Slip and fall accidents are prevalent occurrences in places where maintenance is happening round the clock. If the floors’ cleaning in a building occurs during the daytime, more people are likely to slip and fall. If your accident was caused by negligence, a Palm Springs slip and fall lawyer can help you get compensation.
This is important because you will be facing medical bills and other expenses after being injured in a fall. Besides, any time you spend away from your job while recovering will have to be compensated. The legal documentation needed for such a claim is also taken care of by the lawyer, and as such, you can focus on your recovery.
At the Crockett Law Group, our experienced Palm Springs personal injury attorney has won millions for clients and will fight to get you the best possible compensation. Call [phone] today for your free case review.
What are the Most Common Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents can happen because of wet floors, uneven steps, and many other conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
Structural Defects
A lack of proper upkeep and maintenance of a building or business premise can develop into uneven steps, torn carpeting, broken tiles, and potholes in the parking lot. These are likely to cause these accidents owing to the nature of the structural defects. They are usually hidden into the building’s décor, and it is easy to get tangled up in them.
Poorly Lit Hallways and Walkways
Unlit walkways are likely to cause falls while walking on them in dark conditions. Without proper lighting, it is easy to slip on objects on the way and fall, causing injuries.
Broken Staircases and Malfunctioning Escalator
A staircase that has a missing handrail is complicated to use. It is also more likely to cause injuries and leads to more slip and fall accidents. An escalator with defects or errors will also stop functioning or go way out of the safe parameters while it is in use. It will cause accidents and serious injuries when a mishap occurs while it is being used.
Wet floors, Walkways, and Staircases
Cleaning the premises while moving about is not a healthy practice. It is much better to have the night shift team clean up the building after everyone has left. When the cleaning occurs when there are still people moving about, the wet surfaces are likely to cause several slip and fall accidents.
Uncleaned Spills in Stores and Hospitals
Sometimes, a slip and fall accident can get you in contact with a dangerous chemical. It happens when the hospital has not cleaned up all the spills that take place. The exposure from such an accident is hazardous, and you must be compensated for the damage in full.
Dangerous Debris like Tree Branches
After felling trees or trimming them in the course of a maintenance run, the resulting branches on the ground must be removed. When they are left lying around, they are more likely to cause slip and fall injuries. The people who get tripped up on these branches will likely experience severe injuries as a result.
Ice or Snow that hasn’t been Salted or Shoveled Away
Weather conditions during the winter are likely to leave an accumulation of snow outside. If this is not correctly removed, the walkways will still be full of potentially hazardous obstacles. Tripping and slipping on these will cause accidents and injuries, leading to lawsuits against the company that owns and maintains the building.
Failing to Install Storm Drains, Gutters, and Anti-Slip Devices During Heavy Snowfall and Rainfall
Such a failure is likely to create hazardous conditions for the people still moving about. The lack of safety measures will mean that most of the excess water will not have been drained away, and slipping will be very likely.
Failure to Place Warning/Caution Signs or Restrict Potentially Dangerous Areas
Whenever any of the above-listed conditions exist, the place should be limited or a warning sign erected to warn everyone. Failure to do so will mean that people will still venture into danger due to a lack of signs.
Kevin is TERRIFIC!
“I had a bad slip and fall accident last year while I had gone to check on my Dad who had been in a bad car accident. My Dad had hired him as his attorney due to this car accident and has told Kevin what had happened to me while checking on my Dad. From the beginning Kevin kept me updated on my case, checked up on me to see how I was and was always honest with me. Since I wasn’t in the actual car accident, but I did shatter my right femor and fractured my left elbow, I didn’t think I would be any way compensated. Kevin fought for me and got me a settlement! Thank you so much Kevin! I really didn’t think I would see a penny since my injuries were so substantial. Kevin is AWESOME!!!”
Eileen
How Can a Palm Springs Slip and Fall Lawyer Help Me With My Case?
With the help of an attorney, you will be more likely to get fully compensated following a slip and fall accident. The incident will not go unreported, and the responsible parties will be held to account.
The lawyer will help in the preparation of a solid case against the company or business involved. A lot of documentation is required for such incidences and whenever it happens, taking photographs of the accident scene is essential. Together with other reports, the Palm Springs slip and fall accident lawyer will ensure that you have something reliable to work with.
A lawyer also ensures that your case goes to completion and does not get chocked up in the system. Their experience means that they know where deadlocks exist in the system. They will ensure that such limitations are properly tackled, and you can receive the total compensation for your injuries.
