When going about your normal life, nobody expects to end up flat on their back or face in the blink of an eye. Though these accidents are common and can happen anywhere, the results are far from common; they can potentially result in catastrophic, life-changing injuries and even fatalities. 9.2 million falls requiring emergency medical care were reported in 2016 and 800,000 of those required admission to the hospital. These unfortunate numbers are made more tragic by the fact the falls could have been avoided if someone was not negligent and created the condition precipitating the injury. If you were injured in a slip and fall, contact a skilled Perris Slip and Fall to learn if you may be entitled to compensation.
What Causes a Slip and Fall?
On a property, for safety reasons, managers, owners, and caretakers have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care in order to keep their property condition free of unsafe or hazardous conditions. They also have a duty to take reasonable care and inspect their property in order to identify any such condition and fix them or else warn guests about any such condition that is not so obvious a reasonable person would see it, recognize it, and take steps to avoid it. If they do not inspect the property regularly or exercise reasonable care, there is a presumption they have constructive notice of the condition.
Hazardous conditions are a common cause of slip and falls in Perris. These are broadly construed and can include unsafe features such as:
- Cracked or loose flooring;
- Broken steps; or
- Spilled agents on the floor not cleaned up in a timely manner.
In a city such as Perris, supporting a population of over 77,000 requires a vast number of supermarkets, gas stations, retailers, restaurants, residences, and businesses to adequately service them. Any of these establishments presents the opportunity for residents, visitors, and other patrons to slip, fall, and be injured because of a hazardous condition.
What Is My Perris Slip and Fall Case Worth?
Victims commonly wonder how to go about seeking compensation in their slip and fall cases and what they can expect to recover for their injuries. Slip and falls can result in catastrophic injuries that incur astronomical medical bills and potentially require substantial accommodations to live normally or lifelong care. It’s common for slip and fall victims to suffer injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Neck injuries;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Broken bones;
- Knee damage;
- Sprained ankles or wrists; and
- Nerve damage.
To seek compensation for injuries such as these, slip and fall victims often file a lawsuit arguing the defendant was negligent. If they succeed, the defendant must raise a valid legal defense or else be liable for the victim’s injuries. To be negligent:
- The defendant must have owed you a legal duty of care;
- They must have breached their duty to you; and
- That breach was the cause of your injuries.
If a defendant is negligent, you may be entitled to compensatory damages. Compensatory damages are meant to make a victim whole for their injuries. These damages may be given for different types of harms suffered. Some are meant to address quantifiable harms such as:
- Medical bills;
- Lost wages;
- Burial costs; and
- Property damage.
Compensation may also be given to repay a victim for harms that do not have a concrete value but reflect mental, psychological, and emotional trauma inflicted. These can include:
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Scarring or disfigurement; and
- Loss of consortium.
Victims of slip and fall injuries may also be awarded additional damages in certain instances to punish a defendant’s vile, reprehensible behavior and deter repetition of the conduct. However, the burden of proof for these damages can be difficult to satisfy and they are completely at the discretion of the judge or jury. In all cases, however, consult with an experienced Perris and Fall Attorney can help victims avoid making mistakes or very costly legal pitfalls in their case.
What Steps Should I Take If I am Injured in a Slip and Fall?
It’s understandable that the idea of taking action after being unexpectedly injured in a slip and fall may be daunting. However, it’s critical you take some simple actions to protect your health, help your recovery, and strengthen your legal claim. It’s also important you do not delay because California has a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of your injury to file legal claims for recovery for your slip and fall injuries. If this deadline passes, you will be barred and permanently lose your right to file a legal claim for compensation.
Get Medical Attention
One you have been involved in a slip and fall, seek medical attention immediately even if you think you weren’t hurt. Slip and fall injuries often result in traumatic brain injuries, which may not present symptoms for days or even weeks. It’s important to be evaluated and treated for any injuries you sustained – follow the doctor’s instructions exactly and keep copies of any medical records created as a result of your injury.
Gather Important Information About Your Accident and Injuries
There is some information that will be very helpful for supporting any claims for compensation you make by documenting the accident and your injuries:
- If possible, take photographs of the accident scene and your injuries;
- Get contact information for any witnesses to your slip and fall;
- Find and photograph the source of your slip if possible;
- If your accident occurred on the job, report it to your supervisor immediately to begin on a workers’ compensation claim;
- If your accident did not occur at work, report it to the owner, manager, or caretaker of the premises;
- Keep all bills, receipts, insurance reports, paystubs, or any other document that relates to your accident or any injuries or expenses you have incurred as a result of the injuries.
Contact a Perris Slip and Fall Attorney Immediately
If you or a loved one were injured during a slip and fall accident, talk to the knowledgeable Perris Slip and Fall Attorneys at Walton Law today. Our attorneys have spent year delivering personalized, driven representation for victims like you in and around Perris. We have also secured millions in compensation for our deserving clients. Contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (866)-338-7079 or online through our Contact Page to schedule your no risk, no obligation initial consultation today. The initial case review is free, and you pay nothing until we win your case. Let the experienced attorneys at Walton Law evaluate your situation and start working right away to get the best possible outcome for you from a bad situation so you can get your life back on track.