Whether you are visiting a home or business in Gardena, the last thing you probably expect is to end up getting up hurt. Unfortunately, preventable accidents do happen due to the negligence of property owners. A serious slip and fall accident can result in more than just embarrassment, bruises, and soreness—it can end up causing catastrophic or fatal injuries.
Gardena is home to businesses and industries that have thrived for decades but have also seen their fair share of slip and fall accidents. From broken bones to permanent disabilities, a slip and fall accident can suddenly upend your life in a matter of seconds. When this happens, identifying who is responsible for your injuries may not be as simple as you think. The legal burden of proving negligence can be overwhelming in some cases.
If you or a loved one were injured in a slip and fall accident, consider talking with someone who knows the law and can assist you as you seek to recover damages. A Gardena slip and fall lawyer can review your case to determine if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries and losses. To learn more, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 223-5115 for a free consultation.
What to Do After Your Slip and Fall Accident
While seeking medical treatment is always a top priority after a slip and fall accident, it is also crucial to properly document the incident. Preserving evidence early on will likely be beneficial when it is time to make an insurance claim or take legal action. Recalling facts about your fall can be challenging after a few weeks or even days have passed. The validity of your injuries and claim might also come into question without the proper supporting documents. Some examples of essential information or evidence include photographs of the hazardous condition, notes about the events leading to your accident, eyewitness statements, video footage, and medical records of your injuries.
If you fell in a commercial location (such as a store or restaurant), you can speak with the manager and ask them to file a report so there will be an official record of the accident on their premises. If your mishap occurred when a manager was not present, you should still try to document as much as possible. You may still be able to speak with the property owner or manager at a later time.
You should also keep all evidence of medical bills, lost income, and receipts for other expenses to aid in computing your damages. The more evidence you possess, the easier it can be to build your case. A Gardena slip and fall lawyer can help ensure that you do not overlook any pertinent information.
Be Cautious When Talking to Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies is often unavoidable after a slip and fall accident, but remember that you are not obligated to speak with them. Do not allow yourself to be pressured into making statements that can minimize the negligent party’s liability and reduce your likelihood of getting fair compensation. A Gardena slip and fall lawyer can help protect your legal rights and represent your best interests when communicating with other parties. Initial settlement offers are usually far too low to cover your costs or do not include future damages in the calculations. A lawyer can handle settlement negotiations for you to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to speak with a member of our team.
For a free legal consultation with a Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer serving Gardena, call (800) 223-5115
Determining Fault in a Slip and Fall Accident
It is important to know your options for pursuing damages after a slip and fall accident that was caused by a negligent property owner or manager. You may have the right to file an insurance claim against the property owner’s insurer, or you may also decide to file a lawsuit as permitted by California Civil Code (CIV) §1714. The state of California requires property owners and managers to keep their premises safe for visitors, and civil action may be appropriate if they do not exercise reasonable care in fulfilling this duty. Whichever option you choose, certain legal doctrines can affect the outcome of your case.
Establishing fault is central to getting compensation for your injuries. The parties responsible for your suffering should not avoid accountability just because your fall was an accident. A property owner or manager may be liable for your accident if they did not take reasonable actions to remove or fix a dangerous condition on their premises. By law, they should fix a hazardous situation if they knew or should have known about it and had a reasonable period to do so. Government entities are not immune from civil action either if you can prove that their negligence led to your injuries and losses.
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Be Mindful of the Legal Time Limit
If you are undecided about whether your case has merit, it is still in your best interest to reach out to a Gardena slip and fall lawyer. Keep in mind that some injuries may not appear for days or even weeks after falling. Many people do not seek medical attention or hire legal representation if they believe their injuries are minor, but you could be jeopardizing your chances of collecting compensation if you wait too long after your accident. Other parties might even argue that you do not have a valid claim if your injuries were not serious enough to elicit a timely action from you.
California’s statute of limitations for slip and fall cases is typically two years from the date of your accident, as outlined in California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1. If this deadline is not met, you will likely lose your right to seek recovery for your damages. However, CCP §338 allows three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit to replace or repair your damaged personal property.
Slipping and falling on government premises often requires immediate action, as Government Code (GOV) §911.2 gives you just six months to file a claim. Whatever the circumstances of your case may be, a Gardena slip and fall lawyer can help ensure that your claim is filed before the statute of limitations expires.
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A sudden slip and fall accident can be painful and upsetting, but collecting compensation for your injuries hinges on whether you have a viable case. A Gardena slip and fall lawyer can help you fully understand your legal rights and decide on your next steps.
Let us guide you through the legal process and help you fight for justice. To learn more, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 223-5115 for a free case evaluation.
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