Slip And Fall Injuries In California Malls

In California, malls are popular shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations. 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 and the usual spills and clutter create a greater chance for slip-and-fall accidents. Unnoticed spills, uneven flooring, and inadequate lighting are among the usual factors that increase the risk of someone slipping or tripping and getting injured.

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

Common Injuries Sustained From Slip-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 slipped and fell at a mall can suffer a wide range of injuries. While it’s critical to seek immediate medical help from a doctor, it’s equally vital to later call for legal help from a lawyer who specializes in slip-and-fall accidents. Doing so helps ensure injured victims like you can also recover financially.

Here are some of the most 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 is likely to incur injuries like skull fractures, concussions, and other traumatic brain injuries.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most 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. Worse-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 sensation, 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 always straightforward, and both the property owner and their insurer can downplay the incident to avoid paying the full amount. Only a record-setting slip-and-fall lawyer can help victims maximize the settlement amount they may receive.

Soft Tissue Injuries

When people fall, their bodies may twist or contort in unnatural ways, leading to 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 measure or quantify objectively.

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. Unluckily for you, a sprain or strain awaits as the ligaments in your wrists or ankles can tear in doing so.

A sprained ankle or wrist can seriously disrupt your life, even if it may not appear like a major injury. You might be unable to perform normal activities, from cooking and walking to 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 lead to a permanent loss of movement. Proper treatment is crucial to reduce 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

The most vulnerable demographics to trip-and-falls are the younger and elderly ones. 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 knee’s inner side 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, and seasoned slip-and-fall accident lawyers treat them as such, even though you might dismiss a cut as something not serious. However, it remains essential to seek medical attention to avoid further complications like getting an infection. Also, taking pictures of your scrapes and bruises is critical for recording your injuries.

Chronic Pain

One injury commonly sustained from a slip and fall is chronic pain, which is sometimes 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 have the option to make the at-fault party liable for compensating you. If you choose to do so, working with an injury lawyer becomes crucial.

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 inspecting properties for potential hazards
• Promptly addressing and repairing any dangerous conditions identified
• Providing clear warning signs or barriers when necessary to alert visitors of potential risks

With legal aid from reliable slip-and-fall lawyers, victims of slip-and-fall accidents in California malls may 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.

Malls In California

In addition to being one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, California is also home to thousands of malls. These businesses cater to the needs of people from all walks of life. Some of the most 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 slip-and-fall hazards. These buildings are full of hazards that pose significant risks to visitors. Shiny, polished floors can become slippery with spilled drinks or tracked-in rainwater. Uneven pavement or poorly maintained escalators can also lead to unexpected falls. These seemingly minor issues can cause serious injuries, turning a fun shopping trip into a stressful experience.

Common Causes Of Slip-And-Fall Accidents In California Malls

Slip-and-fall incidents happen in California malls due to various factors. The most 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 slip-and-falls. Your shoelace can get caught and trapped in the escalator mechanism, yanking your foot forward and sending you tumbling 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 along 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 should do if you are hurt after falling on someone else’s property. If you still can, take the following steps to protect yourself and ensure you receive just compensation for the resulting losses and damages you incur due to the 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 specific objects or hazards that caused you to trip or slip, security cameras on the premises that might have recorded the event, or any warning signs.
• Report The Accident — Make sure an incident report that records the fall is filled out and created. This step is crucial since it can establish that the accident did happen on the property.
• Document Your Injuries And Recovery — After the fall, you need to take pictures of your injuries and document the progress of your recovery.
• Talk To A Lawyer — A personal injury lawyer can protect your rights and guide you in filing a compensation claim. To obtain the financial recovery you are owed, trusted lawyers for personal injury claims can hold the property owner or manager liable for your damages and losses.

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

Through the help of a slip-and-fall lawyer, injured victims can hold several entities liable for a preventable slip-and-fall accident in California malls. They may be considered negligent if a condition on their property creates an unreasonable risk. 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 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 liable for 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 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 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 be liable.

How Common Are Slip-And-Falls?

In 2022, there were 46,653 reported fatalities due to fall accidents at home or work. Additionally, falls contribute to approximately 8 million emergency visits annually, with slip-and-fall incidents comprising 12% of the overall fall accident cases.

