Maison Law is here to support the legal needs of runners injured by potholes in Merced. If you or a loved one recently sustained an injury because of a pothole in the road in Merced, please reach out to Maison Law to discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer at a free, no-obligation consultation. You will receive a complete case evaluation and gather all the facts you need to decide about pursuing future legal action.
Do I Need a Lawyer
If you sustained an injury from a pothole while running in Merced, you have the right to take legal action against the person or entity that is responsible for maintaining the roadway. You should also know that you are under no obligation to hire a lawyer to handle this matter on your behalf. You can take the time to complete the documentation, gather the facts and evidence, and move forward with the lawsuit on your own.
But what you should also know is that, in most cases involving runner injuries caused by potholes in Merced, the liable party is the City of Merced or Merced County. And when you arrive for your court date, there will be several lawyers waiting to oppose you. The simple and swift solution to learning about premises liability, the legal system, and pothole repair is to reach out to the team at Maison Law and hire a personal injury lawyer to litigate the case for you.
This one choice will provide several rewards, including more time to focus on healing and rehab so you can get back to running for enjoyment and physical fitness; you will not feel stressed about the challenges and process of the case as it moves forward. And finally, most cases that are handled by a lawyer instead of the injury victim result in a larger settlement or award. Three wins for one choice to go with a pro for your Merced pothole injury lawsuit.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Immediately
As a runner, you are likely to appreciate the great outdoors, the rush of running and exercise, and the health benefits this activity provides. Having all of these perks taken from you because of a pothole in the road is sure to be frustrating. But you might not be certain how you can hold the right person or group responsible for their actions or lack of actions when it comes to repairing a gaping hole in the road. Instead of doing copious amounts of research, grab your phone and reach out to Maison Law to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
We are here to take all the complexities out of this matter that should be so simple. There was a pothole that should have been repaired, but it was not. You got hurt, and now the city or county owes you compensation for the injuries, expenses, and losses that you suffered. Our team will go the extra mile to help you get this matter resolved quickly.
What is a Pothole Injury in Merced Case Worth
When you suffer an injury because of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. The economic damages are items that have an easily determined dollar value and include:
- All current and future estimated medical expenses related to the injuries that were caused by the pothole
- The cost of therapy or counseling for emotional trauma, depression, or anxiety caused by the injury incident
- Your lost wages if the injuries you suffered prevent you from working at your regular job until you are fully recovered
- Loss of future earning potential if the pothole injuries result in limitations that will inhibit your future earning capabilities
When you begin to review the non-economic damages that were sustained because of the pothole injury while running in Merced, the items are more difficult to assign a dollar value. These are objects with a less defined value. But you and your Maison Law personal injury lawyer will work to estimate the value of your losses for items like:
- Loss of enjoyment of activities that you are not capable of enjoying, like running, hobbies, or family activities
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- The negative impact of the trauma on your daily life, such as depression, anxiety, and an inability to sleep
The Statute of Limitations for a Pothole Personal Injury Lawsuit in Merced
If you were running on a city street or county roadway in Merced when a pothole in the road injured you, you have a limited time to pursue legal action. In California, the time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit against a government entity or agency is only six months from the date of the incident. However, if the road where you suffered a pothole injury was privately owned, such as part of a gated community, homeowners association, or an office park, the time limit is extended to two years from the date of the injury because the liable party is a business or person, not a government entity. In either case, this time limit is strictly enforced, and once it has passed, you no longer have the right to seek compensation for the losses and expenses created when you were running in Merced and sustained an injury in a pothole.
Common Injuries from a Pothole Running Incident in Merced
When you are running on grass or other softer surfaces like a track, the most common injuries from a hole or defect in the surface are typically a twisted ankle or possible foot injury. Sadly, when you are running on the street and encounter a pothole, the environment can be much more unforgiving, resulting in a wide array of potentially serious injuries that can include:
- Back, neck, or spinal cord damage from a fall
- Head trauma that could include a traumatic brain injury or skull fracture from impact with the ground
- Broken or shattered bones
- Compound fractures
- Dislocated joints and damage to the soft connective tissue of the joints
- Facial injuries to the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or the soft skin on the face
- Severe lacerations or puncture wounds
- Damage to internal organs
Frequently Asked Questions About Runners Injured by Potholes in Merced
What should I do after suffering a pothole injury in Merced while I was running?
If you are seriously injured, call 911 and wait for emergency first responders to render aid. If you have a running partner, they can also call 911 for you and then snap a few pictures of the pothole, the surrounding area to locate the specific area geographically, and of your injuries and relationship to the pothole when you fell.
If your injuries are less severe, take pictures of the area, the pothole, and any injuries you sustained and then seek a complete medical evaluation to ensure a medical professional documents your injuries. Report the pothole and your injury incident to the city and police to have it recorded and hopefully prevent further injuries.
How long does the city have to repair the pothole?
Currently, there are no specific time limits set to repair potholes. The standard requirement is that the repairs be made within a reasonable amount of time.
Will my pothole injury case go to court?
There is no definite answer as to which cases will go to court and which will be settled out of court. The fastest and most affordable resolution is a settlement before going to court. Personal injury victims should know that a case handled by a personal injury lawyer, rather than the injury victim, is more likely to be resolved with a settlement and for a larger amount.
Contact a Pothole Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one sustained an injury due to a pothole you encountered while running in Merced, reach out to Maison Law today. Our team of personal injury lawyers is here to provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation and case evaluation. Soon, you will know your options and how our team can help you recover the compensation you are owed for your expenses and losses.
If you decide to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit, our firm is ready to take on any case with legal merit and never ask for any upfront payments. We work only on a contingency basis, meaning the funds to pay for your legal services are included in the settlement or award you receive.
