Maison Law protects slip-and-fall victims in California. If you or a loved one have been the victim of a slip-and-fall accident, our personal injury attorneys can get you the compensation you need. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Gelson’s Slip-and-Fall Accident in California?
If you’ve been injured due to a slip-and-fall accident at Gelson’s, it is advisable to seek the counsel of an attorney for your next steps. Be advised that Gelson’s is a major corporation and will be protecting their own interests when it comes to your personal injury. Whereas, an attorney will seek damages from Gelson’s insurance on your behalf.
If you partner with an accident attorney, that lets the insurance company know you’re aware of your rights and are prepared to exercise them. An experienced accident attorney will not only deal with the insurance company for you, they will:
- Connect you to trusted doctors for continued treatment
- Assign liability to all additional parties responsible
- Build your case by gathering concrete evidence to confirm your claim
- Represent you in court if your case goes to trial
Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Liability Include
Slip-and-fall accidents usually occur when a person, or business, has created a hazardous condition from a failure to provide a “duty of care” to others. The leading causes of injuries are:
- Uneven flooring
- Missing stair railings
- Rotten steps
- Loose carpeting
- Wet walkways or aisles
- Icy sidewalks
- Exposed wires
- Inadequate warning signs
In a personal injury case, carelessness, or negligence, occurs when:
- They knew about a dangerous element or should have known about one through the exercise of reasonable care
- Allowed for a hazardous condition to manifest on their property
- Failed to repair the hazard, or give adequate warning of the condition
Common Slip-and-Fall Injuries in California
According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slip-and-falls account for over a million emergency room visits in the United States and are the primary cause of lost days at work. The most common injuries from slip-and-fall accidents include:
- Sprained or twisted ankles: ligament damage, and swelling, making it difficult to bear weight
- Fractured or broken bones: Broken wrists, ankles, or hips are the most common broken bones in a slip-and-fall accident
- Back and spinal cord injuries: these can lead to herniated discs and spinal compression, which causes nerve damage, numbness, or even paralysis
- Head injuries, including concussions: traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which may cause dizziness, memory loss, nausea, difficulty focusing, and sensitivity to light
- Soft tissue injuries: strained muscles and tendons can cause pain and limit a person’s movement
What is the Typical Amount of Compensation for a Slip-and-Fall Accident in California?
Compensatory damages are awarded to accident victims in the form of economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. While punitive damages are rare, they can be claimed if the accident was done with extreme recklessness or malice toward the victim. Economic damages are actual financial losses that can be assigned value. These include:
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospital bills
- Medications and medical equipment
- Ongoing treatment for current and future medical needs
- In-home care
- Lost income
- Loss of consortium
- Vehicle repair
Non-economic damages are subjective, non-compensatory losses, which include:
- Emotional pain
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
While there is no average amount of compensation, these factors can ultimately decide the compensation you can receive. It is important to note, however, that the more severe your injuries and damages are, the more compensation you can expect to be awarded.
FAQs
Q: Do I have to go to court to receive compensation?
A: No, you do not have to go to court to receive compensation. Most personal injury lawsuits settle out of court, in which case your attorney will collect your compensation from the insurance company and give it to you.
Q: How long do I have to file a slip-and-fall accident in California?
A: 2 years from the date of the accident is the statute of limitations in California for filing a personal injury claim.
Q: Can my health insurance take a share of my injury settlement?
A: Yes, insurers have a contractual right to be reimbursed for the bills they have paid on your behalf after the accident.
Contact a Slip-and-Fall Attorney in California
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident due to someone else’s carelessness in California, contact our experienced attorneys today to get fully compensated for all your damages. At Maison Law, we’ve reached numerous successful outcomes in slip-and-fall cases against major corporations and can do the same for you. Call Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. There are no upfront costs or hidden fees. You won’t pay a cent until we’ve won your case.
