Maison Law represents anyone that’s been hurt at the San Bernardino County Fair. These events happen all across California, especially during the summer months. Whether it’s your children or yourself, getting hurt at a state fair is very scary and stressful. Our California state fair accident lawyers can help you through this situation. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer?
Getting injured in an accident is always unsettling, even at annual events like the San Bernardino County Fair where various conditions can make accidents more concerning. While some incidents may cause minor injuries, others can be more severe. The more hurt you are, the more you should think about hiring a lawyer.
It’s not required, but having a lawyer makes everything easier. Here’s how our team of California state fair accident lawyers handles cases:
- We investigate what happened, analyzing factors to determine responsibility.
- We interview witnesses to confirm unsafe conditions or negligence, strengthening your case.
- We gather evidence on fair rules and procedures to support your claim against any violations.
- We review past incidents at the fair to establish a history of negligence.
Every case is unique, but what’s important for you to know is that getting hurt at the SBC Fair gives you certain legal options.
What Are Your Legal Options After Getting Hurt at the San Bernardino County Fair?
Most people understand that going to the SBC Fair can be a memorable experience, but there’s always a risk of accidents where negligence plays a crucial role. Before diving further into liability, the mere fact that you get hurt because of negligence means you have certain legal options. The main option is to file an injury claim for your damages, which you can do by either filing an insurance claim out of court or a lawsuit inside the court system.
An insurance claim is quicker, but is totally controlled by the insurance company you file against. They decide how liable they are and what they offer you in terms of a settlement. It’s rarely enough to cover serious injuries, which means you can then file a lawsuit.
Regardless of which path you take, you get to recover certain “damages” from the liable party. Your particular damages are going to depend on the extent of your injuries and other factors, but generally includes:
- Medical expenses – This covers the costs of treatments, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation needed due to the injury.
- Lost income – This covers any wages or earnings lost because the injury prevents you from working.
- Pain and suffering – This provides financial support for the physical pain and mental anguish experienced as a result of the injury.
- Emotional distress – These are additional damages awarded for psychological trauma such as anxiety or PTSD caused by the injury.
- Loss of quality of life – This provides financial considerations for the inability to enjoy life as fully as before the injury, including impacts on personal relationships and activities.
- Wrongful death – If the accident is fatal, your surviving family members can recover things related to your funeral, burial, and loss of companionship.
- Punitive damages – These are rarely awarded and serve as punishment for extreme negligence or intentional misconduct by the responsible parties.
Your ability to recover these damages depends on filing within California’s two-year statute of limitations and the evidence you can present to support your claim. Each case is unique, so understanding your rights and gathering strong evidence is crucial. But it’s equally important to understand who has to pay for your damages.
Who Pays For Your Damages After a Fair Accident?
The most confusing part about getting hurt at the SBC Fair is figuring out who is legally responsible for the accident and your injuries. Accidents at the fair fall under “premises liability,” meaning the fair’s organizers, workers, vendors, and others that are there have a “duty” to keep you safe from hazards. Failing to do so is negligence, making them legally responsible for paying for your damages.
At the same time, a lot can go wrong at the fair, and determining who’s responsible depends on what happened and who was involved. Generally, liability may fall on one or more of the following:
- Fair officials – The organizers and managers are responsible for ensuring the fairgrounds are safe. This can also include the county officials and government.
- Fair staff or employees – Those working at the fair must maintain safety, cleanliness, and help prevent accidents.
- Manufacturers – If an accident is caused by a faulty ride, game, or equipment, the manufacturer could be liable.
- Vendors and contractors – Companies hired by the fair to perform tasks or operate attractions may be liable if their actions cause an accident.
- Other visitors – Sometimes, other visitors may share the blame if their actions cause harm or an accident.
Determining liability depends on the specifics of the accident, the actions or negligence involved, and whether safety protocols were followed. Still, it’s helpful to be prepared. That means understanding what causes accidents and what you need to do.
Protecting an Injury Claim After an Accident at the San Bernardino County Fair
The San Bernardino County Fair is a popular destination with rides, shows, and activities for everyone. However, these environments can also lead to serious accidents and injuries. Common causes of these injuries include:
- Slip and falls – Wet surfaces, uneven pathways, or debris can cause you or other people to slip and fall.
- Malfunctions – Malfunctions or failures can lead to injuries like whiplash or cuts.
- Collisions – Accidents can occur between rides, such as bumper cars, or with stationary objects.
- Tripping hazards – Uneven surfaces, loose cables, or poorly secured equipment can cause trips and falls.
- Unsafe behavior – Running, pushing, or ignoring safety guidelines can result in accidents.
- Lack of supervision – Inadequate supervision can lead to accidents, especially involving children or inexperienced riders.
- Food illnesses – Food poisoning or allergic reactions to food served at the fair.
If you get injured at the San Bernardino County Fair, prioritize your health by seeking immediate medical help, even if the park has facilities; an emergency room visit ensures thorough treatment and documentation. Take photos and videos of the scene, report the incident to fair authorities, and gather witness information. Keep all medical records and document expenses. Finally, contact our team for further guidance. These steps will protect your claim.
Contact Maison Law After an Accident at the San Bernardino County Fair
The San Bernardino County Fair is meant to be fun for families, but accidents can sometimes cause injuries. At Maison Law, our team of dedicated California state fair accident lawyers is here to help you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate if you’ve been hurt in one of these accidents. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started or discuss your options.
