Slip and Fall Attorney Palmdale and Lancaster – LA County California:

Slip and fall and accidents are the second most prevalent cause of preventable injury in California. In fact, slip and fall accidents account for a larger proportion of serious injuries when compared to auto accidents. Below you will find important information regarding slip and fall accidents and recovery for your injuries. Our top-rated law firm is dedicated to providing victims of harm due to the negligent or intentional conduct of others with the legal representation they need. Our expert Palmdale and Lancaster personal injury lawyers with experience handling slip and fall claims will be happy to hear about your case and provide you with the guidance that you need, so you can obtain the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. If you have any further legal questions or if you would like our assistance regarding your injury claim, feel free to contact our top law offices to speak with one of our skilled attorneys with experience in slip and fall cases.

Causes of Slip and Fall / Trip and Fall Accidents in Palmdale and Lancaster

There can be numerous causes of slip and fall and trip and fall accidents. Based on our data and the vast number of clients represented we have compiled a list of the most common causes of such accidents.

• Liquids left on the floor for an extended period of time. Owners and managers of property owe a duty to clean liquids or debris that has fallen on the floor within a reasonable period of time. Reasonableness of time is predicated on several factors the most important of which is the frequency in the number of individuals who traverse the area and the frequency of previous liquids or debris left on the floor.
• Defective, broken and loose handrails and steps.
• Loose and tangled carpeting.
• Failure to place warning signs after mopping the floor. It is important for stores and any place that’s open to the public to place such warning signs so potential customers are aware that the floor is wet.
• Failure to place door mats during a rain storm.
• Poor visibility due to lack of light or broken light bulbs on property. It is important for property owners to frequently check the light bulbs on their property to make sure they are functioning, and replace them if not functioning. Walking in the dark is one of the most frequent causes of trip and fall accidents.
• Design defects of the building – uneven stairway or steps. In many cases steps on a stairway are not the same size; a person walking down the stairs may not realize the size difference resulting in a fall.
• Computer and electronic cables left on a walkway.

Most Frequent Injuries Resulting from Slip Trip and Fall Accidents

Some of the most common injuries resulting from slip trip and fall accidents include the following.

• Back and neck injuries resulting in spinal cord damage.
• Head trauma – resulting in concussion, mild to severe traumatic brain injury, and brain hemorrhaging.
• Facial injuries: These may include damage to the jaw resulting in TMJ injuries, broken nose, dental fractures, fracture of the orbital socket, tinnitus (chronic ringing in the ear), loss of hearing, and lacerations resulting in permanent scarring.
• Orthopedics fractures: Wrist and hand fractures, fracture to the ribs, ankles, and legs.
• Organ damage: Including collapsed lung, damage to the liver and heart attacks.
• Knee damage: Usually ACL, MCL and meniscus tears or shattering of the knee cap.

Steps to Take – What Should I Do If I Was Injures in a Slip and Fall or Trip and Fall Accident

Victims who have suffered harm should follow certain steps in order to protect their legal right to recovery under the law. Below is a list of some important steps to follow after a slip and fall or trip and fall accident.

• File an incident report: Ask the manager and or any security to fill out an incident report. Get a copy of the incident report or in the least a report number.
• Contact the paramedics and have them transport you to the nearest medical facility or emergency room. An immediate documentation of your injuries can play a significant role in determining the overall value and viability of your case.
• Take pictures of the location of the fall, including any stains, liquids, debris or objects which may have caused the fall.
• If there are any witnesses ask for their contact information, including name, number and what they witnessed.
• DO NOT speak with any representatives or insurance adjusters regarding the accident. Any comments you make to them can and will be used against you to reduce or eliminate any chances you may have of recovery under the law.
• Seek legal help. Hire a qualified lawyer experienced in slip and fall cases to sue to store and get you the money that you deserve for your injuries. Our Palmdale injury lawyers and Lancaster injury attorneys can handle slip and fall lawsuits across the entire State of California.

How to Win Your Slip and Fall Case in the Court of Law

Under the common law system of jurisprudence the duty of a property owner is based on the status of the injured claimant. An accomplished attorney with experience handling slip and fall claims will be able to give you more information.

