An Encinitas slip-and-fall accident can result in significant injuries that may lead to missed work and financial hardship. Unfortunately, the process of recovering compensation can become challenging. Seeking legal representation from an Encinitas personal injury attorney can help you recover damages incurred as a result of the accident.
Why Choose Matthew De Lira?
When are dealing with a personal injury, you need more than an ordinary lawyer to get results. Matthew De Lira brings dedication, compassion, and experience to each case he handles. Some of the reasons he is the attorney you want on your side:
- Proven results: He has experienced major wins for his clients, including a $24.9 million award, which was the largest of its kind for California in 2021.
- Insider Knowledge: He spent years defending insurance companies and has insight into how they operate to help you fight back effectively.
- Passionate About the Community: He is enthusiastic about giving back and serves as a volunteer prosecutor.
- Recognized for His Excellence: He has been chosen as a Super Lawyer Rising Star every year since 2021, an honor reserved for the top 2.5 percent of attorneys.
Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
A slip-and-fall accident can happen almost anywhere. They are typically caused when someone fails to maintain a safe environment. These accidents can lead to major injuries. Some common reasons include the following:
- Loose or damaged flooring: Loose floorboards, bulging carpets, or rugs that are not secured can easily cause someone to fall.
- Wet or slippery surfaces: Problems like wet floors, icy sidewalks, or spilled liquids can become quite danger if they are not properly marked or picked up.
- Cluttered walkway: Having items like cords, wires, or a misplaced object laying around can lead to someone slipping and falling.
- Uneven surface: Having potholes in a driveway or sidewalk, uneven floors, or cracks in a sidewalk can be a serious hazard.
How Long Do I Have To File a Slip and Fall Claim in California?
If you have been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, you do not have unlimited time to file a claim. There is a statute of limitations of two years according to California Code CCP 335.1. If you miss it, you could lose your chance of recovering any compensation. This means you could be responsible for your medical bills, costs to treat your injuries, and other damages that occur from the accident.
Keep in mind there are some exceptions to this rule. If the incident happened on government property, such as a public building or a city sidewalk, the timeframe to file a claim decreases to six months. In some instances, you may not realize you have injuries right away, so it is important to seek medical attention if you fall to make sure there is no underlying injury you may not feel yet.
Waiting too long can jeopardize your chances of seeking the compensation you would have been otherwise entitled to. Contacting a slip-and-fall attorney in Encinitas right away after you seek medical care can help make sure you turn in your claim on time and properly submit all the proof necessary.
Call Our Encinitas Slip-and-Fall Attorneys Today
Between the statute of limitations and making sure you follow the correct procedures for your claim, it can all be too much to handle on your own. When you work with Matthew de Lira APC, you have someone in your corner defending you and making sure you are on the right track the entire time. Contact us to start with a consultation, and let’s see how we can help you and if we can help you.