A San Diego slip-and fall accident can happen anywhere and at any time. In most cases, premises liability accidents are the result of someone else’s negligence. In other cases they are the result of building code violations, especially dealing with steps.

The first step in building a successful premises liability case is determining if another party can be held liable for your damages.

Building Code Violations

In some instances, building code violations cannot affect a slip-and-fall case. However, some building codes are specifically designed to prevent them. Your case may be simple if it can be proven that a code violation contributed to your accident. The insurance company may have no choice than to make you a fair offer.

Places to Research

It takes time to investigate and determine if your slip-and-fall injury was impacted by a building code violation, especially due to the fact that building codes can vary greatly from city to city and county to county. However, you can start by:

• Researching online.
• Researching at a local law library.
• Going to the county permit office.
• Calling an experienced slip-and-fall accident attorney.

Steps and Stairwells are Common Places for Code Violations

In the event your accident occurred on stairs and/or in a stairwell, you should look into everything about the stairs that you can. Regarding steps:

• Common rules deal with the evenness of stair depth.
• The distance from one step to another must be consistent throughout the staircase.
• The depth and distance must meet certain parameters.

Even if the variance is minor, it can work drastically in your favor.

Building Your Case

A successful slip-and-fall accident case is not necessarily easy to win. Again, it takes a great deal of time and research to determine if the owner can be held liable for your injuries. That is why you should call accident attorney Keith J. Stone.

His team has the experience and knowledge necessary to determine if you have a legitimate case. He has helped hundreds of victims recover for their damages and will work hard to ensure the owner and insurance company respects your legal rights and does not take advantage of your compensation rights.

If you have been injured on private or public property, you should call San Diego slip-and-fall accident attorney Keith J. Stone at (619) 531-2022 or 888-59-HELP-NOW. You don’t have to fight this battle alone.

San Diego, Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Ventura Counties including the cities of:

San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Riverside, Chula Vista, Irvine, Glendale, San Bernardino, Huntington Beach, Oxnard, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Oceanside, Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Clarita, Garden Grove, Ontario, Pomona, Palmdale, Pasadena, Corona, Torrance, Escondido, Lancaster, Orange, Fullerton, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, El Monte, Inglewood, Costa Mesa, Downey, West Covina, Victorville, San Buenaventura (Ventura), Norwalk, Burbank, Carlsbad, Temecula, South Gate, Murrieta, Mission Viejo, Rialto, Compton, El Cajon, Carson, Vista, Westminster, Santa Maria, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Hawthorne, Alhambra, Hesperia, Whittier, Newport Beach, Chino, San Marcos, Buena Park, Lakewood, Indio, Baldwin Park, Chino Hills, Blythe

Keith J. Stone also handles cases originating elsewhere in California and across the USA.

Our homes should be our castles. We all should be safe in our homes. During these holiday seasons we all hev our children and guests visiting. When it comes to dangers that threaten children,one of the most unimaginable is a piece of furniture toppling and injuring, or even killing, a child.

Yet Thousands of children in recent years have had to go to the er or morgue from such accidents according to data from the U.S.Consumer Producty Safety ommission.

That is prompting CPSC officials, consumer attorneys, furniture and electronics industry executives to explore ways to make dressers,storage cabinets, TVs and other heavy house hold items more stable. They also want to alert parents about thses little known hazards.

Furniture was designed for the convenience of adults, child injury was never considered,” explained Dr. Gary Smith, president of the nonprofit Child Injury Prevention Alliance and a pediatrician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Parents “simply don’t know that they’ve got this danger lurking.”

Even safety-conscious parents mindful of the potential for tall furniture to tumble can be caught by surprise, with tragic consequences.

For instance, J. H., a mother and nurse , secured a tall armoire in her home to keep it from tipping. But she had no inkling that a relatively small item could be a hazard – until 2007, when her 2-year-old son, C, choked to death underneath a 30-inch dresser in his bedroom.

