Slip and Fall Accident Personal Injury Lawyers

In the immediate aftermath of a slip and fall accident, your safety and health should be your priority. If you’re able, get up slowly and carefully to prevent further injury. Seek medical attention right away, even if you believe your injuries to be minor, as some symptoms may not appear immediately. It’s important to have a medical record documenting your injuries related to the accident. Notify the property owner or manager of the accident and ensure they make a record of the incident. Try to document the exact location and conditions that led to your fall, including photographs or videos if possible. Gather contact information from any witnesses present. Refrain from making any detailed statements or speculations about fault at the scene. Finally, consider contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and understand your options for seeking compensation.

Slip and fall accidents are a common occurrence in California, leading to numerous injuries and even fatalities each year. Although specific statistics can fluctuate annually, the overarching trends highlight the seriousness of these incidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of people are injured in slip and fall accidents each year nationwide, with many of these cases occurring in California, given its large population.

A large proportion of these accidents result in serious injuries. As per the National Floor Safety Institute, falls account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits each year, representing the leading cause of visits (21.3%). Furthermore, slips and falls are the primary reason for workers’ compensation claims and the leading cause of occupational injury for individuals aged 55 years and older.

Within California, certain locations and conditions contribute to a higher incidence of slip and fall accidents. Places like supermarkets, retail stores, and restaurants are common sites for these incidents due to factors like wet floors, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces. Furthermore, with an aging population, the state is likely to see a rise in slip and fall accidents among seniors, a group that is particularly at risk.

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including a slip and fall accident claim, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to initiate legal proceedings against the party you believe is responsible for your injuries.

However, if the slip and fall accident occurred on government property, the timeline is different. In such cases, you usually have six months from the date of the accident to file a claim.

It’s important to note that there can be exceptions to these general rules based on specific circumstances, such as if the injured person was a minor at the time of the accident.

Failure to file within these timelines can result in losing your right to pursue compensation. Given the complexity of these cases and the importance of abiding by these timelines, it’s highly advisable to seek the guidance of a personal injury attorney who is knowledgeable about the specific laws and procedures in California.

Yes, in California, you can still claim compensation if you were partially at fault for a slip and fall accident. This is due to California’s pure comparative negligence law. Under this rule, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage that you are found to be at fault.

For instance, if you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident, and your total damages amount to $100,000, your recoverable compensation would be reduced by 20% to $80,000.

It’s important to remember that determining fault in slip and fall cases can be complex and may require professional expertise. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand how these laws may apply to your specific case.