Victims could sue owners or operators of the private property or business where the sinkhole developed. In some cases, a government department, like Caltrans, would be liable for creating the hazard. In some circumstances, a construction company whose faulty work caused a sinkhole could be held financially responsible.

Who Is Responsible for Sinkhole Accidents in California?

Many sinkholes occur due to natural causes in California, but that doesn’t mean property and business owners can escape liability. Under premises liability, they are still responsible for identifying hazards and removing dangers so that they can’t hurt guests, shoppers, clients, and tenants.

That means putting up warnings about sinkholes, restricting access to the area, and also fixing the problem in a reasonable amount of time. They must make sure these holes are filled and that the problem won’t come back.

When owners and operators don’t protect others from these sinkhole risks and someone gets hurt, victims can sue for damages.

Private owners, businesses, and government entities could all be liable for creating sinkhole hazards or failing to repair sinkholes:

• Private property owners who don’t fix sinkhole issues before someone gets hurt
• Business owners
• A supermarket or retail chain allowing customers to fall into parking lot sinkholes
• Landlords and property management companies allowing visitors and residents to be injured by sinkhole hazards
• The California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) and city transportation departments
• Public utility departments
• Parks and Rec Departments
• Construction companies causing sinkholes to form
• Contractors

These parties may be liable, but they’ll also have insurance adjusters and perhaps government lawyers all trying to help them avoid fault. They may attempt to paint you as a careless person who caused your own accident. They may try to downplay the injuries you received.

In cases that involve a lot of financial damages (medical bills, etc.), a lawyer can be an important protection for your case. Your lawyer can also often secure much more in compensation for you than you could hope to win by handling a claim yourself.

Sinkhole Accident Dangers in California

Sinkholes are increasingly becoming a huge danger along California roads and in our neighborhoods. Natural forces, like the weather, can be behind the formation of a sinkhole. There are also sinkholes created by the negligence of human beings.

Bad road design can lead to sinkhole car accidents when roads fall away. Crews who must provide proper drainage for a construction project might be found negligent after a hole forms.

These are just a few of the factors that contribute to sinkhole formation in our state:

• Storms with heavy downpours, including rain from atmospheric rivers
• Drought damage
• Earthquake damage
• Broken pipes underground erode soil underneath the surface
• Washouts around poorly installed or constructed drains and culverts
• Pumping large amounts of groundwater to the surface, creating instability

It’s easy to see why the earth giving way beneath residents can cause frightening accidents and major injuries. Vehicles can end up at the bottom of a 30-foot hole. People can step on what appears to be solid ground only to tumble into a gap in a public park. California residents might feel their homes give way as the whole structure slips into a construction sinkhole.

Victims can suffer broken bones, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), and neck and back damage. Patients are also left with massive medical bills and lost income while they can’t work.  Families can lose a loved one in a sinkhole accident and be left without the love, care, and financial support the victim had always provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have to File an Injury Claim Over a Sinkhole Accident?

In cases against a private owner or a business, you’d have up to two years to file a claim. This is the statute of limitations in California for personal injury cases. However, be aware that if your case is against a government entity, such as the DOT, your statute of limitations may be much shorter. Government departments enjoy strong legal protections against legal action. You may only have a few months to file. In some cases, you may have to ask permission from the local city government to file a claim. It’s a good idea to hire a lawyer for these complex cases so you don’t forfeit support.

What If I Can’t Afford to Pay a Lawyer?

In cases that involve a serious injury, a lawyer is an important assurance that your case can’t be dismissed and that you’ll receive the support you need. Fortunately, you can hire a California sinkhole accident attorney without worrying about the cost. Maison Law works on a contingency basis. It means we only get paid if we win your case for you. If we are successful on your behalf, our fee comes out of the settlement that an insurance company must pay you.

What Kinds of Things Can Be Reimbursed After a Sinkhole Accident?

Victims hurt by sinkholes must demand full compensation for their medical bills now and those expected in the future. They must receive help to support themselves and their families while they can’t go to work and earn a paycheck. A skilled California personal injury attorney would also seek support for the physical pain and emotional trauma victims endure. The property damage victims suffer, such as a damaged car or house, must be replaced. A California wrongful death lawyer can also help the families of sinkhole victims get support for funeral costs, leftover medical bills, and lost income.

Contact a California Sinkhole Accident Attorney Today

We offer a free and confidential case review to all injured sinkhole victims. If your injuries are serious, please contact us today to schedule an appointment. It’s a no-risk way to determine what your case is worth and how to hold those responsible fully liable.

And if you do need Maison Law’s help to secure more in support, remember that you don’t need to worry about having the money to hire a lawyer. We don’t get paid unless we win your injury case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check that an insurer must provide.