Experiencing a slip-and-fall can be embarrassing and unexpected. It is important to make sure you take every necessary step to make sure you get the most out of your case so you are not left with the damages. A Carlsbad personal injury lawyer can help ensure you follow the proper protocol.
Common Factors in Slip and Fall Accidents
A slip-and-fall accident is unpredictable but can be severe. However, it all shares the root cause, which is more than simple carelessness. There are several underlying patterns to be aware of.
Even small issues, such as a broken part of the stair handrail or a loose stair tread, can cause significant damage. Accidents can also occur on wet floors, cluttered pathways, and uneven surfaces. Not having visible warnings can leave you vulnerable to a preventable injury.
Types of Injuries in a Slip-and-Fall Accident
A slip-and-fall accident can lead to various injuries, from minor bruises to life-changing situations. The type and severity of an injury can depend on numerous factors. Some of the most common injuries can result from the following:
- Head injuries
- Sprains and fractures
- Torn ligaments
- Hip injuries
- Strained muscles
- Deep bruises
- Cuts and abrasions
A slip-and-fall can disrupt your entire life and sometimes lead to permanent complications. It is important to work with a slip-and-fall attorney in Carlsbad to determine your potential options.
Financial Compensation Recoverable in Slip-and-Fall Cases
If you get hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, you may recover different forms of financial compensation, including the following:
- Lost wages from having to miss time off from work
- Medical expenses to try and heal your injuries
- Pain and suffering to deal with the emotional side
- Out-of-pocket expenses for doctors, treatment, or transportation
- Future earning capacity because you have to be taken out of work
- Punitive damages when there is extreme negligence involved
- Loss of consortium when your relationships feel the impacts
Who is Responsible for Slip-and-Fall Accidents?
Responsibility for a slip-and-fall accident usually falls on the property owner or the person in charge of maintenance. Some examples of at-fault parties include:
- Landlords when tenants or visitors get injured because of an unsafe condition in or on the rental property
- Property owners for failing to address any hazards like broken stairs or wet floors
- Municipalities for not maintaining a public space like the park or sidewalk
- Business owners for neglecting safety in an area open to customers, like aisles or entryways
Liability will depend on whether the responsible party knew or should have known about the hazard and chose not to fix it or give a warning to guests.
How Long Do You Have to File a Slip or Fall Claim in Carlsbad?
California has a statute of limitations for accidents like a slip-and-fall that you must follow to be considered to receive potential compensation, according to the California Code CCP 335.1. You have two years from the accident to file a claim against the property owner. However, if this happens on a government-owned property, you only have six months to file the claim. This is why it is so important to reach out to an attorney as quickly as possible to start building your case.
Contact a Carlsbad Slip-and-Fall Lawyer
It would be helpful to get help from your side as soon as possible. Matthew de Lira APC can review your case and see your options. Call us for a consultation to get started.