San Bernardino Slip and Fall Attorney
A slip and fall injury can occur when you least expect it. You’re going about your business then, all of sudden, an unforeseen, often neglected issue causes you to slip and leaves you with devastating consequences.
When you are injured in a slip and fall incident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, emotional and mental suffering, and more. Our experienced team at LA Century Law is well-versed in representing individuals who have been injured in slip and fall cases.
Contact our attorneys today and let us help you obtain the financial compensation and justice you deserve today!
What Is a Slip and Fall Claim?
A slip and fall claim, otherwise known as a premise liability case, is when someone is entitled to damages because of a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. If this dangerous condition is present because of negligence the owner of the property is liable.
The owner of a property should not allow a dangerous condition to exist on their property and is required to take the necessary steps to prevent individuals from getting harmed. Slip and fall claims can be complicated because there can be multiple parties involved so it is extremely important you have competent counsel representing your interests.
What Compensation Can I Get for a Slip and Fall Claim?
Compensation for a slip and fall claim should be comprehensive and should reflect all of the ways that you have been impacted. Some of the ways you have been impacted are rather obvious – you have medical bills, lost wages, future medical needs. Other issues you may not be familiar with. For example, you are entitled to compensation for the emotional and mental anguish that you are forced to endure. Additionally, you can recover damages if you have suffered any permanent, physical disfigurement.
Some examples of compensation you recover from a slip and fall claim are outlined below:
- Long-term medical bills
- Therapy
- Over-the-counter medications, prescriptions, medical devices
- Lost income, disruption in career
- Damaged property
- Pain and suffering (emotional and mental damages)
- Disability and permanent disfigurement
We understand that monetary compensation does not simply undo the harm that has been done to you; however, we feel that it is the first step to getting you back on your feet. Our team is determined to get you the maximum recovery possible for your case and we will do so by ensuring that all your damages are appropriately valued.
How Can a San Bernardino Slip and Fall Lawyer Help Me?
Our attorneys will take all the steps necessary to protect you and make sure that you get fair compensation for your injuries. LA Century Law works with the premier physicians in California and will help get you into treatment right away. These providers work on a lien basis so there will be no cost to you upfront and you can focus simply on recovery.
Additionally, we will file the claims with the appropriate parties. Again, sometimes these issues can be very complicated depending on the property. There are companies who own the property and sometimes companies or individuals that lease them. Knowing who is responsible for the dangerous condition is imperative. Moreover, the insurance companies for these organizations can be extremely unfair when it comes to settlement. You need someone who is experienced in dealing with these adjusters and will do what it takes to get you the correct compensation.
Slip and fall lawyers near San Bernardino
LA Century Law is a full-service law firm representing the interests of individuals and families in San Bernardino. Our mission is for you to be fairly compensated for your damages and harms. We are currently taking new cases. Contact us today for a consultation about how we can help you.
Types of Slip and Fall Claims
Examples of slip and fall claims that qualify for compensation are below:
- Transient substance on the floor (water or another liquid)
- Debris in a walkway or on a sidewalk
- Items for sale or displays in a store aisle
- Too many people allowed in a place at one time
- Poor lighting
- Fixtures or objects at an elevated height that are not properly secured
- Broken railings and guard rails
- Slick flooring
- Poorly maintained doors, and not having enough visibility to use doors safely
- Buildings that are not up to building codes
- Worn carpet
- Not posting warnings when there are dangerous conditions
A dangerous condition that causes an injury may be the basis for financial compensation.
What is the Legal Basis for a Slip and Fall Claim?
A slip and fall claim is based on negligence. Negligence is the lack of reasonable care. A property owner must behave in a reasonable way when it comes to the care and maintenance of their property. Whether or not they acted reasonably depends on what’s acceptable in that situation.
What’s reasonable can vary in different situations. For example, shoppers have the right to expect that the businesses they enter are safe. However, a shopper who goes into an “employees only” area of the store without permission may not be looked at in the same way. The jury, if they decide the case, can look at the entire situation to determine if what the property owner did was reasonable.
Can I still claim if I contributed to a slip and fall?
If you have a slip and fall claim, the other party may say that you had something to do with it. Rest assured, it may be possible to receive compensation even if you may have contributed to the accident. California may allow you to receive some compensation even if you are considered 99% at fault.
Don’t assume that you contributed to a slip and fall just because someone suggests it. Talk to our lawyers to review the specifics and whether comparative negligence is a question.
Some examples of comparative negligence in slip and fall claims:
- Inappropriate footwear for the situation
- Running or rushing too fast
- Looking down at your phone or otherwise being distracted
- Ignoring obvious dangers
- Being somewhere you don’t have permission to be
- Wearing improper equipment for the task
Remember, even if you may have had some fault for what happened, you may still bring a claim if the property owner was negligent in some way. The amount you receive may be reduced, but you may still be able to receive significant compensation. We can review comparative negligence along with other details of your case.
I don’t want to sue for slip and fall – I was at a friend’s/family member’s house!
Many slip and fall accidents occur in the homes of friends and family members. After all, that’s where we spend a lot of time. You may not want to think about bringing a slip and fall claim if a friend or family member is involved. However, they may not have to pay out of pocket.
Many slip and fall claims are covered by homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. These insurance policies cover situations where someone is hurt in someone else’s home. It usually doesn’t cover an accident that you have in your own home. However, if you’re hurt in someone else’s home, their policy may cover damages. Our legal team can investigate this matter further for you to see if there is coverage and help you pursue all available avenues of financial compensation.
How much time do I have to start a slip and fall claim in San Bernardino?
The timeframe you have to bring a claim forward depends on who the defendant in the case is. If the defendant is a private company or individual, then you have two years from the date of loss to file a claim. If the defendant happens to be a government institution, then you have six (6) months to file a claim with the appropriate entity. You then have six (6) months from the date of any rejection letter to file a lawsuit against the entity.
Knowing and understanding the statute of limitations in a particular case can be very confusing. It is one of the main reasons individuals hire an attorney and one of the reasons that you should reach out to our offices right away. The sooner you reach out to us, the quicker we can get started on your case and start building your case plan.
Slip and Fall Lawyers in San Bernardino that are Taking New Cases
LA Century Law is a firm of experienced legal professionals dedicated to aggressively representing individuals in need. If you are looking for quality representation for a personal legal matter, our expert team is here to guide you through the process. There is no monetary obligation required to meet with our team – our consultation is completely free. We encourage you to meet with us, discuss your case, and learn about the multiple ways we can assist you.
With a 99% success rate and millions recovered for our clients, we’re proud of the help we’ve given individuals and families just like you. To receive compensation, you must act. Schedule an appointment today by calling or sending us a message. Let’s get you the compensation you deserve.