Countless types of slip and fall claims exist, as they can occur anywhere based on many different dangerous conditions. They have the potential to cause serious injuries, for which the victim may qualify to hold the property owner accountable. Although we list some of the most common circumstances for slip and fall accidents here, they do not encompass all types of cases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 falls leads to a serious injury, such as a broken bone or a head injury. Older adults aged 65 and over suffer more injuries than any other age group with over 3 million emergency room visits resulting from falls annually in the United States. If you suffered a slip and fall due to someone else’s negligence, a lawyer can help you pursue financial recovery for your damages.
Between a Renter and a Landlord
When they lease houses, apartments, and condos to tenants, landlords have a legal responsibility to maintain the safety of the premises, including sidewalks, hallways, and parking lots. They must take basic precautions to ensure reasonably safe conditions, such as changing light bulbs along walkways and fixing uneven pavement. If they fail to do so and a resident or visitor suffers a slip and fall injury, the victim can hold the landlord liable for their negligence.
Between a Renter and Another Renter
Tenants in multi-family buildings such as apartment complexes also have an obligation to prevent their property from causing harm to other renters. If they leave items in the hallway, for example, and another renter trips over them and suffers an injury in a fall, the victim can hold the renter, not the landlord, responsible for the damages that resulted from their accident.
Between a Citizen and a Government Agency
State and local governments must keep all parks, sidewalks, and other public places reasonably safe for visitors to use and enjoy. Safety hazards such as cracked sidewalks can lead to slip and fall accidents that result in serious injuries, and the victim has a right to hold the government agency responsible for the harm they caused. However, pursuing legal action against the government often presents a greater challenge than filing a claim against a private citizen.
According to California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1, California has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, cases involving claims against the government carry only a six-month statute of limitations, and victims often find the more complex process difficult to navigate. A lawyer can help you proceed with your claim if your slip and fall accident occurred on public property.
Between a Customer and a Business
Slip and fall accidents at businesses such as retail and grocery stores occur frequently, and victims may have the option to file a claim against the business to pursue compensation if they suffered injuries that left them with significant damages. Businesses have a duty to maintain their premises in a manner that prevents customers from experiencing unexpected hazards that can cause them harm, and if they fail to do so, they hold responsibility for the customer’s injuries. For example, if store personnel does not place a highly visible caution sign near a spill or clean it up within a reasonable amount of time, a customer who slips and falls in the spill may have a case against the company.
Financial Awards You May Qualify for in Slip and Fall Claims
As they vary drastically from case to case, the circumstances surrounding your slip and fall claim determine the types and amounts of awards you may qualify to receive from the at-fault party. They may include compensation for:
- Emergency medical care
- Medical equipment
- Follow-up appointments
- Transportation
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
An attorney can evaluate your damages and help you seek adequate financial recovery for your injuries.
A Lawyer Can Help You Hold the Liable Party Accountable
Regardless of the type of slip and fall claim, the lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can provide you with assistance in assessing your damages, determining liability, and pursuing compensation in your case. We have witnessed the devastating effects a slip and fall injury can have on victims and their families, and we help them fight back against insurance companies and their efforts to minimize financial awards.
We aim to settle out of court, but we will take your case to trial if necessary to seek the financial recovery you deserve. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, so you do not owe us any fees unless we achieve compensation in your favor. Contact us today at (800) 223-5115 for your free case evaluation with our legal team.