time, increasing the risk of tripping, slipping, and falling.

What To Do After Slipping And Falling In A California Mall

There are a few things you can do if you are hurt after falling on someone else’s property. If you still can, take the following steps to help protect yourself and pursue compensation for the resulting losses you incur due to injuries.

• Seek Medical Care — The first thing you should do is get medical attention. Before attempting to leave, be sure you’re stabilized and call for assistance.
• Examine the Accident Scene — Try to make notes and take pictures of the location of your fall if possible. Take note of warning signs, specific objects or hazards that caused you to trip or slip, or security cameras on the premises that might have recorded the event.
• Report the Accident — Fill out an incident report that documents the fall. This step is crucial, as it can establish that the accident actually occurred on the property.
• Document Your Injuries and Recovery — After the fall, take pictures of your injuries and document the progress of your recovery.
• Talk to a Lawyer — A personal injury lawyer can advocate for your rights and guide you in filing a compensation claim. To pursue compensation for your losses, a lawyer for personal injury claims can gather evidence to help establish the property owner’s or manager’s potential liability.

Who Is Liable For Injuries Sustained In A Shopping Mall Accident?

Slip and fall lawyers conduct thorough investigations and gather crucial evidence to help injured victims pursue accountability from multiple entities that may be potentially liable for preventable accidents in California malls. They may be considered negligent if a condition on their property creates an unreasonable risk of harm to others. They can also be held accountable if they knew or should have known about the danger and failed to take steps to repair it or provide adequate warning. The parties that can be held liable for these incidents may include the following:

• Mall Owners — Retail center owners and operators are typically responsible for maintaining their premises. They must also respond to risks in a timely and effective manner. When they fail to keep their stores free from potential hazards, they might be held liable for the accident victim’s injuries.
• Retailers — Retail stores like Target or Walmart are also responsible for keeping their respective stores safe from hazards. They may be held liable if dangerous situations within their establishments cause injuries or death to other people. Nonetheless, the lease agreement and the store’s level of control over the property may determine who should be held responsible.
• Maintenance & Repair Service Providers — Malls often contract external companies for maintenance and repairs. If a poorly repaired escalator step caused your fall, the service provider responsible for the repairs could share some of the liability.
• Other Customers — Some mall visitors can also cause accidents. Another shopper may bump into you, causing you to lose your balance and fall. Depending on the severity of your injury and the circumstances of the bump (e.g., whether there’s reckless behavior on their part), the other visitor might also be found liable for the resulting losses.

How Common Are Slips And Falls?

According to the National Safety Council, there were 46,653 reported fatalities due to fall accidents at home or work in 2022. Additionally, falls account for approximately 8 million emergency room visits each year, with slip and fall incidents representing 12% of all fall-related cases, according to the National Floor Safety Institute.

People aged 55 and older are more susceptible to slip and fall accidents. These individuals usually experience difficulties walking and balancing. According to the CDC, more than one in four adults over the age of 65 in the United States falls each year. According to the National Safety Council, falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Slip And Fall Injuries

Can I Seek Compensation For My Slip And Fall Injury?

If the property owner’s negligence or reckless behavior causes the accident that injures you, you may be able to file a claim for monetary damages. The compensation you may be able to pursue from a personal injury claim may help cover:

• Medical bills, including ambulance transportation and physical treatment.
• Lost present and future income
• Permanent disability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress from the trauma

A personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for these losses. The claims process can be overwhelming and confusing to handle on your own, especially if you’re trying to focus on recovering from your injuries. In this case, consider hiring a personal injury lawyer who will handle the legal work.

How Much Can I Claim For My Slip And Fall Injury?

Several factors may affect the value of your injury claim. These include the degree of fault attributed to the defendant and the extent of your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages.

California law generally does not establish a cap on damages in personal injury claims and lawsuits. To get a better picture of the potential value of your claim, speak with a slip and fall accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer handling such cases can better assess your situation and calculate the amount you may be able to seek.

How Can A Personal Injury Lawyer Help With My Slip And Fall Injury?

Many people think that slip and fall cases are complex and challenging. However, a personal injury lawyer can provide you with assistance in efficiently documenting your physical injuries. They can review the details of your accident and gather crucial pieces of evidence to help identify which party is potentially responsible for your injuries and losses.

An injury attorney can also negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation. If you get injured in a slip and fall incident and want to pursue accountability, consider reaching out to one of our personal injury lawyers following your accident.

How Long Do I Have To Go To A Doctor After My Slip And Fall Injury?