The person taking care of C at the time thought the young child was sleeping, and didn’t hear any loud noise even when the dresser toppled onto him after he apparently climbed on it. “They call it a silent death.  Children “are a cushion for the fall of the dresser so you don’t necessarily hear a sound.”

In a similar accident, K. P., a physical therapist , lost her 3-year-old daughter, Meg, in 2004.

“By the time we found her, it was too late,” the mother said, explaining that her husband discovered her underneath a dresser.

In 2010, the most recent year for which federal estimates are available, unstable furniture sent about 23,600 people – the highest number since 2006 – to emergency rooms. Most of the injured were less than 10 years old.

Another estimated 20,000 people in 2010 were hurt by TVs, which experts say are often precariously placed on furniture not designed to support the sets.

The injuries include serious bruising, internal organ injuries and fractures. And from 2000 through 2010, the CPSC received reports of close to 300 deaths, mostly involving children who were crushed, in such accidents.

The nonprofit Child Injury Prevention Alliance said it’s a mistake to blame parents for the accidents. Instead, he said, businesses, consumers and government should work together and tackle it as a public health problem.“This is something we need to focus on and do it quickly,” he said.

In the absence of tougher rules, child safety centers have sprouted around the country at hospitals and elsewhere that work to educate the public about the hazards.

Lets all try to be more aware this holiday season.

San Diego, Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Ventura Counties including the cities of:

San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Riverside, Chula Vista, Irvine, Glendale, San Bernardino, Huntington Beach, Oxnard, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Oceanside, Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Clarita, Garden Grove, Ontario, Pomona, Palmdale, Pasadena, Corona, Torrance, Escondido, Lancaster, Orange, Fullerton, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, El Monte, Inglewood, Costa Mesa, Downey, West Covina, Victorville, San Buenaventura (Ventura), Norwalk, Burbank, Carlsbad, Temecula, South Gate, Murrieta, Mission Viejo, Rialto, Compton, El Cajon, Carson, Vista, Westminster, Santa Maria, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Hawthorne, Alhambra, Hesperia, Whittier, Newport Beach, Chino, San Marcos, Buena Park, Lakewood, Indio, Baldwin Park, Chino Hills, Blythe

Keith J. Stone also handles cases originating elsewhere in California and across the USA.

Premises liability in California holds the owner or occupant of property legally responsible for injuries and accidents that have occurred on that particular property. These accidents can range from slip-and-falls—the most common premises law accident—at a grocery store, to being injured on a carnival ride.

Premises liability law can be confusing to many people who have suffered an injury. This is why it is important to contact a San Diego premises liability lawyer to figure out the best legal route to take. Unfortunately, there are those who decide to take on a case on their own. They do not realize they should have used an attorney until after damage has been done or it is altogether too late.

By using an attorney, a victim will be able to get the compensation they deserve. Some of the compensation that can be recovered in a premises liability case includes:

• Medical Bills – The amount of money you spent on medical treatment, devices, hospital stays, and any other incurred cost due to the incident may be recovered.
• Future medical bills – Many times, injuries can create long-term-treatment needs. These future costs that are needed can be covered under a settlement. A medical doctor will be able to calculate this amount.
• Loss of wages and future wages – If the accident causes the victim to miss work or left them unable to continue to work in the future, they can sue for the loss in wages.
• Pain and suffering – Pain and suffering damages include physical pain resulting from your injury. The damages are based on the severity of the pain and how long you will likely be in pain.
• Property damage – Damages to property that were caused by the accident can be recovered.

If you feel you have a possible premises liability case, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Contact a California premises liability lawyer at the law offices of Keith J. Stone. Call 888-59-HELP-NOW to discuss your legal options.

San Diego, Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Ventura Counties including the cities of:

San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Riverside, Chula Vista, Irvine, Glendale, San Bernardino, Huntington Beach, Oxnard, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Oceanside, Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Clarita, Garden Grove, Ontario, Pomona, Palmdale, Pasadena, Corona, Torrance, Escondido, Lancaster, Orange, Fullerton, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, El Monte, Inglewood, Costa Mesa, Downey, West Covina, Victorville, San Buenaventura (Ventura), Norwalk, Burbank, Carlsbad, Temecula, South Gate, Murrieta, Mission Viejo, Rialto, Compton, El Cajon, Carson, Vista, Westminster, Santa Maria, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Hawthorne, Alhambra, Hesperia, Whittier, Newport Beach, Chino, San Marcos, Buena Park, Lakewood, Indio, Baldwin Park, Chino Hills, Blythe

Keith J. Stone also handles cases originating elsewhere in California and across the USA.

