Chico Slip And Fall Lawyer

Did You Slip and Injure Yourself in a Public Establishment or on Commercial Property?

Your Chico slip and fall lawyer at the Law Offices of Steve Gimblin will help you get back on your feet with the compensation you need to move on.

Slip and fall accidents can have a far-reaching impact on your life

Data from the National Floor Safety Institute showed that more than eight million or one out of five hospital room emergency visits each year are due to falls. According to the National Safety Council, falls are one of the top three causes of non-fatal injury as well as death in the U.S.

Such incidents could result in,

• High medical bills 
• Loss of income and savings 
• Mobility restrictions 
• Impaired brain function 
• Long-term pain and suffering

What are my Rights?

Under the California premises liability law, you are eligible to recover damages if you suffered an injury on somebody else’s property due to the negligence of the concerned person or organization.

However, not every slip and fall injury qualifies for legal liability. Your Chico slip and fall attorney will help you to understand in which situations you can claim restitution for such injuries.

So what are the grounds on which you can claim compensation and prove negligence?

Understanding Negligence

Negligence in legal parlance means that the owner or manager failed to take reasonable action to prevent hazardous situations from occurring on the property. This includes failure to conduct regular maintenance and repair to comply with health and safety standards.

Examples of negligence are,

• Wet floor due to inattention in mopping up spills and leaks
• Structural defects such as uneven flooring and improper lighting
• Laxity in refurbishing the property involving damaged steps, railings and furnishings 
• Lack of warning signs or failure to cordon off potentially risky areas
• Carelessness in terms of uncovered cables and objects lying around

Who is Liable for Negligence?

Any person or organization that owns, leases or manages a commercial property can be liable for negligence. Such a person or organization is responsible for ensuring the safety of all people who enter the premises.

The scope of liability for a slip and fall incident can encompass several entities.

Suppose a visitor at a trade show in a convention center trips over loose carpeting and gets hurt due to the organizer’s negligence. The accountable parties, in this context, would include the event organizer, the property owner, their respective insurers and sometimes the employees or manager in-charge.

Your Chico slip and fall lawyer will ensure that any possible liability of all concerned parties is not shirked.

Will I Receive Sufficient Compensation?

The compensation for a slip and fall accident usually covers,

• Past, present and future medical bills 
• Loss of wages 
• Additional expenses due to restricted mobility
• Non-economic damages resulting from pain and emotional trauma 
• Any hindrance in the future earning potential of the plaintiff

You may be surprised to know, the overall damages could be far more than what you initially expected. Your Chico slip and fall lawyer will see to it that your claim is not settled hastily with insufficient reimbursement.

How does the Court Interpret the Law for Slip and Fall Injuries?

The court checks several factors before deciding on the damages in a slip and fall lawsuit.

The issues considered include,

• The seriousness of the injuries in terms of bones, tissue and organ damage 
• The total recovery period due to the injuries sustained
• The age of the victim, as a fall could cause more extensive injuries to a senior person
• The health status of the victim prior to the accident and later
• The effect on the overall quality of life

The Law Offices of Steve Gimblin are committed to recover the maximum possible amount in damages to ensure your well being is not compromised. Your Chico slip and fall attorney will immediately address any callous appraisal by the insurers and the defendant.

What California Law Says

Do note that California is a comparative negligence state. California Civil Code 1714 states that it’s the property owner’s duty to keep the premises safe for all visitors, guests and customers. However, it’s also incumbent upon each person to be aware of their surroundings and responsible for their own safety.

So your total recoveries may be reduced by a significant percentage if the court determines that the victim too was partially responsible for the accident. To avoid such a scenario, you may have to preserve all possible evidence such as the clothes and shoes you were wearing on the day you were injured.

Is there a Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit?

A point to note is that you need to file a slip and fall lawsuit for personal injury within two years of the accident. This tenure known as the statute of limitations can be “tolled” or relaxed in certain situations.

The conditions include,

• If the defendant was out of the state for an extended duration
• If the injured person has not completed 18 years

Please note that if the incident occurred on government property the statute of limitations is reduced to between 120 days to six months from the accident.

How do you Prove Negligence?

The success of a slip and fall case depends on evidence and witnesses to prove negligence on the part of the defendant.

Your Chico slip and fall lawyer will go the extra mile to recover:

• Video recording of the accident 
• Photos of hazardous conditions 
• Verify statements from any onlookers

The advice of experts from the construction industry, maintenance records of the property and treatment notes from your doctor will also help to bolster your claim for compensation.

You may encounter arguments from the insurer or defendant that distractions such as talking on the phone contributed to the fall. Another common refrain is that the plaintiff was wearing improper shoes. Your Chico slip and fall attorney will provide you with advice to respond to unfair blame and accusations over who was responsible for the accident

Out-of-court Settlement or Trial?

A number of slip and fall cases are settled out of court. Such situations include the respective parties and their attorneys mutually agreeing upon a sum that is deemed sufficient and reasonable. However, if the amount is considered too less, then the case goes to trial.

Your Chico slip and fall lawyer will provide you with the right advice specific to your situation whether during any initial negotiation or if the case goes to court. If you are eligible for a higher compensation, we won’t let an insurance adjuster close your settlement quickly without addressing all possible outcomes.

The Law Offices of Steve Gimblin guarantee that your claim receives the attention it deserves.

If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall injury due to somebody else’s negligence, do not give up on your rights to reimbursement under the state’s laws. Your Chico slip and fall lawyer will fight for your dues and protect your savings from taking a hit. You do not have to be saddled with unexpected healthcare expenses due to a slip and fall injury.

Give us a call at (530) 451-3615 for a free initial consultation.

The Law Offices of Steve Gimblin stand by you with our promise of no win no fee.