Slip and fall accidents can lead to significant physical injuries and other long-term consequences, such as unpaid medical bills. When these incidents occur due to unsafe property conditions or negligence by a property owner, you may have the right to seek financial compensation through a premises liability claim. To get the help you need to tackle a slip and fall claim, it’s important to contact the Hemet slip and fall lawyers at LMSCR right away.

The Hemet slip and fall accident lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel (LMSCR) assist clients who have been injured on another party’s property. The legal process for pursuing compensation involves evaluating the property owner’s responsibility and determining whether that individual or entity failed to meet reasonable standards of care. Our legal team helps injured claimants pursue accountability from businesses, landlords, or other property owners when dangerous conditions lead to harm.

What Is a Slip and Fall Accident Claim?

A slip and fall accident claim is a type of personal injury lawsuit that focuses on an injury caused by hazardous property conditions. Examples include slippery surfaces, damaged walkways, or unsafe staircases. The injured party must show that the property owner or occupier had a duty to maintain safe conditions and did not take appropriate action to correct or warn about the hazard.

The injured person also needs to demonstrate that the unsafe condition was a direct cause of the fall. California law requires that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it. These cases are typically filed against commercial property owners, landlords, homeowners, or municipal entities, depending on the location and type of property involved.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Slip and Fall Accident?

Responsibility for a slip and fall accident can fall on any party who owns, leases, occupies, or controls the property. This might include a business entity, a landlord, or a government agency. Determining liability requires an investigation into who was responsible for maintaining the area where the accident occurred and whether that party failed in their duty of care.

In some cases, more than one party may share responsibility. For example, both a property owner and a maintenance company may be liable if they both played a role in failing to correct a dangerous condition. Our Hemet slip and fall accident lawyers identify all potentially responsible parties and evaluate whether legal action is appropriate based on the circumstances.

What Types of Injuries Are Common in Slip and Fall Accidents?

Common slip and fall accident injuries include fractures, particularly to the wrist, arm, hip, or ankle. Older adults are especially vulnerable to hip fractures, which can lead to hospitalization and prolonged rehabilitation.

Injuries may also involve soft-tissue damage such as sprains or ligament tears, as well as Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) if the individual strikes their head during the fall. Spinal injuries are also a possibility and may result in persistent pain or reduced range of motion. These medical outcomes can lead to high treatment costs, lost income, and the need for extended physical therapy.

What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?

After a slip and fall accident, seek medical attention immediately to assess injuries and begin documentation. Medical records play a significant role in any potential legal claim. If possible, collect photographs of the hazard that caused the fall and contact information for any witnesses at the scene. Also, be sure to file an incident report with the property manager or owner for an official account of the event.

Our Hemet slip and fall accident lawyers recommend keeping detailed records of all expenses related to the injury, including hospital bills, prescriptions, physical therapy, and lost income due to time off work.

How Is Liability Proven in a Slip and Fall Case?

To prove liability in a slip and fall case, you must demonstrate that the property owner owed a duty of care, breached that duty by allowing a dangerous condition to exist, and that the breach caused the injury. Evidence can be sourced from injury photos, medical records, surveillance footage, maintenance records, photographs, and witness testimony.

Legal analysis focuses on whether the actions or inactions of the responsible party fell below acceptable standards. That is why you also need to establish whether the hazard existed long enough that a reasonable property owner would have taken action to correct it.

What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including slip and fall cases, is two years from the date of the incident. If a government entity is involved, like a city or county responsible for maintaining a public sidewalk or building, the time limit to file an administrative claim is six months from the date of injury.

Failing to file within the appropriate time frame may result in the loss of the right to pursue compensation. It is important to act promptly so that evidence can be preserved and deadlines met. Our Hemet slip and fall accident lawyers are familiar with California laws and can take appropriate steps to protect your legal rights.

What Compensation May Be Available in a Slip and Fall Claim?

Compensation in a slip and fall case may include recovery for different categories of damages:

• Medical expenses can include costs for emergency care, follow-up visits, physical therapy, and any required surgeries.
• Lost wages may cover income missed due to injury-related absence from work.
• Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• If the injury results in permanent impairment or long-term limitations, future medical needs and diminished earning capacity may also be considered.

The amount of compensation depends on the facts of the case and the severity of the injuries involved. Calculating the costs of current and potential future expenses is key for pursuing fair compensation that covers all of your costs.

Hemet Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers at LMSCR Can Explain Your Legal Options in a Slip and Fall Claim

Our seasoned Hemet slip and fall accident lawyers at LMSCR are prepared to examine the circumstances of your case and determine an appropriate course of action. For a free consultation, call our Ontario and Victorville, California offices at 909-889-1131 or submit our online form. We proudly serve clients in San Bernardino County, Ontario, Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, and Riverside County.