People aged 55 and older are more susceptible to slip-and-fall accidents. These individuals usually experience difficulties walking and balancing. An estimated one in three people over the age of 65 in the United States experience a fall each year. According to the National Safety Council and the National Floor Safety Institute, 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 injured you, you can be entitled to monetary damages for your losses. The compensation you can obtain can help cover the following:

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

A compassionate lawyer specializing in personal injury can help you recover these damages. The claims process can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if you’re focused on recovering from your injuries. Hire top-rated personal injury lawyers and let them handle the legwork.

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 value of your potential compensation, you need to speak with slip and fall accident lawyers. Only powerhouse lawyers specializing in slip-and-falls can better assess your situation and calculate how much you’re entitled to.

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

Many people think that slip-and-fall cases are hard to win. However, a qualified personal injury lawyer can give you assistance in documenting your physical injuries effectively. They can review the details of your accident to ensure no details are missed. Along with gathering crucial pieces of evidence, this review can help determine which party should be held accountable for your losses and damages. Good injury attorneys can also fight for your full compensation against insurance companies. They can achieve the maximum financial recovery you deserve through negotiation or litigation. Be sure to get in touch with the best personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following your slip-and-fall.

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

You must consult a doctor as soon as possible after you slipped and fell. Try to seek medical attention within 72 hours of the accident. Besides getting immediate treatment, this guarantees the accident can be linked to your injuries and that they are recorded. Most importantly, follow your doctor’s treatment plan, which may entail follow-up visits, x-rays, 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 slip-and-fall 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 usually involves arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique using a small camera inserted into the joint. The surgeon replaces the torn ligament with a healthy tissue called a graft. This graft can come from your own body (autograft), often a tendon from the hamstring or kneecap, or a donor (allograft).
• Spinal Surgery — If the spinal cord is damaged, surgery may be necessary to prevent further complications. Depending on the damage, different types of spinal surgery might 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 your injuries can significantly impact the settlement you get. Catastrophic injuries, like broken bones or brain injuries, often require expensive medical care and a long recovery. In these cases, when surgery is needed to address the injury, the value of the settlement will increase.

Undergoing an invasive surgical procedure demonstrates you suffered more harm than someone with minimal treatment needs. Moreover, the cost of the surgery itself becomes part of the losses your slip-and-fall incident lawyer can help you recover. Higher medical bills often lead to a higher 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. Your settlement can compensate 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 attorneys can also use these reports to advocate for greater compensation and build a stronger case against the negligent parties.

What Can I Do To Maximize My Slip-And-Fall Settlements?

There are several things you can do to maximize your slip-and-fall settlement amount. 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 the best course of treatment. What you can do after consulting one is to push through with the treatment plan. Don’t forget to secure all your medical records, showing 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. Try to gather witness statements from anyone who saw the fall as well.
3. Keep A Record Of Your Lost Wages — Tracking the lost wages you incurred due to a slip-and-fall accident strengthens your case when dealing with insurance companies. You need to keep a record of your lost income and use it to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance providers.
4. Retain Legal Representation — An experienced slip-and-fall lawyer can guide you through the legal process and knows how to maximize your potential settlement. They will communicate with insurance companies, who may pressure you into accepting a lowball offer. If you’re considering hiring a slip-and-fall lawyer, you should contact our law firm at (888) 488-1391 to get the help you need.

Maximize Your Compensation With The Help Of Our Skilled Slip-And-Fall Accident Lawyers

If you sustained injuries following a slip and fall, contact our reliable team of lawyers for slip-and-fall accidents. Our personal injury attorneys, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are committed to fighting for your rights and advocating for your interests. With extensive expertise and experience, our esteemed injury lawyers can thoroughly investigate your accident, collect evidence to build you a strong case, and negotiate with insurance companies for the maximum compensation possible.

The dedicated California slip-and-fall lawyers at Arash Law don’t settle for less. Always striving to provide injury victims with competent legal services, our industry-recognized lawyers for personal injuries have won over $500 Million in settlements and court awards for our clients. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.

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