California National Park Injury Lawyer

California is home to many gorgeous and expansive national parks, including Sequoia, Yosemite, and Joshua Tree National Parks. Though these beautiful parks offer us amazing sights and great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, there are always risks in these areas. At Maison Law, we represent victims of accidents at national and state parks in California. We understand that bringing a government claim is not an easy thing to do, as it can be an incredibly complex process. We will stand by your side as you navigate these challenges for the first time. Please contact us today for more information and a completely free legal consultation.

Do You Need a Lawyer’s Assistance?

After you have sustained harm in an accident at a national park in California, you may wonder if you need the help of a lawyer on your side. Many individuals believe that they it is possible to handle a personal injury claim without the assistance of a lawyer. Though this may be true, it is not recommended if any of these elements are true in your claim:

• Your accident was completely or partially caused by another party
• You obtained serious injuries due to your accident
• You were forced to miss time at work as a result of your accident
• Your accident otherwise impacted aspects of your everyday life

Because time is of the essence after a national park accident, it is important that you seek the help of an attorney immediately if you want to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit.

Types of Accidents Most Common at National Parks

Throughout the year, many people will congregate at national parks in California. When enjoying the sights and sounds of a park, there are many types of accidents that can occur due to a wide array of reasons. These include some of the following:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common that occur within the perimeter of a national park. These accidents occur due to many reasons, including cracked and uneven sidewalk surfaces, steep terrains, and slippery pool surfaces.
• Drowning Accidents: Many national parks have various areas to swim including pools, lakes, and rivers. This also means that there is a likelihood that a drowning accident can happen in the blink of an eye in these areas.
• Boating Accidents: Lakes, rivers, and ocean bodies are a common place for recreational boating in national parks. Boating accidents can happen when boaters are disobeying the rules of the waterways.
• Car Accidents: Car accidents don’t stop just because you left the middle of a city. Many motor vehicle collisions happen at national parks every year in high-traffic areas. Some of these accidents, unfortunately, involve pedestrians and lead to severe results.

Holding a Government Entity Responsible

In many cases where an individual is injured in a California national park accident, they could have a claim against the government. However, it is not as easy to sue the government as you may have initially expected. Government entities in California are protected under “sovereign immunity,” which means that they can only be sued when an individual gets their consent. However, government entities are still expected to keep visitors safe from harm on national park grounds. This means that, if they fail to do so and are found liable, they could be responsible for the harm that you have suffered as a result. You can show that the government may be liable for your accident if the following elements are true:

• Some part of the national park was in a dangerous condition when your accident took place.
• Your injury was a direct result of the hazard on national park property.
• The hazardous condition was reasonably foreseeable under normal circumstances.
• The government acted negligently because they had notice of the condition but did nothing to correct it.

Under California law, you have two years from the time of your injury to bring a personal injury claim according to California’s statute of limitations. However, you have less time if your claim is against the government. In these cases, you only have six months to file a claim before you are barred from doing so. This is why it is crucial that you have a lawyer on your side who can help you meet these deadlines.

Damages in a National Park Injury Claim

If you have been hurt in an accident at a national park, you have likely suffered a variety of damages. Through a personal injury claim, you may be able to obtain the following types of financial recovery:

• Payment for your medical expenses related to your injuries
• Lost wages due to missing time at work
• Therapy-related costs
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages

You do not want to miss out on any financial opportunities during this difficult time in your life. This is why it is imperative to act quickly to retain your rights when it matters the most.

Contact a California Premises Liability Lawyer Today

Being hurt in an accident at a California national park can be a life-altering experience that leaves you feeling stress and confused about your next steps. As you focus on healing, you should not have to worry about how you will pay the bills that keep piling up. At Maison Law, our California premises liability lawyers have diligently assisted those injured in accidents at national and state parks. We have the knowledge and resources necessary to assist you during these trying times. We have handled claims involving the government in the past and will stand by your side when you need our assistance the most. Please contact us today for a free and completely confidential case review.