With over 35,000 auto repair shops and dealership repair centers in California, most residents have easy access to an auto body shop when they need routine maintenance, a repair, or are looking to upgrade their vehicle. With all these shops in the area, drivers will find it easier and less stressful to take their car in for an oil change, brake service, or other work rather than taking on the project at home. And unless you happen to be mechanically inclined, you are sure this option is a much safer choice than working on your car yourself.
However, you might be shocked to learn more about the many slip and fall and trip and fall injury incidents in auto body shops across California. Sadly, while these mechanics and automotive technicians might be great at sorting out issues under the hood of a car, truck, or SUV, they appear to lack the skills to maintain a safe space for their clients. So when you venture into a local or well-known chain auto body shop, know that you could encounter many slip and fall or trip and fall dangers.
If you or a loved one have recently become the victim of a slip and fall at an auto body shop, the staff at Normandie Law Firm is here to provide the answers you need. In addition, we will explain your rights and how to protect them and your finances in the future. Unfortunately, many slip and fall injuries can result in massive medical bills, lost wages, and financial challenges that will plague you for years. So it is best to contact the Normandie Law Firm slip and fall at an auto body shop lawyers as quickly as possible after your incident. We offer a free consultation and will handle your case with no upfront fees if you file a lawsuit to seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
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Why Are Auto Body Shops So Dangerous?
When you imagine getting hurt at an auto body shop, you might think of injuries from the large equipment in use, the heavy tools, or the vehicles. But you are not likely to picture the simple dangers created when staff members are not paying attention to the little details like putting tools away, picking up trash from the floor, or wiping up spills. Sadly, it is a combination of very simple issues that could be corrected in seconds or a minute or two that lead to some of the worst injuries to occur in the average California auto body shop. These typical slip and fall issues include:
- Water or other fluids that are spilled on the floor but not promptly cleaned up
- Food or drinks that are spilled on the floor
- Trash that litters the floor, including paper cups, napkins, funnels, towels, and receipts
- Merchandise and parts that fall from counters, displays, or shelves and are not picked up from the floor
- Damaged or folded floor mats
- Water that is tracked in from outdoors when there is no floor mat at the entrance
- Tools or hoses that are left blocking walkways
- Electrical wires or extension cords that are blocking walking areas
- Water puddles from leaking coolers, water lines, plumbing fixtures, clogged drains, or overflowing toilets
- Floors that were recently mopped but do not have a caution sign to warn patrons of increasingly slippery and hazardous conditions
With all the sharp implements, tools, and concrete floors in most auto body shops, the slip and fall is only part of the issue. Victims can suffer added injuries from falling into or onto countless hazardous items found in every auto body shop before they suffer the final blow of impact with the hard floor.
Some Common Auto Body Shop Slip And Fall And Trip And Fall Injuries
Sadly, most people think of a trip and fall or slip and fall incident as an event that generated only a mild injury. They might equate it with a stumble. But few realize that the injuries suffered in an auto body shop slip and fall or trip and fall incident can result in:
- Severe lacerations or puncture wounds requiring stitches or surgery
- Broken or fractured bones
- Damage to joint tissue or a complete joint dislocation
- Damage to internal organs and internal bleeding
- Injuries to the back, neck, or spinal cord
- Soft tissue damage, including nerve damage
- Facial injuries to the skin, eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, or ears
- Head trauma such as a skull fracture, concussion, brain hemorrhage, or traumatic brain injury
All these injuries can be life-altering to the victim and their loved ones. Months of costly medical treatment, pain, and mounting bills can cause unnecessary stress, anxiety, and depression for injury victims and their loved ones. And in the worst cases, the victim never fully recovers from the injuries and is forced to live with lifelong pain and limitations.
The Importance Of Duty Of Care
Duty of care is a legal term that comes from premises liability law. The term is used to explain and define the obligation a business or property owner has to guests regarding the safety of the space. Business owners are required to keep their place of business in good repair and free of common safety hazards. The level of care demanded is said to be that which the average prudent person would deliver.
So, for example, if most people would mop up a water spill or refrain from leaving tools in a walkway, you should expect that same level of care from the staff at an auto body shop. Another example would be never leaving electrical wires in a walkway. Again, the average person would remove the risk so no one would trip and fall on electric wires in a hallway.
If the staff or business owner does not meet the expected level of care for a property, they could be found in breach of duty of care or negligent in their duty of care. When negligence is determined, the offending party can often be held financially liable for any injuries or damages caused by their negligence. When you discuss your case with a Normandie Law Firm slip and fall at an auto body shop lawyer, they will explain how someone else could be held accountable for your injuries due to their negligence.
Can I Sue The Auto Body Shop?
Your Normandie Law Firm lawyer will evaluate the details of your slip and fall incident and provide their expert advice on pursuing a lawsuit if the case has merit. Establishing negligence is not always as simple as it sounds. However, the Normandie team has decades of combined experience and expertise in determining these often complex legal matters. Therefore, when our staff recommends that you file a lawsuit, you can rest assured that we are sure we can provide the information necessary to win your case.
What Is My Slip And Fall Lawsuit Worth?
The value of your lawsuit will be based on the bills and losses you have accrued due to the slip and fall incident. While the amount included to represent your pain and suffering is more arbitrary, it is still based on the severity of your injuries and the time required to recover. Other costs included in the claim are:
- Your medical expenses
- Legal fees for the lawsuit
- Your lost wages if your injuries prevented you from working
- The value of any damaged or destroyed personal property
Your legal team at Normandie Law Firm will help you gather all the information and documentation needed to support your claim amount and secure full compensation for all your losses and expenses. Our goal is always to deliver the most robust settlement or verdict possible to ensure you can move past your slip and fall injuries with no added costs or financial challenges.
The Slip And Fall Injury Statute Of Limitations
In California, personal injury victims are allotted two years from the date of their injury to file a claim with the court. There are very few exceptions to this timeframe. If your case is not in the hands of the court by the end of the two-year limit, you will likely forfeit your ability to seek compensation for the incident. However, the team at Normandie Law Firm will work tirelessly to ensure your case is ready to file as quickly as possible to ensure you have the verdict or settlement needed to pay your bills as rapidly as possible.
When You Need The Best Slip And Fall At An Auto Body Shop Lawyer
The staff at Normandie Law Firm believes that you have the right to the best legal services in the region, regardless of the size of your checking account. We understand that money could be tight after suffering a slip and fall injury. But we also want you to have access to the help you need to get the compensation you deserve. So we will take your case with no upfront payment required. We only get paid for our services after getting you the settlement or verdict owed to you for the injuries and losses you suffered. And if we fail, you owe us nothing. So don’t hesitate to get in touch with Normandie Law Firm today to discuss your case with a skilled slip and fall at an auto body shop lawyer at a free consultation.
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