Did a quick grocery trip end in the emergency room? You’re not alone. Broken bones from slip and fall accidents—whether on wet floors, broken stairs, or cluttered walkways—are more common than many realize, especially among older adults.
These injuries can impact more than mobility; they can also affect independence, finances, and mental health. One wrong step could lead to months of recovery in high-traffic areas like grocery stores and workplaces in San Pedro, CA.
If you’ve suffered a hip fracture from an accident or a similar injury, knowing your rights can make all the difference.
Why Are Slip and Fall Injuries So Serious?
Slip and falls may sound minor until you cannot walk. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both nonfatal and fatal injuries. The majority of hip fractures occur in elderly individuals due to:
- Prior fall history
- Gait or balance issues
- Use of walking aids
- Vertigo or dizziness
These accidents happen in familiar places like grocery stores, office buildings, or apartment complexes, usually because property owners fail to address hazards.
Beyond the initial injury, victims often face long-term effects like reduced mobility, dependence on caregivers, or permanent disability. The financial burden of medical care and rehabilitation, combined with the emotional impact of lost independence, can be overwhelming.
What Are Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents?
Here’s a list of serious injuries victims may suffer:
Injury Type | Complications |
Broken bones | Painful healing, reduced mobility, risk of infection |
Hip fracture | May require hip replacement and rehab |
Pelvic fracture | Limited mobility, long recovery time |
Broken arm | Impacts the ability to work or perform daily tasks |
Knee injuries | Surgery, metal screws, and limited motion |
These injuries often require MRI scans, medical procedures, pain medication, and long-term physical therapy.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall
If you or a loved one suffered broken bones from slip and fall incidents, acting quickly is critical:
- Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Go to the emergency room even if symptoms seem mild. - Document the Scene
Take photos of wet or slippery floors, broken stairs, or cluttered floors. - Request Incident Reports
Ask the manager or supervisor for a written report if the fall happened at a business. - Preserve Medical Records
These are essential for proving physical trauma and estimating medical expenses. - Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer in San Pedro
Our legal team in San Pedro can guide you on how to build a strong personal injury claim.
Who’s Liable? Understanding Premises Liability
Under premises liability law, property owners must maintain safe environments for visitors. You may be entitled to compensation if their negligence caused your injury, such as failing to place caution signs or clean up spills.
Your injury case can cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Non-economic damages like emotional distress
Filing a claim with the insurance company is just the first step. Insurance adjusters may try to settle for less, but you don’t have to accept it.
Legal Time Limits and Local Support in San Pedro, CA
Slip and fall accidents are subject to a statute of limitations—in California, this is generally two years from the date of injury. Waiting too long could forfeit your right to compensation.
Whether the accident happened on Pacific Avenue or near the San Pedro Public Market, help is available. Our award-winning slip and fall lawyer in San Pedro can assess your case, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for your rights.
Quick Questions on Slip and Fall Claims
California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you’re partly responsible.
Yes, but it may fall under a worker’s compensation claim unless third-party negligence is involved.
This varies. Factors include medical bills, lost wages, severity of injuries, and more.
Having local legal support from an experienced San Pedro slip and fall attorney ensures familiarity with local laws and quicker communication.
Gather medical records and witness statements, and consult a personal injury lawyer to review your options, especially if you suffered broken bones from slip and fall incidents that could lead to long-term complications.
Get Legal Help for a Hip Fracture or Serious Fall Injury
No one plans for a life-altering fall, but knowing what to do next is crucial if it happens. Broken bones from a slip and fall or other serious injury don’t just impact your health—they affect your future. You deserve compensation for your pain, time, and financial stress.
At Farahi Law Firm, we offer free consultations for accident victims in San Pedro and surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn your rights and options.
