Shopping centers are a huge part of life for many Bakersfield residents. Popular malls like Valley Plaza Mall and The Marketplace offer a wide variety of stores and restaurants, making them popular weekend and after-work destinations. However, the high foot traffic and potential slip hazards at these malls also make them prime locations for painful and costly slip and fall accidents. If you’ve suffered an injury in a fall at a Bakersfield shopping center, don’t stay silent – speak to an attorney about your options.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls
Slip and fall accidents can happen for a variety of reasons in shopping centers. Some of the most common causes include:
- Wet or greasy floors – Spilled foods, drinks, or cleaning solutions can create slippery conditions. Food courts and restrooms are typical problem areas.
- Uneven flooring – Cracked or uneven tiles or pavement can cause slips and trips. This may be more common in older malls.
- Cluttered walkways – Items left in aisles, such as fallen merchandise or debris, pose tripping hazards.
- Poor lighting – Dim lighting can obscure potential hazards and cause visual confusion.
- Lack of railings/support – Missing handrails on stairs or ramps remove needed stability.
- Damaged steps – Cracked or uneven steps are tripping risks.
- Snow/ice accumulation – During Bakersfield’s colder months, frozen precipitation can create slippery sidewalks and entrances.
- Improperly secured mats or carpets – Doormats that slide underfoot or curled carpet edges lead to falls.
- Recent floor cleaning – Floors can remain wet and slippery long after mopping.
- Obstructed views – Product displays or enclosures can block your view of potential dangers.
- Loose wires or cables – Electrical or computer cords running across pathways risk tripping people.
Most slip and fall accidents are preventable when shopping centers properly maintain their facilities and make safety a priority. But sometimes accidents still happen due to oversight or negligence.
Injuries from Slips and Falls
Slip and fall accidents may seem minor, but they can produce serious injuries with long-term effects. Some common injuries include:
- Broken bones – Fractures in the wrist, arm, hip, or leg from falling are very common. These often require surgery and extensive physical therapy to heal properly.
- Sprains & strains – Twisting a knee, ankle, neck, or back during a fall can cause painful sprains and muscle strain. Severe sprains may involve torn ligaments requiring medical care.
- Head injuries – Hitting one’s head on the floor or an object during a fall can cause traumatic brain injuries like concussions and hemorrhages leading to cognitive dysfunction.
- Back injuries – Spinal cord damage, slipped discs, and other back injuries may require surgery or lifelong pain management.
- Lacerations – Deep cuts from falling on broken glass or other sharp objects may need stitches and leave permanent scarring.
- Nerve damage – Falls can damage nerves in limbs, leading to chronic pain, numbness, and loss of function.
- Internal organ injury – Impact to the torso area can damage organs like the kidneys, liver, spleen, and stomach.
In addition to physical harm, fall victims may develop anxiety, PTSD, and fear of falling again. In severe cases, slip and falls can even lead to long-term disability or death. Prompt medical care is crucial.
Who Is Liable for My Injuries?
In many shopping center fall cases, the injured person is not at fault. Under California law, businesses have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for customers. If they fail to meet this duty by allowing dangerous conditions like wet floors or poor lighting, they may be considered negligent and held liable.
Shopping centers have higher liability for falls in areas like:
- Food courts – Spilled food and drinks are foreseeable risks. Wet floor caution signs should be used.
- Restrooms – Water splashes and leaks are common issues. Floors need frequent mopping and drying time.
- Main walkways – High foot traffic increases risks. Cleaning staff should monitor and limit debris.
- Parking lots – Cracked pavement, debris, and ice are hazards. Premises safety includes outdoors.
- Stairs/escalators – These pose inherent slipping/tripping risks. Proper lighting, railings and maintenance are essential.
To hold the business responsible, an injury attorney must prove:
- A dangerous condition existed
- The business knew or should have known about it
- They failed to take reasonable steps to remedy it
- This negligence directly caused your fall and injuries
If the shopping center failed to conduct safety inspections, place wet floor signs, clean spills in a timely manner, or take other prudent measures, they may be liable.
Damages You Can Recover
If an attorney can demonstrate the shopping center’s liability, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical bills from injury treatment, including surgery, hospitalization, therapy, medical devices, prescription medications, and more
- Lost income from missed work days and future lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life – inability to participate in activities that previously brought you joy
- Disability or disfigurement – costs related to loss of regular function or permanent scarring/deformity
- Emotional distress – compensation for mental anguish, depression, or anxiety related to the accident
- Companionship loss – reduced ability to provide love, care, and services to your spouse or children
An experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyer can value each loss and seek full and fair damages. They know how to negotiate expertly with insurance companies. Don’t leave money on the table – get what you rightfully deserve.
Statute of Limitations
In California, you normally have two years from the date of your slip and fall injury to file a lawsuit for compensation. It’s important to contact an attorney right away to avoid running out of time due to the strict statute of limitations. An attorney can advise you on the next steps and deadlines.
Take Action Today
The dedicated personal injury attorneys at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys have helped many local victims get justice after serious falls. We offer compassionate counsel and aggressive legal advocacy to clients injured through no fault of their own. For a free consultation about your rights and options, contact our Bakersfield office at (661) 488-7145 or visit us at 4900 California Ave. Bldg. B, 2nd Fl., Bakersfield, CA 93309. Don’t stay silent – we’re here to help you recover the compensation you need and deserve. Call or visit us today to get your claim started before time runs out.
