Contra Costa Slip And Fall Lawyers
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Supportive Legal Help From Our Contra Costa Slip And Fall Attorneys
Accidents, such as slipping on a wet floor while shopping or tripping on uneven ground on your way to work, can happen to anyone at any given moment. Some accidents cause mild cuts and bruises, whereas others lead to debilitating injuries or even death. If you get injured after slipping or tripping, our dedicated Contra Costa slip and fall lawyers can guide you through legal claims. Call us at (888) 488-1391, and we’ll evaluate your case at no cost.
Contra Costa County is home to family-friendly suburban communities boasting lovely local boutiques, upscale retail stores, spacious malls, and cozy apartment complexes. With so many places frequented by locals and tourists, slip-or-trip-and-fall accidents can happen at any moment. In some cases, the resulting injuries are caused by negligence.
When someone is responsible for your injuries, Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., can help protect your rights to seek compensation. Let our California slip-and-fall personal injury attorneys pursue compensation for your medical costs, emotional distress, and psychological suffering. We focus on supporting you throughout your case with commitment and professionalism.
Settlement in a premises liability case involving a fall due to a defectively placed aquarium within a classroom; the client suffered laceration injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Can Our Contra Costa Slip-And-Fall Lawyers Help Your Case?
If you slipped and fell due to someone else’s negligence and suffered injuries, hiring our Contra Costa trip-and-fall lawyers can assist in pursuing compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. Our Contra Costa law firm can help your case by:
- Investigating & Collecting Solid Evidence – Our slip-and-fall lawyers possess the necessary skills and resources to thoroughly assess and investigate your case. We will gather valuable evidence, including surveillance footage, incident reports, maintenance records, and testimony from eyewitnesses and medical professionals, to support your claim.
- Proving Liability – In a slip and fall, the injured victim bears the burden of demonstrating the at-fault party’s negligence. Our competent personal injury attorneys in Contra Costa have represented slip-and-fall victims by providing guidance, legal support, and clear communication.
- Negotiating With Insurance Firms – Insurance adjusters often overwhelm claimants with complex questions and negotiation tactics. Let our personal injury lawyers take that burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your physical and emotional healing. We will handle all negotiations on your behalf and work to present a claim that considers both your current and future losses.
- Providing A Thoughtful & Personalized Approach – Our compassionate lawyers understand that every case is unique. We provide personalized attention to each slip-and-fall case to support our clients.
Seek legal help from our slip-and-fall accident lawyers in Contra Costa to understand your legal rights if you were injured in one. We offer contingency fee agreements, which means we’ll evaluate the details of your claim with no upfront costs.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to a property owner’s responsibility to maintain safe premises for private guests and the public. California laws regarding premises liability outline the circumstances under which property owners are liable for injuries sustained on their premises.
Property owners and managers are responsible for performing routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs. Additionally, they must provide visible warnings about property hazards and maintain reasonable safety measures for visitors, guests, or customers.
The court will determine a property owner’s negligence in maintaining or using the property according to the following factors:
- A dangerous condition on the property involves an unreasonable risk of harm.
- The property owner failed to fix, prevent, or warn others of the dangerous situation.
- The property owner knew of or should have been aware of the condition.
To illustrate, a department store has newly mopped floors. The store owner must be aware of potential slipping hazards for customers and, therefore, prevent accidents by displaying proper signage and promptly cleaning up after spills.
If you sustained injuries in a slip-and-fall accident in Contra Costa, our knowledgeable personal injury lawyers will build a case proving the property owner’s negligence and help you take the necessary actions for your claim.
Slip-And-Fall Accidents Among Tenants Or Guests In Contra Costa, CA
Are you a tenant or a guest, and you’ve suffered an injury because of the property owner’s negligence? You may have grounds to prove liability and seek appropriate compensation.
Property owners and landlords are required to maintain and keep their properties safe for their tenants. In addition to performing inspections and repairs, they must immediately address any hazardous issues reported by tenants. Those who fail to perform adequate maintenance or respond to tenants’ reports may be liable for injuries resulting from their negligence. This includes leaving icy walkways uncleared or faulty lighting unrepaired.
Suppose you slipped and got hurt as a result of a slippery walkway. Or, you tripped due to low visibility in an area with poor lighting. In such cases, our skilled Contra Costa attorneys, with experience in slip-and-fall accidents, will assess the situation and help you understand your legal options, guiding you through the claims process.
Factors Contributing To Slip-And-Fall Accidents
Slips, trips, and falls commonly occur because of:
- Damp, icy, or slick surfaces
- Dilapidated stairs
- Poor lighting makes it difficult to see a nearby hazard.
