Tustin Slip and Fall Attorney

Injured in a Slip or Trip Accident in Tustin? We Can Help

Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain safe conditions on their premises. This duty is defined by federal, state, and local building codes, which apply differently to areas such as sidewalks, stairways, parking lots, and store aisles. Unfortunately, not all property owners take this responsibility seriously, and when they don’t, slip and fall or trip and fall accidents can occur, sometimes with life-altering consequences.

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident due to unsafe conditions, a trusted Tustin personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for fair compensation.

How Slip and Fall Accidents Happen

Slip and fall or trip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere, including grocery stores, apartment complexes, parking garages, office buildings, and public sidewalks. These accidents are among the leading causes of emergency room visits and workers’ compensation claims in the United States.

They can be especially dangerous for older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in three Americans over the age of 65 falls each year. In fact, falls account for approximately 1.8 million emergency room visits annually among older adults.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Some of the most frequent causes of slip or trip accidents include:

• Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
• Uneven or broken pavement
• Loose carpets or rugs
• Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways
• Cluttered walkways
• Broken steps or missing handrails
• Spills not promptly cleaned up

When property owners fail to identify and correct these hazards, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.

Injuries Resulting from Slip and Fall Accidents

Although some falls result in only minor bruises, many cause serious injuries, especially among older adults or individuals with preexisting conditions. Common injuries include:

• Sprains and strains of wrists, ankles, or knees
• Broken or fractured bones
• Head trauma or traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck, back, or hip injuries
• Chronic pain or permanent disability

Even temporary injuries can result in lost wages, medical bills, and significant physical and emotional distress.

Proving Fault in a Slip and Fall Case

To recover damages in a slip or trip and fall claim, you must prove that the responsible party failed to maintain safe premises or failed to take reasonable steps to warn you of a dangerous condition. Gary A. Peterson has extensive experience identifying the liable party, which may include:

• A property owner or landlord
• A retail business operating as a tenant
• A property management company
• A government agency responsible for public property

Once liability is established, we gather evidence to show the party knew or should have known about the danger but failed to take appropriate action. This may include failing to post signs, clean up spills, repair broken stairs, or block off hazardous areas.

Understanding Comparative Negligence

Under California’s comparative negligence laws, your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault for your own injuries. For example, if you were distracted and walked into a clearly marked hazard, your damages might be reduced. An experienced attorney can help minimize this risk by presenting a clear and well-supported case.

Talk to a Tustin Slip and Fall Lawyer Today

Slip and fall claims are not always straightforward. They require a detailed understanding of premises liability law and a proactive approach to gathering evidence and identifying the correct liable party. Gary A. Peterson has successfully handled many of these cases and is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a Free Consultation

If you have been injured in a slip or trip and fall accident in Tustin, do not wait to get legal help. Contact the Law Office of Gary A. Peterson for a free consultation. We will review the details of your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue the maximum compensation available. Call today to speak with an experienced Tustin slip and fall attorney.