What Steps Can Be Taken to Help a Slip and Fall Case?
Any time you slip and fall in a public place, the following steps will ensure that you get compensated for your injuries.
- Take as many photos as you can of the scene, its state of upkeep, and the injuries that you have sustained as a result.
- Report the incident to a manager in the building and notify them that a slip and fall accident has occurred.
- Record the names and numbers of witnesses who saw you fall in public.
- If you will require medical attention, ensure that this is attended to immediately.
- If you can manage it, see that the problem is handled right away instead of stretching it for longer than is comfortable. Follow the proper channels and ensure that your incident gets the necessary attention that it deserves.
How Can a Slip and Fall Accident be Proved?
First, your attorney must prove the owner of the property knew about an unsafe condition or should have known about it if they were taking proper care of the property. For instance, if the owner knew about the existence of the unrepaired structures in the building, they are responsible for taking measures to protect visitors.
Your attorney needs to show the property owner didn’t adequately protect visitors from a safety risk. The owner may not have a loose railing. It might be that there were no posted signs to inform visitors of the danger lurking on the property. In such cases, it is possible to prove the owner is at fault.
Proving fault involves taking note of the conditions that surround the accident itself. For instance, was there ongoing maintenance at the time of the incidence? Did the cleaning staff put up warning signs before proceeding to pour cleaning agents on the floor? Were the structural defects reported to the management of the property in good time? Knowing this can help prove the property management and owner are liable for the damage.
How is Liability Determined in a Palm Springs, California Slip and Fall Case?
The determination of liability in filing a slip and fall accident injury claim makes use of some information. As such, you might be asked questions like:
- Was there enough reason for you to be on the property at the time of the incident?
- Would you have been more cautious had you noticed the dangerous condition? If you were not distracted, would you have been able to avoid the accident?
- Was there a warning sign provided by the property owner about the dangerous condition that led to your slip and fall accident?
- Were any of the activities you were engaged in at the time of the accident contributor to your injury?
The answers to these questions will determine on whose shoulder the liability lies. The property owner’s negligence and ignorance of essential warning signs are some pointers to a successful claim. To know if you have a case and can successfully sue, you should have your case evaluated by a qualified attorney. We offer a free consultation, so don’t wait to contact us.
How Much is My Slip and Fall Case Worth?
Several factors will determine the value of your case.
Medical Costs
Your medical treatment cost following the injury that you incur as a result of the accident and the sum of your bills will influence the value of your case. You can request reimbursement for all your treatment costs during your recovery. Keeping good records of your appointments, what treatment you receive, and your medical bills to ensure you don’t miss out on compensation.
Expenses
The at-fault party should compensate you for all the expenses you incur as a direct consequence of the slip and fall accident. For instance, you might have to hire a housekeeper or nanny while you are recovering. Save all receipts and proof of the expenses arising out of the accident for the best case. If you can’t work while you recover, you’re entitled to compensation for lost wages. If you need to train for another field of work after recovery, the property owner will be required to take care of the expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
There are other losses such as depression, anxiety, and other different psychological impacts of the accident. These are difficult to place an amount on but are known to impact your life quality. You can claim non-economic damages for these types of losses.
No matter how good your case is, insurance companies always work on aggressive defenses to invalidate your claim. With a good lawyer, you will get the best representation possible. They will be able to gather the best evidence and develop the best strategies for your case. They will create a better case with you and ensure that witnesses are retained to back up your claims.
Local Results
Elderly Woman Receives $125,000 Settlement After Slipping on Wet Cement at Golf Course
Case Type | Slip and Fall Accident |
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Location | Palm Springs, CA |
Settlement | $125,000.00 |
Are there any Time Limits for Filing a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?
California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1 gives Palm Springs, California victims two years within which they should file a case. It is vital that you have all your evidence gathered and witnessed prepared within two years of the accident. You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible so they can gather evidence and prepare a case that will stand up in court.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Palm Springs Slip and Fall Lawyer
If you were hurt in a slip and fall accident, having a skilled lawyer is essential if you want to receive the compensation you deserve for all the expenses and medical bills. Proving liability in these cases can be complicated. An experienced attorney will examine the incident and all the conditions that surround and prepare the strongest possible case. You stand to receive more in compensation with a skilled lawyer. You also reduce the hassle that you have to go through before getting justice.
A good Palm Springs slip and fall accident lawyer at the Crockett Law Group will ensure that you get the best legal representation. For a free consultation, call us at (888) 965-3827.