It is very common for residents of San Diego to be involved in an accident on public or private property. There are times when an accident may be the fault of the person who fell. But often times, the accident is due to the negligence of another. These accidents can lead to a premises liability suit.

Unfortunately, many slip-and-fall accidents result in moderate to severe injuries of the neck. These injuries can lead to lifelong pain and complications.

Some of the common types of neck injuries sustained in San Diego slip-and-fall accidents are:

• Whiplash – The sudden impact of a slip and fall accident can create an injury known as whiplash. This type of injury is caused when the head is jolted into hyperextension toward the back and then quickly forward.
• Sprain – A sprain is an injury to the ligaments, strong bands that connect tissues holding bones together. A sprain is caused by a fall or sudden twist that overloads or overstretches the joint. A sprain in the neck is one of the most common injuries associated with a slip and fall accident.
• Fracture – When a fall creates a severe trauma to the neck, it can cause it to become fractured. A neck fracture is a break in a cervical bone. This type of fracture can cause serious, long-term complications.
• Spinal cord – A spinal cord injury occurs when a fracture, dislocation, or other neck injury damages the spinal cord. This can be especially bad when the 3^rd cervical vertebra or above is damaged as it can result in death.

If you have become the victim of a slip-and-fall accident and think you may have a possible premises liability case, it is important to seek legal representation to get the compensation you deserve.

Contact the experienced San Diego premises liability lawyer Keith J. Stone to discuss your legal options. Call 888-59-HELP-NOW to set up a free consultation.

San Diego, Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Ventura Counties including the cities of:

San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Riverside, Chula Vista, Irvine, Glendale, San Bernardino, Huntington Beach, Oxnard, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Oceanside, Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Clarita, Garden Grove, Ontario, Pomona, Palmdale, Pasadena, Corona, Torrance, Escondido, Lancaster, Orange, Fullerton, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, El Monte, Inglewood, Costa Mesa, Downey, West Covina, Victorville, San Buenaventura (Ventura), Norwalk, Burbank, Carlsbad, Temecula, South Gate, Murrieta, Mission Viejo, Rialto, Compton, El Cajon, Carson, Vista, Westminster, Santa Maria, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Hawthorne, Alhambra, Hesperia, Whittier, Newport Beach, Chino, San Marcos, Buena Park, Lakewood, Indio, Baldwin Park, Chino Hills, Blythe

Keith J. Stone also handles cases originating elsewhere in California and across the USA.

Being the victim of a San Diego slip-and-fall accident on public or private property can feel embarrassing. Chances are the accident was not your fault, so dismiss those feelings of embarrassment.

Due to the fact that a large number of slips and falls in San Diego are not the fault of the victim, a claim may be filed to recover damages. When recovering damages, it is important for the victim to be able to build a strong case.

The best way to begin to build your case is to have solid evidence to support the claims being brought forward. Three pieces of evidence that are essential to building a strong case in the victim’s favor are:

• Eyewitness – An eyewitness will be a great tool in building a strong case. The witness will be able to tell in her own words an account of what occurred before, during, and after the accident. It is important to gather the eyewitness’s name, contact information, and a brief statement of what she saw.
• Photographs – A photograph is hard to dispute. A victim can use a mobile phone to take photos of what caused the accident. Presenting pictures during a claim will give a clear understanding of the environment in which the accident occurred.
• Medical Records – The victim of a slip and fall should always keep well-organized and detailed medical records. This will help to determine how much damage the accident actually caused.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall, know that you are not alone. The experienced San Diego premises liability lawyer Keith J. Stone can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 888-59-HELP-NOW to schedule a free consultation to discuss your matter.