It is advisable to consult a doctor right after your accident. If possible, seek medical attention within 72 hours of the accident. Doing so allows the doctor to make a report and determine whether your injuries are related to the accident. Most importantly, follow your doctor’s treatment plan, which may entail follow-up visits, X-ray imaging, and other diagnostic scans.

What Surgical Procedures Can Treat Slip And Fall Injuries?

While many slip and fall injuries heal with rest and physical therapy, some require surgery to restore function and get you back on your feet. Here are some common surgical procedures used to treat such injuries:

• Fracture Repair — Depending on the severity and location of the break, pins, plates, or screws might be necessary to realign and stabilize the bone for proper healing.
• Ligament Reconstruction — Ligament reconstruction typically involves arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique using a small camera inserted into the joint. The surgeon replaces the torn ligament with healthy tissue, known as a graft. This graft can be obtained from your own body (autograft), often a tendon from the hamstring or kneecap, or from a donor (allograft).
• Spinal Surgery — If the spinal cord is damaged, surgery may be necessary to prevent further complications. Depending on the extent of the damage, different types of spinal surgery may be necessary. For example, a herniated disc pressing on a nerve might require a microdiscectomy to remove the protruding part.
• Soft Tissue Repair — Deep cuts or other damage to soft tissues may require surgery to help them heal properly and lower the risk of infection.

Will Surgery Increase My Settlement Amount In A Slip And Fall Case?

The severity of injuries can significantly impact the settlement amount. Catastrophic injuries, like broken bones or brain injuries, often require expensive medical care and a long recovery. In such cases, if surgery is necessary to address the injury, the potential settlement value may increase.

Undergoing an invasive surgical procedure demonstrates that you may have suffered more harm than someone with minimal treatment needs. Moreover, the cost of the surgery itself may be included among the losses that a slip and fall incident lawyer will work to pursue on your behalf. In many cases, higher medical bills can result in a higher potential settlement amount.

Another thing is that surgery usually means a longer recovery period. You might not be able to work during the healing process. It’s also possible that, even with surgery, you won’t be able to work the same way in the future. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to pursue compensation for both past and future lost income.

If you undergo surgery for your injuries after an unfortunate slip and fall accident, you need to secure medical documents, including:

• Hospital admission records
• Surgical reports
• Post-operative care notes
• Medical imaging records, such as X-rays and CT scans.
• Medication records
• Follow-up visit notes
• A doctor’s prognosis and treatment plans

These medical documents will serve as your evidence in case you plan to file a personal injury claim. Your slip and fall accident attorneys can also use these reports to help you pursue fair compensation and build a well-supported case against the negligent parties.

What Can I Do To File A Claim For A Slip And Fall Settlement?

There are several things you can do to pursue a settlement for your slip and fall accident. Here are a few tips to help your case.

1. Follow Proper Medical Care — Never assume you are free from injuries after a slip and fall accident. A physician can diagnose any potential injuries and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. After consulting with one, you can proceed with the treatment plan. Don’t forget to secure all your medical records, which should include your required medication and the extent of your injuries.
2. Gather Evidence — The photos you took of the area where you fell can serve as powerful evidence to demonstrate the cause of your accident. Also, try to gather witness statements from anyone who saw the fall.
3. Keep a Record of Your Lost Wages — Tracking your lost wages due to a slip and fall accident can help your case when dealing with insurance companies. Keep a record of your lost income and use it to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance providers.
4. Seek Legal Representation — A lawyer who handles slip and fall cases can guide you through the legal process and pursue a potential settlement on your behalf. They will communicate directly with insurance companies, so you don’t have to handle them on your own and address issues that may arise, such as low settlement offers and disputes over liability. If you’re considering hiring a slip and fall lawyer for legal help, contact our law firm at (888) 488-1391.

Seek Fair Compensation With The Help Of Our Slip And Fall Accident Lawyers

Injured following a slip and fall incident? Contact our team of slip and fall accident lawyers. Our personal injury attorneys are committed to advocating for your legal rights and representing your interests. With years of experience with slip and fall cases, our injury lawyers can thoroughly investigate your accident, collect evidence to build your case, and negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement in accordance with California law.

The California slip and fall lawyers at Arash Law work diligently to provide injury victims with legal services. Over the years, our personal injury lawyers have represented clients in a wide range of personal injury cases. If your injuries are due to a vehicle crash, our car accident lawyers can assist you in filing a claim against the at-fault party. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Our personal injury lawyers serve clients across California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, Chico, Modesto, Stockton, and Redding.