Maison Law represents those injured in earthquake accidents in California. If you or a loved one have been injured in an earthquake due to premise liability, or inadequate safety measures, the attorneys at Maison Law are here to get you the compensation you need. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an Earthquake Injury in California?
Let’s say you’re returning home to your apartment complex in Irvine and you’re walking up the stairwell when an earthquake shakes the building. You grab the handrail to keep from falling, but it’s already loose and becomes dislodged from the wall, causing you to fall down multiple flights of stairs and injure your back. In this case, it is advisable to speak to an attorney because your injuries resulted from a loose handrail, which is a premise liability.
Earthquakes can be devastating, causing unimaginable damage to thousands of people in a matter of seconds. According to the California Department of Conservation, in 2014, earthquakes accounted for over $1.4 billion in damage to California residents. As destructive as these natural disasters may be, they often highlight a property owner’s failure to prevent additional injuries when they occur, leading to numerous lawsuits.
Who is Liable For an Earthquake Premise Liability Injury
After an earthquake people can sustain injuries from falling debris, collapsing structures, or being thrown into hazardous environments. Some of these injuries may just be from the naturally dangerous nature of the earthquake, however, depending on the details of the accident, injuries can be due to carelessness, breach of contract, or failure to comply with building codes. These types of injuries can lead to complex lawsuits, which may require the assistance of an experienced accident attorney.
Depending on the specific details of your case, the following may be held responsible for earthquake damages and injuries:
- Contractors
- Property Owners
- Construction companies
- Architects and engineers
- Property owners
- Energy companies
What is the Most Common Place for Earthquakes in California?
Earthquakes occur more frequently along the San Andreas Faul, which includes parts of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the San Bernardino Mountains. The Hayward Fault makes the San Francisco Bay Area susceptible, as well as the San Jacinto Fault near Riverside and San Bernardino have a high risk for earthquakes. Some Central Valley areas are also in the danger zone due to their proximity to each of the fault lines.
A helpful application for Californians in the area to use is ShakeAlert. ShakeAlert is an earthquake early detection system for the West Coast of the United States, warning of potential quakes. The system uses a network of seismic sensors to detect the initial energy of an earthquake and calculate its expected intensity. ShakeAlert then sends alerts mere seconds before the earthquake will occur, giving people a tiny window to seek shelter.
What Should I Do During an Earthquake?
If you are inside during an earthquake, you should stay inside. The chances of debris falling on you are much higher if you try to make a quick exit during an earthquake. Some of the most horrific injuries occur from bricks, wood, and glass falling onto people who are standing on the outside of buildings during an earthquake. Next, you should drop, cover, and hold on. If you’re inside, it is best to drop low to the ground and get under a piece of furniture, crouch in a corner, or hold onto a doorway. These are the places where you are least likely to have debris and heavy objects land on top of you. Always remember to avoid walls and stairways as these are the most likely objects to crumble in an earthquake.
Can I Collect Damages After an Earthquake?
If you’ve been injured due to another party’s carelessness during an earthquake, you have the right to compensation by filing a personal injury claim with your insurance. In addition to receiving help from your insurance, the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) offers help with filing a claim or purchasing earthquake insurance for future protection. However, if your damages are beyond what the insurance company can pay, a personal injury lawyer can help you collect damages for:
- Medical expenses: your current bills and the cost of your anticipated, future medical care
- Lost wages: these include wages lost while you were too injured to work, as well as damages to your future earning capacity if your injuries are too severe for you to resume your occupational duties
- Medical equipment: costs of altering your home, or vehicle due to your disability
- Property damages: if your property was damaged due to another’s actions
An attorney will help you calculate your total amount of damages, so you can know the value of your case and the compensation you can expect to receive.
FAQs
Q: How long does a premise liability case take to settle in California?
A: The length of the case depends on the complexity. The more complicated it is, the longer it will take to resolve.
Q: How long do I have to file an earthquake premise liability lawsuit in California?
A: 2 years. The statute of limitations for filing a premise liability lawsuit in California is two years from the date of the accident.
Q: What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
A: There is no upfront money required at Maison Law. Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee, meaning we only get paid if we win your case for you.
Contact an Earthquake Premise Liability Lawyer in California
Earthquakes may seem like a natural disaster, but that does not mean someone can’t be held responsible for failing to prevent harm to others when they occur. At Maison Law, we’ll help you identify the liable parties in your claim and aggressively pursue them for the compensation you need to make a full recovery. Earthquake insurance can help with temporary losses, but at Maison Law, our personal injury lawyers consider the future when calculating your damages. Restore your life after an earthquake and contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
