The coastal city of Long Beach has many popular sights and attractions that welcome millions of visitors—approximately 6 million each year, according to the Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. For this reason, property and business owners in this waterfront district must be especially careful to keep their premises safe for guests and anyone else who might enter their property.
Unfortunately, not all property owners are diligent in regularly inspecting their premises and removing hazards that could harm people. Accidents that occur on poorly maintained grounds can lead to severe injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, or traumatic brain injuries.
Slip and fall accidents often result in costly medical care and treatment. You might even need to take extended time off work to heal, contributing to further financial pressure. If you suffered injuries due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you may have the legal right to pursue compensation for your losses. A Long Beach slip and fall lawyer can determine if you have a potential case and help you bring a claim against the liable parties. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 223-5115 to discuss your legal concerns and schedule a free consultation.
Liability in a Slip and Fall Accident
According to California Civil Code (CIV) §1714, all property owners, managers, and lessees are required to protect the safety and well-being of individuals who set foot on their premises. Failure to keep their property reasonably safe may make them legally responsible for damages arising from a slip and fall accident. However, it is important to keep in mind that they are not automatically liable for your injuries if you fall and hurt yourself. Certain conditions must exist during your accident to be able to take legal action. For example:
- There was a dangerous hazard that the owner knew or should have known about.
- The owner failed to take action to remedy the problem.
- Your injuries were caused by the hazard that the owner did not remove or sufficiently warn you about.
Liability would be a factor in your slip and fall case only if the owner or manager did not act within a reasonable amount of time. For example, it is not reasonable to expect a store manager to clean up a clear water spill in a matter of seconds. If someone walking behind the person who spilled suddenly slipped, the court might not impose liability because it is difficult to show that the manager had actual knowledge of the unsafe condition. Legal accountability is more likely if one of the following is true:
- The owner or manager did not recognize a hazardous condition that another prudent owner or manager in the same situation would have noticed.
- The owner or manager created the hazard and let the hazard remain even after knowing about it.
- The owner or manager did not put up signs or warn visitors about the hazard.
Liability issues can be complicated in slip and fall cases, and it is often challenging to prove accountability because of the many different factors at play. A Long Beach slip and fall lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation and determine if negligence is to blame for your injuries. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free case evaluation.
Laws that Can Impact Your Slip and Fall Case
You may be able to recover damages through arbitration, negotiated settlement, or a lawsuit. Both arbitration and negotiated settlement involve reaching an agreement with the other party outside of court. Whether you settle your claim in or out of court, a Long Beach slip and fall lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and fight for your rights. Nevertheless, it is vital to be aware of the laws that can impact the compensation you receive.
Comparative Negligence Law
California courts allow plaintiffs to collect compensation even if they are partly at fault for their injuries. This is because of the state’s pure comparative negligence law, which allows victims to pursue damages even if their percentage of fault is 99 percent. However, this law also influences how much compensation you receive because the court or jury will determine your share of fault and reduce your damage awards accordingly.
Even if you do not bring your case to court, the comparative negligence rule is still likely to be a significant factor because the property owner or manager can use shared fault as a way to reduce liability. When it is time for settlement negotiations, the other party may argue that your percentage of fault is more than it should be to pay less than what you deserve. A Long Beach slip and fall lawyer can help you fight for a fair settlement.
Statute of Limitations
In the state of California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1 gives you only two years from the date of your slip and fall accident to sue a property owner. This statute of limitations, or deadline, also has exceptions that may suspend or shorten the legal time limit. For example, if your lawsuit involves any government entities, California Government Code (GOV) §911.2 allows only six months from the date of your accident to file a claim. The sooner you get in touch with a Long Beach slip and fall lawyer, the sooner you can begin compiling evidence and building a case.
For a free legal consultation with a Slip and Fall Accidents Lawyer serving Long Beach, call (800) 223-5115
Potential Damages for a Slip and Fall Accident
After your accident, you may be able to seek damages for the losses you suffered. The most common type is direct financial harm or economic damages such as current medical expenses, future medical expenses, property damage, lost earnings, and future income loss. Non-economic damages may include emotional distress, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. You may also pursue additional damages if the fall resulted in the death of a loved one, or if the property owner or manager intentionally caused your injuries. A Long Beach slip and fall lawyer can calculate your damages and explain what types of compensation you may be entitled to.
Long Beach Slip and Fall Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 223-5115
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Helps Slip and Fall Victims
Even if you are not sure that an owner or manager’s negligence played a role in your injuries, do not hesitate to contact a Long Beach slip and fall lawyer. If you have a case, the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can identify the liable parties, communicate with the insurance companies, prove the existence of dangerous conditions, and file your claim within the statute of limitations. We focus on helping you, so you can focus on your recovery.
To learn more, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 223-5115 for a free case review.
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