At Maison Law, we represent victims of slip and fall accidents in Turlock and throughout Stanislaus County, California. If you have fallen victim to one of these catastrophic accidents, you could be entitled to financial support for your losses. With many stores in Turlock and the surrounding areas, it is not uncommon for slips and falls to happen annually, causing severe harm to unsuspecting individuals. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation today.
Common Reasons for Slip and Fall Accidents
Turlock contains many different types of businesses, from Kohl’s to Target and more. On top of this, there are properties all over throughout the city where dangers exist at every corner. Slip and fall accidents can happen within seconds due to many different reasons, such as the following:
- Spilled liquids on the floor
- Greasy or negligently cleaned floors
- Lack of warning signs in wet areas
- Dangerous floor surfaces
- Inadequate lighting in a store
- Electrical cords lying on the ground
In almost every one of these scenarios, a slip and fall accident is entirely preventable. This is why the owner of a property or business must do whatever is necessary to prevent hazards that could lead to these serious and life-altering accidents. If an owner does not do so, then they could be liable for the resulting damages that a plaintiff incurs.
Proving Negligence in a Turlock Slip and Fall Claim
Before you move forward to gain support from a negligent party in a slip and fall premises liability claim, you must prove that a defendant is to blame for your accident. As an injured victim, the burden of proof is on you to prove that a defendant did not abide by precautionary measures to ensure your safety and the safety of others. You must be able to show that the following aspects were prevalent in your case:
- The defendant owned or controlled the property when your accident occurred.
- The defendant should have reasonably known that a dangerous condition existed.
- The defendant did not remedy or warn you and others about the hazard.
- The dangerous condition led to your injuries.
- You sustained damages as a result of your slip and fall.
Gaining the correct evidence for your claim is not always easy to do and the property owner might try to pin the blame on you even though you know that your accident was not your fault. This is why it is crucial that you seek assistance from a skilled legal advocate.
Length of Time to Settle a Slip and Fall Case
There are many factors that come into play when determining how long it can take to settle your Turlock slip and fall claim. As you are working on your physical recovery, you may be concerned about when you will receive damages so that you can pay the bills that keep adding up. There are some aspects that lead to delays, which include the following:
Length of Your Medical Recovery: You want to make sure that you know the full extent of your injuries before you bring a claim against an at-fault party. If you settle before you know how severe your injuries are, you may not receive full support for how your injuries could affect you in the future. If you are expecting a long recovery time, it could also mean a longer settlement time.
Case Complications: There are some factors that can complicate a slip and fall claim. There could be disputes over liability or catastrophic injuries involved. On top of this, you could also be partially at fault in your claim, which means that your support could be lessened by a certain percentage through comparative negligence laws.
Settlement or Trial: If you choose to settle with the negligent party’s insurance company, you may not receive all of the damages you expected but it could mean a faster claim resolution. However, trial might be the best option if you want to ensure that all damages are covered.
Damages in a Slip and Fall Claim
It is not possible for a lawyer to tell you exactly how much your slip and fall claim will be worth. However, the damages you receive will be related to the severity of your injuries and the losses that you have suffered as a result. You should expect to recover from a variety of damages depending on your injuries:
- Medical expenses related to your care
- Lost income and future loss of earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Any other out-of-pocket damages
- Punitive damages meant to punish a property owner for negligent acts
Taking immediate action after you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident can ensure that you receive the damages that you are entitled to.
Contact a Turlock Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Today
After you have sustained injuries due to a slip and fall on another party’s property, you have rights and options under California premises liability laws. At Maison Law, we have handled these claims in the past for victims in Turlock and throughout California. We take a hands-on approach to every claim and will ensure that you have the resources necessary during these difficult times. Please do not hesitate to contact a Turlock premises liability lawyer today for a free and confidential case consultation with personalized attention to your case.