It could be helpful that you seek the help of an attorney for your premises liability case. Not only does a lawyer represent you in court, but they can also help you navigate the complexities of the case.
Your case could be at risk if you do not file the right paperwork at the right time. It can take hours or even days to fill out all of the necessary documents to file your claim, and that does not account for the time you spend preparing for your actual case.
California also has a statute of limitations to file personal injury cases. Under California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1, you have two years to file your claim, and if you do not have all of the right documents submitted by the two-year deadline, the court will not hear your case.
Working with an attorney could be beneficial, as they can help you receive the compensation you deserve before the filing deadline.
Why You May Need a Lawyer for Your Premises Liability Case
Pursuing a premises liability lawsuit on your own can be a difficult process. A lawyer can provide benefits, including:
- They can help you file paperwork by the right deadlines. Some of the documents you need to file for a lawsuit include a judicial council form, a petition or a complaint, and form CM-10 (Civil Case Cover Sheet). In addition to knowing which documents are required for your case, you also need to fill them out correctly in order for the court to process them. A lawyer will help you fill out all of these documents and file them by the deadlines to help ensure the court will hear your case.
- They can help you build your case. You need evidence that you suffered an injury on someone else’s property. You also need to prove that the property owner is at fault. Establishing liability can be difficult, especially if you do not have enough evidence. An attorney will work with you to establish fault and gather the necessary evidence for your case.
- They can interview witnesses. Witnesses can provide key testimony that can affect the outcome of your case. Lawyers can interview witnesses and gather the necessary information. Sometimes, they take depositions, which are sworn documents that you can use in court, but they can also question witnesses during the trial.
- They can negotiate on your behalf. Lawsuits may involve negotiations and settlements outside of court. A lawyer can settle the case while recovering the amount you deserve after negotiation.
- They have a legal team behind them. Lawsuits require research and paperwork. When you work with a lawyer, you may have the aid of their entire legal team. Lawyers, paralegals, and legal assistants work together to build a case tailored to your circumstances.
Times When You Should Seek a Lawyer for a Premises Liability Case
If you plan to file a premises liability claim, you may want to consider calling a law firm first. You can even ask for legal advice about your case to see if it is worth your time to proceed. If the lawyer believes your case qualifies for obtaining compensation, they can guide you through the entire legal process.
An attorney can help you with the following premises liability cases:
- Slips and falls
- Animal bites
- Construction site accidents
- Waterpark and pool accidents
- Other situations
Premises liability cases involve nearly any accident on someone else’s property where the property owner is at fault. If you have suffered an injury due to a property owner’s negligence, you should contact a law firm to see if you can pursue compensation for your injuries.
Damages that Lawyers Can Recover
Compensation that you can receive for a premises liability case encompasses a wide range of items, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages (current and future)
- Property damage
When you work with a lawyer, they can help you calculate all of the different items to help ensure you recover the full amount you are entitled to. Determining a value for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost wages can be difficult on your own, but an attorney can work with you to find the correct amount.
Let Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Help You with Your Case
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has a team of attorneys who may be able to help you with your premises liability case. Give us a call at (800) 223-5115 to see if our team can help you build your case. We provide initial consultations at no cost to you and work on contingency, so there is no risk involved.