Virtually everyone has fallen victim to a slip and fall accident at some point in their life, and for many, the results include a bruised ego and a little temporary pain that subsides on its own without treatment. Unfortunately, these kinds of accidents can sometimes have serious and life-changing impacts. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, you may have the right to compensation for your physical, mental, and financial hardships. You may wonder how to sue for a slip and fall case in Los Angeles, and it is important to understand the legal process. An experienced slip and fall accident lawyer can help.
Can You Sue for a Slip and Fall Accident?
Slip and fall accidents fall under the premises liability umbrella, a personal injury law category. Under premises liability law, property owners or those entrusted with the care of the property have a duty to ensure that the premises are reasonably safe and do not pose a risk to guests. If they know, or should reasonably know, that a dangerous condition exists, they are obligated to make immediate repairs or notify others of the danger. One example is the standard “caution—wet floor sign” that businesses often use when cleaning a slick floor. If an owner does not take these steps, and the dangerous condition results in injury, the victim may have the right to file a claim to recover damages for their slip and fall accident.
How to Sue for a Slip and Fall Accident
The liable party may have insurance to cover your injuries, depending on where the slip and fall occurred. This is often the case if the accident happened in a commercial establishment like a business or on government property like a park or city building. Unfortunately, insurance companies frequently offer quick settlements for less than you deserve. It is important to never accept a slip and fall settlement that does not fully compensate you for your current and future expenses. Once you officially accept an offer, you cannot go back and ask for more. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may advise you to pursue a lawsuit to recover damages. Under California law, you must file your slip and fall lawsuit within two years of the date the injury occurred or was discovered. Timing is crucial when understanding how to sue for a slip and fall accident. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek legal compensation.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other costs related to your experience. Your attorney can help you understand the value of your claim and what you can reasonably expect to receive.
Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall?
Property owners in Los Angeles can be held liable for slip and fall injuries that occur because of an unsafe condition on the premises, but so can a person who rents, leases, or otherwise possesses the property. Individuals and parties who work on the property may also be held liable in certain situations. This ultimately hinges on who had the duty to keep the property safe and failed to do so. Determining liability and gathering evidence is an important part of securing necessary compensation.
Should You Contact a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer?
Slip and fall accidents can be complicated and often involve multiple potentially liable parties. You may even be partially liable yourself. The experienced attorneys at Peerali Law can help you gather evidence and negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies. We can also advise you on when and how to sue for a slip and fall accident to get maximum compensation for your injuries.
When you have been seriously injured, you need a Los Angeles slip and fall attorney who will give your case the attention it deserves. We are committed to ensuring you are never left in the dark wondering what is happening with your case. At Peerali Law, we focus our practice on creative solutions to complex catastrophic injuries like those stemming from slip and fall accidents. Contact us to schedule your free case consultation.
Kristopher earned his J.D. at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law where he was a member of the Review of Law and Social Justice honors law journal and was awarded several scholastic honors.
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