- Falling debris from a building’s exterior
- Raised and ragged carpeting
- Worn-out or uneven carpeting
- Rough, bumpy flooring
- Broken tiles
- Exposed electrical wires
- Uneven or cracked sidewalks
- Cluttered store aisles or sidewalks
As an injured victim, you can file a premises liability claim or lawsuit if the property owner fails to remove hazardous obstacles, display warning signs relevant to the danger, or perform essential repairs on time.
Typical Slip And Fall Injuries Our Attorneys Handle
While slips and falls can occur in just seconds, their consequences can last a lifetime. The effects of a slip-and-fall injury vary from temporary fractures and sprains to long-term disabilities and death.
The most common injuries associated with slip-and-fall accidents include:
- Head Injuries – Falls are a common cause of head injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect the brain or the underlying tissues or blood vessels in the head. Mild head injuries can cause bumps, bruises, or headaches, whereas severe head injuries can lead to a coma or death.
- Hip Fractures – These occur when the thigh bone, the femur’s upper portion, breaks. They can be extremely painful, with most cases requiring immediate surgical treatment within one to two days of the injury. Older people are more vulnerable to hip fractures due to their weakened bones. Even a simple trip and fall can cause a fracture.
- Back Injuries – Lower back injuries are the most common. They include back sprains and strains, fractured vertebrae, and herniated discs. In some cases, injured victims suffer back pain that worsens as weeks go by, acute pain that awakens them from sleep, or numbness in certain body parts.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – The spinal cord contains nerve fibers linking the brain to nerves throughout the body. Any damage to the spinal cord may lead to paralysis. Falls are responsible for 31% of all SCIs.
- Shoulder Injuries – Sprains often occur during falling accidents, especially when the arm or hand is stretched to stop the fall. The impact of hitting a hard surface also causes these injuries.
How Long Can You File A Slip-And-Fall Claim In Contra Costa, CA?
Generally, victims have two years to file a slip-and-fall personal injury claim in Contra Costa County and the rest of California. If the signs and symptoms of an injury aren’t clearly visible right away after an accident, the statute of limitations starts from the day the medical issue was discovered.
In cases where the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations starts when the child turns 18. Meanwhile, a claim must be filed within six months after an injury occurs on government property, such as public sidewalks.
Not everyone knows about these timeframes. Consult our slip-and-fall lawyers in Contra Costa to guide you through the legal process and help you avoid missing these deadlines. You may not be able to seek compensation if you sue the at-fault party beyond the allotted time frame.
How To Prove Liability In A Slip-And-Fall Accident
Injury victims must prove the following in their claim:
- The property owner breached their duty of care to maintain safety.
- The breach caused the slip-and-fall accident and the victim’s injuries.
Proving the property owner’s negligence is a critical step to winning your case. Our Contra Costa trial attorneys for slips and falls can gather undeniable evidence that demonstrates negligence in your accident and implement legal strategies tailored to your case.
What Is Pure Comparative Negligence?
Pure comparative negligence means multiple parties may hold a certain degree of responsibility for the accident. In cases where more than one party, including you, is suspected to be liable, the court may determine that the accident happened due to comparative negligence.
As such, if you are found to have partially caused your accident, the court will deduct your assigned percentage of fault from your compensation. For example, if the court finds that you’re 30% at fault, then you’ll receive 70% of the awarded amount.
Seek legal guidance from our skilled Contra Costa attorneys who work on slip and fall accidents to understand the impact of this rule on your case. They can advocate for your perspective and your rights.
Compensatory Damages You May Receive In A Contra Costa Slip-And-Fall Accident Claim
Damages are monetary compensation for injured victims of negligence. Compensatory damages are categorized into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages refer to the tangible monetary losses incurred by a victim as a result of an accident. They are generally easier to calculate and document. They include:
- Present and future medical costs, including follow-up treatment and rehabilitation expenses.
- Costs for long-term disability care
- Lost wages
- Inability to earn income temporarily or permanently
In comparison, non-economic damages are intangible losses, hence more subjective and more challenging to quantify. Our Contra Costa slip-and-fall lawyers will demonstrate the psychological effects of the accident from your perspective and present information to help the jury understand the extent of your damages.
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium, such as a marital relationship or companionship.
- Disfigurement or disability
- Diminished quality of life
You may also receive punitive damages if the accident resulted from malicious, intentional, or reckless actions. Rather than compensating for actual losses, punitive damages serve as a form of punishment, deterring wrongdoers from committing similar behaviors. Thus, if you suffer an injury because your landlord refused to repair a broken step despite multiple requests from tenants, punitive damages could be imposed. However, these are rarely awarded by the court.
If you sustained severe injuries in a trip-and-fall accident, we will provide dedicated legal services and guidance with your situation. Do not delay requesting help from a qualified attorney. Our committed Contra Costa slip-and-fall lawyers will determine all applicable damages.
