Maison Law offers representation to individuals who have been involved in a slip-and-fall accident in Porterville and throughout Tulare County. Though properties are supposed to be kept safe from harm, it is no surprise that slip-and-fall accidents continue to happen daily in California and cause severe harm to those involved. If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, it is important that you contact a knowledgeable Porterville slip-and-fall lawyer for a free consultation.
Within seconds, a cracked sidewalk or a spill in a grocery store can become a major hazard that takes an individual by surprise. Many individuals see a slip-and-fall accident as a minor accident that leads to bruising or scrapes, but the injuries can be more catastrophic than that. Knowing where to turn after a slip-and-fall accident is incredibly important so that you can get back on your feet.
Do I Need a Porterville Slip-and-Fall Lawyer After an Accident?
It is true that you can sometimes handle a slip-and-fall accident claim on your own. However, it is important to note that the insurance company will start calling to negotiate a settlement with you from the day you have been injured. They might offer you much less than you deserve in damages. On top of this, representing yourself in court can be a stressful matter depending on the circumstances of your claim.
If the following aspects are present due to your accident, it may be wise to seek the help of an attorney:
- Your injuries caused by the slip-and-fall are extensive
- Your injuries caused you to miss time at work
- The insurance company won’t budge in regard to your settlement
- Liability is not certain
Common Places for Porterville Slip-and-Falls
Everybody has tripped or fallen once or twice over something in their lives. Though these events can be embarrassing, some slip-and-falls are worse than others and it is not as easy to just walk away from them. Where your accident took place is important so that you and your lawyer can determine what damages might be available to you.
Here are some of the most common places for slip-and-fall accidents in Porterville:
Parking Lots: As you are walking through a parking lot to your vehicle, anything could happen. A lack of lights or uneven concrete can easily lead to a severe slip-and-fall with life-altering results.
Workplaces: In some cases, an employer’s negligence can cause a slip-and-fall on a workplace property. With the help of an attorney, you can determine if your workplace fall is covered under workers’ compensation.
Sidewalks: When a sidewalk is not properly maintained, cracks and potholes can appear which lead to serious falls. Either a property owner or a municipality could be responsible for one of these accidents in these areas.
Hotels: The owners and managers of hotels must do anything possible to ensure that guests are kept safe from harm, which includes maintaining carpets and wet floors that could pose a fall hazard.
Public Swimming Pools: Slip and falls could easily occur at a public swimming pool due to wet surfaces, which is why precautions must be taken.
Grocery Stores: Slip-and-fall incidents can happen at grocery stores due to many reasons such as unmarked wet floors, loose flooring, leaks, and more.
Understanding Premises Liability Laws in California
When injuries stem from a slip-and-fall on a California property, the laws state that an individual or somebody who possesses the land is responsible for an accident. This means that owners are supposed to stay aware of the condition of their property at all times so that slip-and-fall incidents can be prevented.
If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall incident on somebody’s property, you must be able to establish negligence to move forward with a premises liability personal injury claim against one or more parties. This means that you have to show the following aspects:
- The person who possessed the land owed a duty of care to those on the property
- There was a breach in the duty of care
- The breach of duty led to your harm
- The harm resulted in your damages
Provided that you were not trespassing and you were using the land as intended, you could have a claim against parties whose negligence led to your fall.
Damages Available in a Slip-and-Fall Claim
The injuries and damages that stem from a slip-and-fall claim could be extensive, leaving you in both a difficult physical and financial position. Depending on who caused your accident, you could bring forth a personal injury claim for both economic and non-economic damages so that you can afford the bills following your accident.
Some of the damages that could be available for you in a slip-and-fall claim include the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation related to your injuries
- Lost income and future loss of wages
- Medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and crutches
- Prescription medicine
- Transportation costs to and from doctor’s appointments
- Any other out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
It can be incredibly challenging to prove that a property owner or another party is liable for your damages after a slip-and-fall. This is why many injured individuals turn to legal help for assistance with their claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the property owner the only person who can be at fault for a slip-and-fall accident?
No, there could be multiple people or entities responsible for your slip-and-fall accident. These include parties such as an owner, a tenant of a property, a landlord, a security guard, and more.
Is there a time limit on when I can file a claim for a slip-and-fall accident?
Yes, there is a statute of limitations on how long you can recover damages after a slip-and-fall accident in California. You have two years from the time that you discover your injuries until you will not be able to bring a claim.
If I’m covered under workers’ compensation benefits, can I collect other damages?
If you were injured on the job in a slip-and-fall and bring a workers’ compensation claim, you will only be able to receive these benefits. Be careful, however, as workers’ comp benefits are limited and you may not be able to receive damages for pain and suffering and more, which means that you could miss out on other financial opportunities.
Contact a Porterville Slip-and-Fall Lawyer Immediately
Slip-and-fall claims can easily become complex matters due to the determination of liable parties. If you believe that a property owner, municipality, worker, or another party is liable for your accident, you may have a claim.
At Maison Law, we are prepared to represent you through the stressful aspects of your claim so that you can focus on healing after a slip-and-fall. Your consultation is completely confidential and free. Contact us for the help that you need during these difficult times.
