SHERMAN OAKS SLIP AND FALL INCIDENT LAWYERS

Slip and fall incidents often lead to severe injuries, making them among the most dangerous incidents. If you or a family member have been involved in such an accident, our bus accident lawyers in Sherman Oaks can assist you in seeking rightful compensation. At Shiganian Law, our small personal injury law firm size allows us to dedicate full attention to your case, ensuring it receives the care and meticulous handling it requires. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.

Involved in a bus accident? Call us now: 818-588-8974

HOW A SLIP AND FALL INCIDENT ATTORNEY CAN HELP

Navigating a slip and fall claim can be complex and time-consuming. You'll need to gather evidence to support your claim of negligence and premises liability against the business owners and/or governmental entities, and negotiate with the parties responsible for your injuries. This process can be particularly challenging without specialized legal training.

Many insurance companies may use stall tactics to deny or delay your claim. Having an experienced slip and fall incident lawyer by your side can make a significant difference. We handle all the intricate details of your case from start to finish, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

NEGLIGENCE IN SLIP AND FALL INCIDENT CASES

Property owners have a duty of care to ensure their premises are safe and to warn visitors of any potential hazards. Negligence in a slip and fall case means the property owner either created a dangerous condition or failed to address or warn about a known hazard. Examples of negligence include:

• Not cleaning up a spill or putting up a wet floor sign after a spill

• Allowing frayed carpets that cause tripping

• Failing to repair a broken banister

• Leaving small equipment on public walkways

COMMON CAUSES OF SLIP AND FALL incidents

Slip and fall incidents can occur in various locations, including grocery stores, parking lots, homes, and workplaces. Common causes include:

• Spilled liquids

• Negligent cleaning schedules

• Greasy or freshly waxed/mopped floors

• Lack of wet floor warning signs

• Dangerous floor surfaces

• Inadequate lighting

• Electrical cords

HOW LONG AFTER A SLIP AND FALL CAN YOU SUE

In California, you generally have two years from the date of a slip and fall incident to file a claim. However, if the incident occurred on government property, you only have six months to file. For minors, the time limit extends to two years after their 18th birthday. It's crucial to file within these timeframes, as failing to do so will result in losing the right to pursue a claim.

WHAT IS CALIFORNIA SLIP AND FALL LAW?

California Slip and Fall Law requires property owners to maintain safe premises and warn visitors of hazards. If an injury occurs due to unsafe conditions, the injured party can sue for compensation. To win, the injured party must prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to address it or warn visitors.

What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?

• Get Medical Help
  • Your health comes first—see a doctor right away to check for injuries and document them properly.
• Report the Incident
  • Let the property owner or manager know about your fall, and ask for a written report.
• Capture the Scene
  • If you can, take pictures of where you fell. They might be important later.
• Avoid Statements
  • Don’t make detailed statements to the property owner or insurance company before talking to an attorney.
• Call an Attorney
  • Slip and fall cases can be tricky. A lawyer can help you navigate the process and strengthen your claim.

Damages You Can Recover in a Slip & Fall Case

Slip and fall injuries can result in much more than just physical pain—they often mean high medical costs, lost income, and lasting emotional effects. If you win your case, you could receive "compensatory damages" to help cover:

• Medical Costs: Both current treatment and future care.
• Lost Income: Including wages and lost future earnings.
• Household Costs: Replacement services you can no longer do.
• Non-Monetary Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, disability, and inconvenience.

How Can the Blame Be Shifted Towards You?

1. Blaming You for the Accident

The property owner might argue that you were partly or entirely to blame for your injuries. For instance, maybe you weren't paying attention, or you wore inappropriate footwear. In states like California, this concept is called "comparative negligence." It means if you were partly responsible—let's say 20% at fault—then your compensation would be reduced by 20%. This is why it's crucial to minimize any claim that you were negligent.

2. The Danger Was "Open and Obvious"

Another common defense is that the hazard was clear enough that any reasonable person would have noticed and avoided it. Examples include snow, ice, or obvious obstacles. If a hazard is "open and obvious," then you’re expected to take steps to avoid it, which can reduce or even eliminate the property owner's responsibility.

3. You Assumed the Risk

In some situations, you might be seen as knowingly taking a risk by engaging with a dangerous area or activity. This is called "assuming the risk." If you were aware of a danger and still went ahead anyway—like stepping into an obviously risky situation—then the owner might argue they aren't liable for any injuries.

Why This Matters

Defending against these claims is often about reducing the property owner's liability and shifting some or all of the blame to you. This could significantly impact how much compensation you receive. It’s important to work closely with a lawyer to navigate these defenses effectively and minimize your share of the blame, especially since each detail—such as where you were looking when you fell—can make a difference in the outcome.

How Compensation Works in Slip & Fall Cases

In California slip and fall cases, compensation is calculated in two steps. First, the total damages—such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—are added up. Then, each party’s level of fault is assigned a percentage. If your case goes to court, a jury will determine who was at fault and by how much.

For instance, imagine you slip on an unmarked wet floor at a grocery store while distracted by your cell phone. If the jury decides you're 20% at fault and your total damages come to $20,000, then you would receive 80% of that amount. That means you'd be entitled to $16,000, with the reduction reflecting your share of responsibility.

WHY CHOOSE SHIGANIAN LAW

With Shiganian Law, you're choosing a partner with a history of substantial legal victories and a deep commitment to personal attention. Our attorneys, adept in handling a vast array of personal injury cases, offer unique insights that are critical to navigate the legal landscape. Our expertise is in understanding the story behind every case—crafting strategies that resonate with juries and judges alike.