Maison Law offers representation to victims who have sustained injuries in slip-and-fall accidents in Oildale. If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident or lost a loved one due to one of these accidents, contact an Oildale slip-and-fall lawyer for a free and completely confidential consultation.
A poorly lit walking area or a wet floor in a grocery store can become a life-altering hazard within seconds. Property owners and businesses have a responsibility to maintain their premises to make sure that there are no hazards that can pose a risk to individuals. If a hazard on a property led to a slip-and-fall with injurious or deadly results, the property owner could be held liable for the harm that resulted.
Do I Need an Oildale Slip-And-Fall Lawyer After an Accident?
Not every slip-and-fall case will warrant the help of an attorney. It is possible to file a personal injury claim and negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. You can even attempt to represent yourself in court – but it could quickly become an uphill battle that you could lose, which also means losing out on financial opportunities.
Because fault is not always easy to determine in one of these cases and the insurance company may be trying to pin the blame on your own carelessness, it can lead to disadvantages if you choose to file a claim on your own.
There are many reasons why speaking with an attorney can guide you in the best direction following a slip-and-fall. These include some of the following:
- You have sustained extensive injuries that require medical care
- You have missed time at work due to your injuries
- The insurance company refuses to work with you
- Liability is uncertain
Evidence is crucial in slip-and-fall cases. Even though you know that you were using care on a property or in a store, the insurance company might try to say that you were being clumsy and the accident was your own fault. An attorney will be able to put the truth into words and help you gain critical evidence for your case.
Common Causes of Slip-And-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen virtually anywhere for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons for these accidents include the following:
- Wet floors and spills, especially in grocery stores
- Hidden defects on floors such as cracks or bumps
- Rugs and carpets that cause an individual to trip
- Items placed in a walkway that shouldn’t be there
- Damaged sidewalks and parking lots
- Walking areas with poor lighting
Who is Liable for My Oildale Slip-And-Fall Accident?
Who is liable for your slip-and-fall accident depends greatly on where the accident happened. Perhaps you were shopping at the local Oildale Grocery Outlet or Trader Joe’s when you suddenly fell due to wet floors. If you sustained a serious fall in a retail establishment, you would have a claim against an owner, a lessor, a lessee, or the store manager under certain circumstances. A manager or employee must always stay aware of dangerous conditions in a store to ensure the safety of customers.
Let’s say that you suffered a fall at a friend or coworker’s house. There was a party and you tripped over a piece of carpet that was lifted due to heavy foot traffic in the area. You will most likely bring a claim against the party’s homeowner’s insurance for recovery.
If you slipped and fell on a public walkway or a road, a property owner or a municipality could be to blame. Every municipality is different but, in most cases, they all have a duty to maintain their public walkways and keep them free of hazards. A knowledgeable attorney will investigate the circumstances leading up to your accident to help you determine fault against the proper parties.
Damages Available in a Slip-And-Fall Case
Though it is impossible to put an exact amount on your slip-and-fall claim, you will likely be entitled to an array of damages after your accident. The injuries that stem from one of these accidents can be severe such as a brain injury or spinal cord injury, or as minor as a small fracture or bruising. No matter what injuries you have sustained, speaking with an attorney can ensure that you are fully compensated for your losses.
The damages that you may be able to claim due to a slip-and-fall accident include the following:
- Medical expenses related to any treatment due to your injuries
- Lost income and future lost wages due to missed work
- Inability to perform household duties
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
These damages are meant to make you feel whole again as you get back on your feet after an accident. You should only have to focus on your physical recovery after a slip-and-fall without the financial concerns that are piling up in front of you.
If you have lost a loved one due to a catastrophic slip-and-fall accident, you could also bring forth a wrongful death claim for damages including funeral costs, mental anguish, burial costs, and more. Many family members will qualify for pursuing a wrongful death claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my slip-and-fall claim make it to trial?
In the long run, personal injury claims including slip-and-falls are negotiated before they ever make it to trial. The insurance company will try to offer a low settlement that could only cover a few of your losses, which is why having an attorney on your side is beneficial.
How long do I have to bring a claim after my slip-and-fall accident?
Under California’s statute of limitations laws, you have two years from the date of your injury to bring a legal claim. Waiting any longer means that you could be barred from bringing a claim and could miss out on opportunities for damages.
What happens if my slip-and-fall accident happened on a rental property?
The property owner (your landlord) is responsible for maintaining the property where you live or work. As long as you did not contribute to a negligent or hazardous condition, you should be able to bring a successful claim against a landlord. However, these cases can be complex, which is why you should seek immediate legal assistance.
Contact an Oildale Slip-And-Fall Lawyer
Slip-and-fall claims can easily become complicated matters as liability remains uncertain and determining damages leads to confusion. As such, any individual who is injured in one of these accidents is urged to seek legal recourse for their losses.
If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall due to the negligence of a property owner, municipality, or another party, it is important that you seek compassionate and knowledgeable legal help. At Maison Law, we offer strong representation and seek fair damages for our clients. Your consultation is free and you will not have to pay any attorney fees unless we win your claim for you. Please contact us to find out what options you have for recovery.
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