San Bernardino County Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers

A slip and fall injury can disrupt your life in an instant. From mounting medical bills to time away from work, the financial and emotional toll can be significant. While you may be entitled to compensation, recovering that money isn’t always simple. Insurance companies are often reluctant to pay and may attempt to minimize or deny your personal injury claim.

One of the most important steps you can take after receiving medical attention is to contact an experienced San Bernardino County slip and fall lawyer. At Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel (LMSCR), we fight to hold negligent property owners accountable and pursue the full compensation our clients deserve.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?

Slip and fall incidents can happen almost anywhere, from grocery stores and parking lots to office buildings and apartment complexes. These accidents are typically caused by property owner negligence—whether through action or inaction.

Common causes include:

• Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
• Inadequate lighting in stairwells or walkways
• Uneven pavement or sidewalks
• Obstructed or cluttered walkways
• Accumulated ice or water at entrances
• Broken handrails or poorly maintained staircases
• Failure to comply with local building or safety codes

Identifying the exact cause of your fall is essential to proving liability. Evidence of how the property owner failed to keep the premises safe will form the foundation of your case.

How Do I Prove Liability in a Slip and Fall Case?

In California, property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for visitors. To hold them accountable, you must show that:

• A hazardous condition existed.
• The property owner knew or reasonably should have known about the hazard.
• They failed to repair, remove, or adequately warn you about it.
• This negligence directly caused your injuries.

Evidence such as photographs, surveillance footage, witness testimony, maintenance records, or incident reports can help demonstrate negligence. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault—though your compensation may be reduced proportionally.

Compensation in a Slip and Fall Lawsuit

The value of your slip and fall claim depends on the severity of your injuries and how they’ve impacted your life. Common damages include:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Slip and fall injuries can range from sprains and fractures to traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage. In some cases, victims may also recover punitive damages if the property owner acted with extreme negligence or willful disregard for safety.

What Obstacles Might I Face During My Slip and Fall Claim?

Slip and fall claims are often aggressively contested. Insurance companies may argue that:

• You were not paying attention.
• The hazard was open and obvious.
• You exaggerated your injuries.
• You had pre-existing conditions.

These tactics are designed to reduce or deny your claim. You’ll need strong evidence and legal advocacy to challenge these defenses and pursue the full amount you’re owed.

What Happens if My Claim Is Denied?

It’s not uncommon for insurers to deny valid claims, especially if they believe the case is weak or unrepresented. However, a denial is not the end of the road. You have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.

Filing a lawsuit allows your attorney to conduct formal discovery, gather new evidence, depose witnesses, and put pressure on the insurance company to negotiate in good faith—or face a jury trial.

How Long Will a Slip and Fall Case Take to Resolve?

The length of a slip and fall case varies depending on several factors, including:

• The complexity of the facts.
• The severity of your injuries.
• Whether liability is contested.
• How willing the insurance company is to settle.

Some cases resolve in a few months through negotiation, while others may take over a year if they proceed to trial. Although the process can be slow, it’s important not to settle too early or accept less than your claim is worth.

Do I Need a San Bernardino County Slip and Fall Lawyer?

Yes—insurance companies are more likely to deny or undervalue your claim if you don’t have legal representation. A skilled San Bernardino County slip and fall lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident thoroughly.
• Gather the right evidence.
• Negotiate with insurance companies.
• Represent you in court if necessary.

At LMSCR, we understand how to build a compelling case and aggressively advocate for your interests. When you hire us, you send a clear message that you won’t settle for less than what’s fair.

Talk to a San Bernardino County Slip and Fall Lawyer at LMSCR Today

If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall, don’t face the insurance company alone. The San Bernardino County slip and fall lawyers at LMSCR are ready to fight for your rights. Call us today at 909-889-1131 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. We have convenient office locations in Ontario and Victorville, California and proudly serve clients in San Bernardino County, Ontario, Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, and Riverside County.