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Turlock CA Slip and Fall Lawyers
Were you injured in a slip and fall accident? Was your fall caused by the actions of another person? If so, financial relief may be available to you.
Whether you slipped on the floor in a grocery aisle, fell down a poorly lit set of stairs, or tripped on a dangerous object, falls can be dangerous and lead to serious injuries. A slip and fall attorney in Turlock can ease your concerns and alleviate some of the stress of a potential lawsuit.
Contact the Turlock personal injury attorneys at Silva Injury Law to get started on your case and see how we can help you recover.
Slip and Fall Claims in California
People fall down all the time. Most falls are accidents, but often, certain falls could have been avoided.
In these types of circumstances, compensation for your injuries is available.
Slip and fall claims are based on the legal theory of premises liability. Premises liability means that a property owner is responsible for certain accidents that occur on his or her property. Premises liability is a form of negligence. Property owners owe a duty of care to most individuals present on their property.
To satisfy the duty of care, property owners are obligated to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition. That includes ensuring walkways are free of debris, warning of wet or icy conditions, and addressing any other issues that may pose a danger to individuals on the property.
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If a property owner fails to satisfy the duty of care, the property owner will be considered negligent and is liable for any accidents that occur because of their failure to fulfill their duty. Therefore, we must prove not only that the property owner was negligent but also that the property owner’s negligence directly caused the injury.
Slip and fall accidents are common in the following places:
- Grocery stores,
- Retail stores,
- Hotels,
- Parking lots, and
- Construction sites.
For example, say you are shopping in a grocery aisle. While shopping, you slip on a wet spot on the floor caused by an employee mopping. However, there was not a “wet floor” sign posted to warn you of the slippery floor.
In this case, the grocery store breached its duty to you. If you suffered injuries from your slip and fall, you are entitled to recover from the grocery store’s owner or its insurance provider.
Damages Recoverable in Slip and Fall Claims
Slip and fall victims may recover economic and non-economic damages arising out of the fall. These are referred to as compensatory damages. Compensatory damages in slip and fall cases often include:
- Medical costs,
- Property damage,
- Lost wages,
- Loss of future earning capacity,
- Emotional distress,
- Pain and suffering,
- Disfigurement,
- Physical impairment,
- Inconvenience, and
- Loss of the enjoyment of life.
In California, there is no cap on the amount of compensatory damages a personal injury victim can receive. The award only has to be “fair and reasonable.”
In extreme circumstances, a victim may also recover punitive damages from the property owner. However, this is extremely rare.
A slip and fall lawyer in Turlock will help explain what form of damages you are entitled to in your case.
Common Injuries Seen in Slip and Fall Accidents
Depending on the circumstances of your fall, you may suffer more significant injuries. The most common injuries seen in slip and fall cases include:
- Sprains,
- Contusions,
- Lacerations,
- Broken bones,
- Head injuries,
- Spinal cord injuries,
- Back injuries, and
- Death.
After a slip and fall accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your injuries are minor, it is best to receive an evaluation from a medical professional. Additionally, the medical profession will provide you with documentation for your injuries. This information is vital to proving your case.
What Do I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in California?
After falling, you might wonder what to do next. If you sustained injuries, you may also be wondering who is going to pay the medical costs associated with treating the injuries.
In some situations, you may be able to recover from the party responsible for your fall.
Immediately following your fall, you will probably be more concerned about your injuries than gathering information for a future lawsuit. However, the moments following the accident are the most crucial. Here are the steps you should take after being involved in a slip and fall.
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We believe that our duty goes beyond achieving large monetary awards for our clients. We strive first to be decent human beings who seek not to stir up fights, but to solve problems.
Inform The Property Owner or Store Manager
You must document your fall. Even if you do not think your fall was serious, you should document your injuries and inform the owner of the property where you fell. If you fell inside a store, inform the manager. The owner or manager should make a record of what occurred. If they fail to do so, you can make your own record. Make note of the area where you fell and what factors contributed to your fall.
Seek Medical Treatment
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, consult with a medical professional. Even minor injuries can cause lasting side effects. Serious injuries can become worse if not treated quickly. Thus, it is important to allow a medical professional to conduct any tests they deem appropriate. Documentation of your injuries is critical to proving your slip and fall claim.
At Silva Injury Law we strive to promote healing through compassionate advocacy.
Refuse Any Settlement Offers by The Property Owner’s Insurance
Insurance companies do not have your best interest in mind. The insurance company for the property owner will attempt to settle your claim for the least amount of money possible. In most cases, the settlement offer given to you will be significantly less than the compensation you deserve. The value of having a Turlock slip and fall attorney represent you in negotiating a settlement with the insurance company cannot be overstated. We will not settle for a penny less than you deserve.
Contact a Turlock Slip and Fall Lawyer Immediately
Silva Injury Law has experienced slip and fall lawyers in Turlock that are ready to take on your case. We will fight for the full compensation that you deserve for your suffering. But more than that, we believe our duty goes far beyond achieving monetary compensation for our clients. We strive first and foremost to provide you with compassionate and excellent service so that we can help you reach a resolution to your legal dilemma. Contact Silva Injury Law today for a free consultation.