Rico v. Brian Walsh Brush Clearance (settled on 3/5/2022) – Settlement involving a farmhand who sustained a mild traumatic brain injury when a falling branch struck him on the head.– TINA ESHGHIEH
What To Do After A Slip-And-Fall Accident In Contra Costa, CA
What you do after a slip-and-fall incident can impact your legal claim. Here are the steps you must take if you are able in the event of a slip, trip, or fall:
Seek Medical Attention
Call 911 immediately if you need medical help. Doing so ensures your safety and helps build your case. Get immediate medical attention from the paramedics on the scene. Make sure to follow up with your doctor soon after to evaluate the extent of your injuries.
Investigate The Accident Site
If you can, pinpoint the cause of your injury after the incident. You can later review your records to determine what the responsible parties should have done differently to prevent slips, trips, and falls. But prioritize your health and avoid moving if you have severe injuries.
Gather Photos And Videos
Take numerous clear pictures and videos from different perspectives to confirm the accuracy of your version of events. Our slip-and-fall attorneys in Contra Costa can help identify which ones to use in your case later.
Identify Witnesses
Witness statements can help support your personal injury claim. Obtain their contact details and ask if you can reach out to them later. Your trip-and-fall attorney will follow up with witnesses and request detailed statements.
Make An Official Report
An official report means you took the accident seriously when it occurred. Keep it accurate. Don’t embellish. Your report must include all essential details without exaggerating anything. If your slip and fall happened in a business establishment, the business may require you to submit an accident report for their records.
Consult A Qualified Personal Injury Attorney
The responsible party’s insurer may seek to reduce the amount offered for your damages. Our lawyers handling slip-and-fall cases in Contra Costa will handle all the negotiations with the negligent party and their insurance providers.
FAQs About Slip-And-Fall Accident Claims
What Is The Average Value Of Slip And Fall Claims In California?
The specifics of a case will impact the value of the claim. That’s why it’s hard to say what the average value of slip-and-fall instances is. However, in our experience, the value of slip-and-fall cases varies significantly based on the specific circumstances, injuries, and other factors involved.
More severe injuries typically lead to higher compensation, especially if the injured victim needs to undergo multiple surgeries, chiropractic treatment, or ongoing physical therapy. Our Contra Costa slip and fall attorneys can quantify and calculate your case.
The following factors generally affect settlement amounts:
- Severity and type of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Future medical needs
- Lost income
- Temporary or permanent loss of earning capacity
- Emotional and psychological suffering
- Comparative negligence
- Strength of the evidence
- Insurance coverage
Who Can I Sue After Getting Injured On Someone’s Property?
You can sue the property owner in a premises liability lawsuit. Those who are responsible for managing and controlling the property, such as property or store managers, could also be liable for your injuries if their actions or inaction led to the accident. Meanwhile, if negligent employees fail to fix hazardous conditions or warn visitors of the danger, their employers may be responsible.
Talk to our lawyers who handle slip-and-fall accident lawsuits in Contra Costa to assess your case.
Can A Trespasser File A Slip-And-Fall Claim In California?
Generally, a trespasser or someone without permission to enter a property cannot file a personal injury lawsuit in California. However, trespassers may have grounds to pursue compensation in the following situations:
- If the injured victim is a child
- If the property has dangerous traps meant to deter and harm trespassers.
- If the property has no clear “private property” or “no trespassing” signs.
How Often Do Slip-And-Fall Accidents Happen In California?
Over 8 million emergency room visits in the United States result from falls, according to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI). The NFSI also reported the following injury facts regarding slips, trips, and falls:
- The most severe consequences of falls are fractures, which occur in 5% of all people injured by falls. Hip fractures, in particular, cause the worst health issues and the highest number of deaths.
- Older adults are the most vulnerable to slips and falls. Falls are the second leading cause of injury-related deaths among people aged 65 to 84.
- Around 22% of slip-and-fall incidents caused workers to stop working for more than 31 days.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the following facts about falls:
- Over 800,000 people get hospitalized every year due to a fall injury, typically a hip fracture or head injury.
- Falls account for 95% of hip fractures.
- Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries.
Consult Our Slip-And-Fall Lawyers In Contra Costa
Seeking compensation after a slip-and-fall accident can be a challenging process. Our compassionate trial attorneys are here to listen to your case and help you.
Operating on a contingency fee basis, we provide a free initial case evaluation and don’t require any fees until your personal injury case is settled. We want to help ease your stress and worries. Our skilled lawyers will assess the evidence, handle all paperwork, and manage negotiations on your behalf.
Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to get answers to your legal questions. Our legal slip and fall lawyers are ready to help throughout Contra Costa and surrounding locations, including Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Concord, Lafayette, Alamo, Martinez, Clayton, Orinda, Bay Point, Moraga, Danville, Benicia, Pittsburg, Piedmont, and Berkeley.