• Trespasser: Generally there are very few duties owed by a property owner towards a person who enters a property without any consent. You cannot set up traps that could harm the trespasser, but there is no duty to make an inspection and make the premises safe.
• Licensee: A licensee is a person who enters a property for non-commercial purpose. An example is a person who is invited to his friend’s house for dinner. Property owners must warn licensees of any potential dangers or fix the issue before a person has entered their property.
• Invitee: A person who enters property of another for a commercial purpose is regarded as an invitee. Invitees are owed the highest degree of care under the law. On top of the rights provided to a licensee a property owner owes an invitee a duty to timely inspect a property to determine whether there are any dangers and immediately fix the issue or warn the invitee of the danger. A customer who enters a store (like Walmart, Macy’s, Target, Ralphs, Vons) is considered an invitee.

Statute of Limitations – Timing Deadline for Filing a Slip and Fall Lawsuit

Under California civil laws a victim of personal injury has two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit in court. Failure to file within that time period will eliminate all rights you may have to recovery. But there are some exceptions to this rule, as outlined below. If you feel you are eligible for one of these exceptions, consult with an attorney with expertise in slip and fall injury lawsuits.

• Government Claims: In the state of California accidents that take place on government property must first undergo an administrative review process. Victims must file an administrative claim with the government agency in question within 6 months from the date of the accident. Victims will then have 6 months from the date of the rejection to file a lawsuit in the court of law.
• Minors: Individuals under the age of 18 who have suffered harm in a personal injury claim have two years from the date of their 18^th birthday to file a lawsuit.

Recovery Available for Victims – Average Case Settlement for Slip and Fall Accident Claims

Perhaps the most often asked question by injured victims concerns the potential settlement value they will receive. An accident’s potential case value is predicated on several important factors that are unique to every case including the severity of the injuries, cost of medical care, the level of irresponsibility of the defendant property owners and managers. A list and brief description of significant factors which can play a part in determining the value of a personal injury case is provided for below. If you would like to learn more about the potential value of your case feel free to reach out to our law offices and speak with one of our attorneys.

• The specific diagnosis of the injuries suffered and the severity of your bodily harm.
• Assessment of all current medical, rehabilitation and nursing care costs associated with the incident.
• Calculation of the estimated cost for future medical care and life care expense. Usually calculated by an expert life care planner who will be able to determine the average yearly costs of your case based on your injuries and disabilities multiplied by your average life expectancy and value added inflation rate of the United States.
• Calculation of the loss of income and future loss of medical care: Victims of personal injury are entitled to recovery for any lost wages incurred due to an accident. More so in many cases victims suffer long term injuries and permanent disability which can result in a net reduction in their future yearly earning potential.  Vocation experts will be able to determine an individual’s future loss of income based on several factors including; the percentage of a person’s disability, the individual’s educational background and occupation before the incident, his future earnings potential if the incident had not taken place, the place of residence of the individual and future inflation rate in his place of residence.
• The availability for punitive damage: In cases where the at fault defendant acted in gross negligence or a high level of recklessness courts will grant the awarding of punitive damages. According to the Supreme Court of the State of California punitive damage awards can be as high as 10 time the level of general damages incurred by the plaintiff. However in most cases punitive damages are reduced to no more than three times the general damages.
• Level of pain and suffering incurred by the victim: In the state of California pain and suffering, otherwise known as mental anguish, claims are accessed via per-diem basis. A daily calculation of pain and suffering is calculated then multiplied by the number of days a victim is expected to suffer.

Cost of Medical Care

All too often victims or personal injury do not seek the medical attention they need because of the seemingly high costs of doctors appointments, treatment and testing. In order to ameliorate the issue our law firm provides all medical care, appointments, treatment and testing at zero out of pocket cost to our clients. Our treating medical providers work on a medical lien basis; this means that they receive payment only when there is a successful resolution of your case. In the meantime you can receive any medical care necessary without having to pay a single penny out of pocket. We have a network our medical service providers across California, including the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale, who can help with your injuries. An attorney who has experience in slip and fall cases will be able to assist you.

Cost of Attorney Representation

Our law firm provides experienced attorney representation on all slip and fall claims strictly in a contingency fee basis. Payment for our legal services is contingent on a successful resolution of your case. If there is no resolution then you do not owe us an single penny for our services.

What if I have an Attorney – Seeking a Second Opinion on Your Case

Many attorneys will advertise and seek out clients that have suffered injuries in slip and fall cases. However most fail to appreciate the complexity of premises liability cases and do not possess the knowledge, experience, and resources to properly manage your claim. Victims have the absolute right to seek out new representation for any reason. If you would like to get a second opinion and possibly fire your current lawyer for a more experienced and competent lawyer, call us for a free review of your case.

Attorney Consultation Available: If you have been injured on a slip and fall accident and would like to seek justice and recovery for your damages contact our law offices. Our experienced lawyers are available to provide you with case review and consultations at no cost.