Slips and falls can result in severe injuries. The Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) statistics indicate that millions of older people (65 and older) suffer a fall each year.
That equates to more than one out of four people. Each year, around three million people seek treatment in the emergency room for injuries stemming from a fall.
If another party’s negligence caused your fall, you have the right to demand compensation for your injuries and damages.
However, pursuing a slip and fall claim is complicated. You need a skilled slip and fall lawyer in Los Angeles who can assist.
At Weinberg Law Offices, our legal team is here to help. We understand the challenges victims face when pursuing a slip and fall or another type of premises liability claim in California.
We have years of experience assisting injured victims just like you. Contact our office to schedule a consultation to learn how we can help.
Common Types of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slips and falls can happen anywhere. A fall can happen on a public sidewalk, store, amusement park, hotel, neighbor’s property, government building, etc.
Some of the more common types of slip and fall accidents we represent clients for include:
- Inadequate roping off at a construction site;
- Spills in the aisles of a grocery store;
- Uneven flooring or loose carpeting;
- Broken or missing stairs or railings;
- Electrical cords running across the floor;
- Rain at the entryway of a building;
- Cracks in sidewalks; or
- Debris or other hazards on the ground at amusement parks.
If you sustained injuries in a slip and fall and believe you might have a case, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced slip and fall accident attorney in Los Angeles right away.
Can I Sue for a Slip and Fall?
Determining whether you have a viable slip and fall case can confuse people. Before collecting any compensation for your injuries, you must prove the defendants are liable.
You must provide evidence they acted negligently and that their negligence entitles you to financial reimbursement. For example, suppose you fell on another person’s property.
You must show that a dangerous condition existed and the property owner, lessee, or person in control knew or should’ve known about the danger.
Did the defendants know about the hazard, or should they have known about it? When did the hazard occur, and did the owner have time to correct it?
If they didn’t take the proper steps to correct it, they could be held liable.
Consider an example where someone spilled something in a store, and you slipped and fell seconds later.
The store likely wouldn’t be liable if there was no warning or time for them to learn of the hazard and clean it up. But what if the water was there for an hour or two?
In that case, the store had ample time to learn about the hazard and clean it up before anyone was injured, and liability would likely attach.
Determining Fault in a Slip and Fall Case
Determining fault in a slip and fall accident can be tricky. That is why it’s important to hire an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Los Angeles.
To start, you’ll need to determine who owns the property and whether someone is currently caring for or leasing that property other than the owner. One of the first things your lawyer will do is work to identify the responsible parties.
But once you identify possible defendants, be prepared because it’s common for their insurance company to try to put some of the blame for the accident on you.
Some of the most common defenses that attempt to shift blame onto the victim include claims that the plaintiff:
- Was distracted, possibly by a child, cell phone, etc.;
- Was wearing shoes that contributed to the fall, such as stilettos or flip flops;
- Slipped on something that just occurred, and there was no time for an employee to notice and clean up the spill; or
- Went into an area that was marked off-limits for the public.
Companies have used these and similar defenses successfully in past cases. But if they try any such tactics, we fight back by building a strong case that invalidates these defenses.
If anyone witnessed your fall, get their contact information! Their statement may be invaluable during litigation. Was there surveillance footage of the accident?
Your attorney will want to get that footage immediately before the property owner deletes it.
Types of Compensation
Prospective clients usually want to know how much compensation they could be entitled to receive.
When you hire a Los Angeles slip and fall injury lawyer at Weinberg Law Offices, we will sit down and go over all aspects of your case. This helps give us an idea of what your case may be worth.
Typical damages in a California slip and fall case include:
- Medical expenses to date;
- Future expected medical costs;
- Loss of earnings to date;
- Future loss of earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering;
- Loss of consortium and companionship;
- Mental anguish; and
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
If a close loved one passed away due to their injuries, you might also have the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit.
Calculating damages in a slip and fall case is tricky. An experienced Los Angeles slip and fall injury lawyer will know how to do this.
They will gather evidence, build your case, and handle all communication and negotiations with the defendant’s insurance company.
Negotiating a personal injury claim is challenging. But slip and fall claims are especially tough because insurance companies know people use these claims fraudulently.
To protect your rights and fight back if the insurance company wrongly denies your claim, you need a strong legal advocate.
Contact a Slip and Fall Attorney in Los Angeles
If you sustained injuries in a slip and fall due to another party’s negligence, let the skilled legal team at Weinberg Law Offices help. Contact our office to schedule an initial consultation with a slip and fall attorney in Los Angeles.
We offer free, no-obligation initial consultations. You have nothing to lose by meeting with our legal team.
Our lawyers have worked tirelessly to achieve a proven record of success with personal injury claims in Los Angeles, including many jury verdicts.
We have the skills, knowledge, and resources to take your slip and fall case to trial if necessary. Schedule a meeting today to learn more about how we can assist.
Disclaimer: This content should not be construed as legal advice.