Maison Law supports slip-and-fall victims in Santa Barbara. If you or a loved one have been the victim of a slip-and-fall accident, our personal injury attorneys can get you the compensation you need. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need a Lawyer For a Gelson’s Slip-and-Fall Accident in Santa Barbara?
If you were injured due to the carelessness of a property owner, or business, it is recommended to speak with a reputable attorney about your legal options. Slip-and-fall accidents can become complicated, which is why it is important to have an accident attorney guide you through the legal process.
Slip-and-fall accidents in the Golden State usually involve premise liability, which asks the question: Did the property owner exercise reasonable care over their estate or business? If a property owner fails to exercise reasonable care and someone gets injured, they can be held liable for damages according to 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.”
What if I’m Partially at Fault for a Slip-and-Fall Accident in Santa Barbara?
California is a pure comparative negligence state. Comparative negligence allows an injured party who shares fault for their injuries to still receive compensation as stated in the Comparative Negligence Law:
“Under the pure comparative negligence rule, the state allows the plaintiff to claim damages for the 1% they are not at fault even when they are 99% at fault.”
So, if you were partially at fault, but still got injured, you still reserve the right to compensation. However, the catch is your awarded settlement is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, in the case of a slip-and-fall accident at Gelson’s in Santa Barbara, let’s say you trip on an uneven floor due to a cracked tile. You fall and knock your head pretty hard on one of the metal shelves. In this scenario, Gelson’s could be held liable for your medical bills, missed time from work, and your pain and suffering.
But the defense (Gelson’s) may say you weren’t being careful walking around the store. Perhaps, they have you on camera accidentally running into other shelves before the accident. Or maybe they claim the type of shoe you were wearing was bound to cause you to fall. There are a number of things to consider in a slip-and-fall case, which is why it is important to have an experienced accident attorney to represent you and protect your right to fair compensation. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
What Should I Do After a Slip-and-Fall Accident in Santa Barbara
If you slip and fall inside of a person’s property or business, seek medical attention immediately. Nothing is more important than your health. After receiving treatment, it is recommended to:
- Report the injury. 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, as well as their information. Businesses will typically remove hazardous conditions very quickly, so it is important for you to capture the dangerous environment while it is still there.
- Follow up on your injuries with a doctor. Anything 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 Kind of Settlement Can I Expect from a Slip-and-Fall Accident in Santa Barbara?
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 and the share of your fault will largely determine your settlement amount. These items can be calculated based on your 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
The next thing would be to include your non-economic damages. These cannot be defined with a dollar amount because they include:
- 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 Santa Barbara Slip-And-Fall Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the carelessness of a person or a hazardous condition in Santa Barbara, 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.