San Diego, Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Ventura Counties including the cities of:

San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Riverside, Chula Vista, Irvine, Glendale, San Bernardino, Huntington Beach, Oxnard, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Oceanside, Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Clarita, Garden Grove, Ontario, Pomona, Palmdale, Pasadena, Corona, Torrance, Escondido, Lancaster, Orange, Fullerton, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, El Monte, Inglewood, Costa Mesa, Downey, West Covina, Victorville, San Buenaventura (Ventura), Norwalk, Burbank, Carlsbad, Temecula, South Gate, Murrieta, Mission Viejo, Rialto, Compton, El Cajon, Carson, Vista, Westminster, Santa Maria, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Hawthorne, Alhambra, Hesperia, Whittier, Newport Beach, Chino, San Marcos, Buena Park, Lakewood, Indio, Baldwin Park, Chino Hills, Blythe

Keith J. Stone also handles cases originating elsewhere in California and across the USA.

Slips and falls are common in the elderly community.  Falls are the leading cause of death in people 65 and older.  As people get older, bones in the human body lose density and as a result have less resistance to stress and break or fracture easier.  This is why hip and pelvis fractures are very common with falls involving elderly people.  Also, the elderly tend to have decreased physical activity  and do not exercise as much as they used to.  With decreased muscle tone and strength, falls are more commona and generally more severe.

Falls usually occur due to a slippery surface, change in elevation, and foreign objects.   Foreign objects can be anything that is left on the ground such as a rug or mat.  One third of falls that involve the elderly are due to hazards at their own homes.

If someone were to fall in a store as a result of an employee’s negligence, the owner of the store will be found liable.  To help avoid falls such as these owners must ensure their store or shop is safe and free of hazards.

Owners should try to forsee slip and fall hazards and take steps to minimize those hazards.  Some of the things to look for include:

-There is a presence of handrails

-The lighting is adequate

-If there is a mat, ensure that the edges all lie flat using nonskid tape and that there is nowhere on the mat that is raised and presents a trip or fall hazard.

-There is adequate walking space

-There is walkway routing

-There are no cracks or abrupt edges on the walking surface

Common trip and fall accidents in stores occur when there is a mat or rug on the ground.  If there is an incident, usually a corner of the mat was flipped up or wrinkled.  If this is the case, then it is considered negligence on the owner’s part and they will be liable.  It is the owner’s job to ensure that the store he or she owns that everything in the store is up to code, especially the edges of any mats or rugs.

As for tips to avoid falls including elderly people, the same tips aimed at owners listed above can also apply.  In addition people can ensure:

-There are no cords or wires sticking out that somebody may get their foot caught on

-Avoid using floor polish or wax because they are slippery

-Use paint colors that provide a sharp contrast between elevation changes

One of the truly best ways to determine if something is unsafe is just common sense.  If it looks dangerous at all, it probably is!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall, contact the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone.  Keith Stone and his team can assist you in locating appropriate medical services and will provide you with a consultation on your case.  They have valuable experience with fall incidents and will give their absolute best effor towards getting you compensation for your injuries

San Diego, Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Ventura Counties including the cities of:

San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Riverside, Chula Vista, Irvine, Glendale, San Bernardino, Huntington Beach, Oxnard, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Oceanside, Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Clarita, Garden Grove, Ontario, Pomona, Palmdale, Pasadena, Corona, Torrance, Escondido, Lancaster, Orange, Fullerton, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, El Monte, Inglewood, Costa Mesa, Downey, West Covina, Victorville, San Buenaventura (Ventura), Norwalk, Burbank, Carlsbad, Temecula, South Gate, Murrieta, Mission Viejo, Rialto, Compton, El Cajon, Carson, Vista, Westminster, Santa Maria, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Hawthorne, Alhambra, Hesperia, Whittier, Newport Beach, Chino, San Marcos, Buena Park, Lakewood, Indio, Baldwin Park, Chino Hills, Blythe

Keith J. Stone also handles cases originating elsewhere in California and across the USA.