A slip and fall accident occurs when you slip or trip on something on the ground or floor and fall, which leads to injuries. These accidents might stem from spills, uneven or damaged pavement, flooring, or carpet, or other random debris that you do not expect to encounter when walking. Whether you are in a business open to the public, such as a store, hotel, or restaurant, legally on private property, or on government-owned property, you could have a claim against the property owners if their negligence led to your fall. You can consult a Pico Rivera slip and fall lawyer for an evaluation of your situation and any legal claims that you may be able to pursue.
We know that finances can be tight when you are trying to recover from the severe injuries that you have suffered in an accident. You likely are facing medical bills, you may be unable to work, and you may be unsure of your ability to return to work in the future.
The attorneys of Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will take your case on a contingent basis. Our practice allows you to move forward in pursuing your claim without paying us any money upfront. Instead, we will receive fees for our work only after you get compensation for your injuries. Call (800) 223-5115 to get started on the claims process today.
Slip and Fall Claims Under State Law
Legal claims that arise from a slip and fall accident are civil lawsuits against property owners seeking compensation for the injuries that you have suffered. The basis of this lawsuit is that the property owners were negligent or careless in allowing dangerous or unsafe conditions to exist on their property, which is what led to your slip and fall.
California law specifically allows injury victims to file this type of lawsuit. According to the California Civil Code (CIV) §1714, property owners are not only responsible for intentional injuries that occur on their property but also those that result from their failure to reasonably maintain conditions on their property. A slip and fall claim falls within a broader classification of legal claims, or premises liability claims, which refers to the legal duties of property owners in keeping their properties safe for the benefit of others.
All property owners have this duty, including owners of businesses open to the public, private property owners, and government entity owners of the property. Additionally, many California cities and counties have ordinances that require business owners not only to maintain their property but also any sidewalks that are adjacent to the property. Therefore, liability may exist if you slip and fall on a sidewalk outside a business if local ordinances require the business owner to maintain that sidewalk.
Compensation in Personal Injury Cases
You may qualify for compensation or damages resulting from your slip and fall accident. The types of available compensation can vary from one case to the next, but some of the most common items of compensation can include:
- Medical bills and expenses related to your injuries
- Lost wages and lost future earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering, permanent impairments, and mental trauma
If a slip and fall accident leads to a wrongful death, surviving family members also may be able to recover compensation for the loss of their loved one. Surviving spouses, children, and some other family members can seek compensation for final medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship, love, and affection.
For a free legal consultation with a Slip and Fall Accidents Lawyer serving Pico Rivera, call (800) 223-5115
Statutes of Limitations and Slip and Fall Claims
All states impose statutes of limitations or deadlines on filing lawsuits. These limits vary by state, and they also vary according to the type of lawsuit you wish to file. Under the California Code of Civil Procedures (CCP) §335.1, you have two years from the date of your slip and fall accident to file a premises liability claim.
Likewise, if the slip and fall accident caused death to a loved one, surviving family members generally must initiate their wrongful death claim within two years of the death of their loved one.
However, if your claim is against a governmental entity, like a city, county, school, or police department, then you have even less time. In those cases, you must give specific notice to the proper governmental entity within six months of the incident. As a result, consulting a Pico Rivera slip and fall lawyer as quickly as possible following your accident can be critical.
If you do not file your claim in time, you may not be able to recover any compensation from any parties who might be liable or financially responsible for injuries. When you are recovering from severe injuries, getting legal help is likely the last thing on your mind. These strict time limitations make it extremely important to act quickly to protect your legal rights to compensation and learn about your potential options for relief.
Pico Rivera Slip and Fall Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 223-5115
Get Assistance with Your Slip and Fall Case
Slip and fall claims involve various issues, including proof of negligence, identification of all potentially liable parties, and any contribution of the accident victims to their injuries. Causation and fault can be complex and highly contested subjects in the context of a slip and fall claim. Whether the property owner knew or should have known of the hazardous condition on the property also may be an issue.
A Pico Rivera slip and fall lawyer can help you pursue a legal claim for compensation against the property owner and related parties while abiding by the statute of limitations.
When handling your slip and fall claim, the attorneys of Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may need to investigate the circumstances that led to your injuries, document the causes of your accident, and secure evidence of negligence. Part of that investigation may include looking at similar past complaints, determining how long the hazard has existed, and perhaps even engaging experts to testify about the various aspects of the case.
Call (800) 223-5115 to learn more about your potential claims.
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