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San Francisco Slip and Fall Lawyer

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San Francisco Oakland Slip and Fall Lawyer
Every year, thousands of Americans are injured in slip and fall accidents. At Rizio Lipinsky Heiting, we know that such accidents are common in San Francisco and can have serious, lifelong consequences. Causes of such accidents range from slick floors to dim lighting to poor construction and craftsmanship. All too often, property owners or managers are aware of a potential hazard but never address it. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, it’s essential that you know what to do next.

What Steps Should You Take After an Accident?

Slip and fall accidents, also called trip and fall accidents, happen when dangerous conditions exist at a property. These accidents happen in both indoor and outdoor settings. Debris, uneven floors, slippery spills, ice, poor lighting and other hazards can all cause accidents that result in serious physical injury.

If you’ve had a slip or trip and fall accident, it’s essential that you seek medical treatment no matter how serious your injuries seem at first. You should also notify the owner or manager of the property about the accident as soon as possible. Keep a written record of who you notified as well as the date and time that you reported the accident. If there was anyone else in the area when you were injured, ask for their names and phone numbers in case you need witness statements.

Be sure to document everything that you can about the accident. Take photos of the area where you were injured. Note what you type of clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time. You should also write down exactly what happened as soon as possible after the accident so that you can provide clear and detailed information to a lawyer if needed. Of course, you should also keep copies of any medical records or bills related to the accident.

In the days following a slip or trip and fall accident, you may be contacted by the property owner’s insurance company. You should decline to give a statement to the insurance company. Be sure that you do not give or take the blame for the accident. Instead, give the insurance representative your attorney’s phone number. If you don’t have an attorney yet, let the insurance company know that you’re looking for an attorney and will call them back with the firm’s contact information.

Know the Facts About Slips and Falls

Slip or trip and fall accidents account for one million emergency room visits every year. These types of accidents can cause a wide variety of injuries. Slips and falls also cause more missed days from work than any other type of occupational mishap. Experts believe that the majority of slips and falls are caused by uneven, poorly constructed or improperly maintained flooring surfaces.

These types of accidents are especially dangerous for the elderly. About 35 percent of adults over the age of 65 will experience a serious fall. Hip fractures are one of the most common injuries experienced by older adults as the result of a fall. A hard fall can also cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In the worst cases, such falls lead to serious medical complications and even death.

Understanding Injuries

Slips and falls are incredibly common, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t serious. Knowing what conditions can cause slips and falls is key to protecting yourself from a painful accident. Of course, understanding the types of conditions that lead to wrongful injury lawsuits is also important.

Some of the most common causes of slips and falls include

  • wet flooring,
  • icy pavement,
  • torn carpets,
  • crumpled rugs,
  • debris on floors,
  • poor lighting and
  • construction defects.

A wide variety of injuries can be caused by slips and falls, but the most common include

  • soft tissue injuries such as sprains and torn ligaments,
  • head injuries including concussions and TBIs,
  • cuts and abrasions,
  • broken bones and
  • spinal cord injuries.

Should You Hire an Attorney?

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in the greater San Francisco area, you’re likely upset but unsure if you should seek legal relief. It’s important to know that you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries if your accident was caused by the negligence of a property owner or manager.

If a property manager failed to replace a bad stairwell light or had flooring waxed but didn’t post a caution sign, that individual may be liable for your accident. Of course, these are just a few examples of negligence. Proving that your injury was the direct result of another party’s negligence is key to winning your case.

Talking to a qualified lawyer is the best way to determine if your slip or fall accident warrants legal action. At Rizio Lipinsky Heiting, we know that slip, trip and fall injuries are traumatic. We’re here to listen to your story with compassion and to explain your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

  • This article should only be used for informational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship with anyone. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney in your community.
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A Review of Rizio Lipinsky Heiting
San Francisco Slip and Fall Lawyer
The team that helped me at Rizio Lipinsky Heiting is professional and diligent, as well as compassionate and caring. They do their homework and know their area of expertise inside and out. While one hopes they don't have a situation in which they need a lawyer, at least these folks will have your back when you do. Don't go it alone.

- 2015-07-09 - Yelp
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