Maison Law represents the victims of Trader Joe’s slip-and-fall accidents in San Luis Obispo. If you or a loved one has suffered a slip-and-fall accident in Trader Joe’s, the accident attorneys at Maison Law can help you get the compensation you need. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Slip-and-Fall Accident at Trader Joe’s in San Luis Obispo?
If you’ve suffered verifiable injuries at Trader Joe’s, it is recommended to discuss your legal options with a reputable accident attorney. An accident attorney can determine if Trader Joe’s carelessness was a direct cause of your injury. Slip-and-fall accidents can have devastating results on your life, leaving you unable to work and with enormous medical bills. Having an attorney manage your accident can:
- Increase your initial settlement by letting the insurance adjuster know you intend to invoke your rights
- Make you aware of the compensation you will need in order to treat your injuries and make a full recovery
- Help you understand what a fair settlement should be based on your case
- Build a case by gathering evidence such as:
- Proof of the damages you’ve suffered
- Evidence that a person, or business, was liable for your injuries
- Evidence the accident was in no way your fault, nor could you have done anything to prevent it
- File a claim in court if a settlement cannot be reached and present your case in front of a jury
How is Carelessness Established in a Trader Joe’s Slip-and-Fall Accident?
If you file a lawsuit against Trader Joe’s, your lawsuit will fall under premise liability via California’s Civil Code 1714(a), which states:
“Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary car, brought the injury upon himself or herself.”
Once you file a lawsuit, you will have to prove Trader Joe’s was careless. Carelessness is when a person or corporation fails to behave reasonably to prevent foreseeable harm to a possible accident victim. For example, let’s say you’re doing some shopping in the Trader Joe’s off Higuera Street and you slip and fall on a wet floor caused by a leaky refrigerator, fracturing your shoulder. In this scenario, an attorney will have to prove Trader Joe’s was careless because they:
- Created a dangerous condition to exist on its property, or allowed one to manifest
- Knew about the dangerous condition but did nothing to fix or remove it
- Reasonably should have known the hazardous condition existed and did nothing about it
Next, you will have to show that:
- Your injuries were due to the dangerous condition
- You suffered harm that can be verified by a doctor or hospital
What Should I Do After a Trader Joe’s Slip-and-Fall Accident in San Luis Obispo
If you slip and fall inside of a Trader Joe’s, seek medical attention immediately. Nothing is more important than your health. After receiving treatment, it is recommended to:
- Report the injury to management. Slip-and-fall injuries are not uncommon and they require a prompt investigation. Don’t be surprised if they take your written statement, photograph your injuries, and review the video surveillance evidence to make sure your statement adds up.
- Take your own photos of the scene and get witness statements. Large corporations like Trader Joe’s will typically remove hazardous conditions very quickly to prevent more accidents, so it is important for you to capture the dangerous environment while it is still there.
- Follow up on your injuries with a doctor. Any injuries you’ve sustained from your slip-and-fall accident will become a part of your case and you will need a doctor to corroborate your injuries.
- Contact Maison Law to protect your rights to compensation. Most accident victims find themselves overwhelmed by the incident and fail to realize the enormous impact a serious injury can have on their lives. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your options and get you the compensation you need to make a full recovery.
What is the Settlement Process for a Trader Joe’s Slip and Fall Accident in San Luis Obispo?
The majority of slip-and-fall cases are settled before they go to trial. Negotiations between the plaintiff’s lawyer and the defendant’s lawyer generally go as follows:
- The plaintiff’s lawyer sends a demand letter outlining injuries suffered along with requested financial compensation
- The defendant’s lawyer reviews the request and may agree fully, partially, or deny liability altogether.
- If both sides are in agreement, a slip-and-fall settlement will be signed without going to trial.
The steps listed above highlight why it is important for any slip-and-fall accident victim to have an experienced accident attorney who knows how to negotiate effectively and manage insurance company lawyers.
What Kind of Settlement Can I Expect from a Slip-and-Fall Accident in San Luis Obispo?
When it comes to slip-and-fall accidents, no case is the same. The circumstances are always different with every accident, but the extent of your injuries will largely determine your settlement amount. These items can be calculated based on your economic damages and non-economic damages, which include:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Loss of income, as well as the reduction in your earning capacity you’ve suffered from your slip-and-fall accident
- Cost of living with your injury, such as making your home disability accessible, purchasing a wheelchair or crutches, hiring a nurse or housekeeper
- Damage done to your property during the accident
- Pain and suffering caused by your injuries
- Stress and anxiety due to the nature of your accident
- Your mental state after a life-changing accident
Contact a Trader Joe’s Slip-And-Fall Lawyer in San Luis Obispo
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the carelessness of a person or a hazardous condition in a Trader Joe’s, the attorneys at Maison Law can get you the compensation you need. No upfront money is required and we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.