Falls might seem like minor accidents, but in many cases, they can result in life-threatening injuries. In fact, falls are one of the leading causes of accidental death in the United States, especially among older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions. If you’ve lost a loved one due to a fall caused by someone else’s negligence, our Santa Monica, CA wrongful death lawyer can talk with you about your legal options.
When A Fall Leads To Wrongful Death
In fatal slip and fall cases, the cause of death is sometimes immediate—like a traumatic brain injury or severe internal damage. In other cases, the fall starts a decline in health that leads to fatal complications.
Either way, when the fall happened because someone didn’t take reasonable precautions, families have the right to seek justice.
Serious Injuries That Can Result From A Fall
A fall can quickly turn fatal depending on where and how it happens. Falling from intense heights—like ladders, scaffolding, stairways, or balconies—often result in serious head trauma, internal injuries, or damage to the spinal cord.
These injuries may not be survivable, especially without immediate medical care. Even ground-level falls can be deadly when a person strikes their head or suffers complications from a fractured hip or internal bleeding.
Why Older Adults Face Higher Risks
For older adults, a simple fall at home can trigger a chain of events that lead to death weeks or months later. A common example is a fractured hip, which can lead to long hospital stays, limited mobility, and increased risk of infection or blood clots.
For people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing health problems, these complications can be extremely dangerous. It’s not uncommon for a fall that initially seems minor to become fatal over time.
How Unsafe Conditions Lead To Fatal Falls
Falls are especially dangerous when they occur in unsafe conditions. Wet or uneven floors, poorly lit stairwells, loose railings, or cluttered walkways are all hazards that property owners are supposed to fix or warn people about.
When they don’t, and someone falls and suffers fatal injuries, they may be held legally responsible. In many wrongful death claims, it comes down to whether the property owner or party in control of the space acted with reasonable care to prevent the fall.
Slip And Falls At Work
Workplaces are another environment where fatal falls are unfortunately common. Construction workers are at particularly high risk, especially those who work on roofs, ladders, or scaffolding equipment. Employers are required to follow safety regulations to prevent these accidents, and when they fail to do so, surviving family members may have legal grounds to file a claim.
Get Answers To Your Legal Questions
At the Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm, we represent families who are facing the aftermath of a wrongful death caused by a fall. If you’ve lost a loved one and believe the fall could have been prevented, we’re here to help you understand what steps to take. Contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your case and find out how we may be able to help.
