Northridge Slip and Fall Lawyer

Van Nuys Slip and Fall Attorney

Slip and fall accidents are a type of personal injury, and they may require the aid of a lawyer for you to obtain your due compensation. Not only can a slip and fall accident cause serious injuries, but it can also interfere with your quality of life. Hiring a Northridge slip and fall lawyer should be your first step when making a claim.

An experienced Northridge personal injury lawyer can represent you in your premises liability claim, which is the type of claim for addressing slip and fall accidents. You should know the statute of limitations for making your claim as well as be prepared with all documents, photographs, and information that support your case.

Examples of Slip and Fall Injuries

A slip and fall can take minutes but may result in serious injuries. Sometimes, you can shake it off and resume your life. At other times, though, the injuries may be so severe that they cause lasting damage.

Some examples of injuries caused by slip and fall accidents are listed below:

• Neck and back injuries, including whiplash
• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Lacerations and fractures
• Knee and leg injuries
• Sprained wrists

How Do I Prove Fault in a Slip and Fall Accident?

Slip and fall accidents tend to occur on any type of property, including commercial or residential. It is the property owner’s responsibility to make sure their premises are reasonably safe for all guests, visitors, and customers.

To prove fault in your premises liability claim, you must show that the property owner caused your accident because of their negligence, failure to warn of danger, or the presence of dangerous conditions.

• Negligence – This is the most common cause of slip and fall accidents. When a property owner does not fulfill their duty of care to keep their property safe, this is called negligence.
  • Example: A property owner of a restaurant neglects to fix the steps that lead into the establishment, causing a customer to slip, fall, and injure their face.
• Failure to warn – Sometimes, owners breach their duty of care by neglecting to warn their guests, visitors, or customers of foreseeable harm.
  • Example: There is a spill in the grocery store but no caution sign around it. A customer slips and hits their head on the floor, causing serious damage.
• Dangerous conditions – Property owners can create dangerous conditions by their actions or inaction. For instance, the owner may carry out a faulty repair, or they might neglect to repair, clean up, or maintain an area where people walk.
  • Example: A homeowner has an icy walkway but doesn’t put down ice or warn their guest. Then, someone slips and breaks their arm.

The critical aspect of these claims is that the negligence, dangerous conditions, or failure to warn caused the injuries. This is why it is important to have proof of both your injuries and the conditions on the property to boost your case.

Can I Still Sue, Even If I Was Partially at Fault?

In California, it is presumed that all parties take some responsibility to maintain their own safety and prevent injuries. This concept is known as comparative negligence, and a person can sometimes have some fault for their own injuries or accidents.

Many defendants use this defense, claiming that:

• You were not paying attention to where you were walking.
• There was a sign cautioning of the danger, but you ignored it.
• You were in a forbidden part of the property.
• Your own recklessness or carelessness caused your injury.

Even if you were partly responsible for your accident, you may still recover a percentage of your damages. The amount you obtain will be reduced by the percentage you were at fault. For example, if you were 25% at fault, you may receive 75% instead of 100% of your potential compensation for damages.

Economic and Non-Economic Damages

In slip and fall accidents, you may incur tangible, financial damages, such as medical bills, doctor’s visits, other medical costs, and lost wages. There are also non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, mental strife, or emotional pain. You are entitled to be compensated for the damages caused by your slip and fall accident. Our lawyers can recover compensation for these damages on your behalf and ease some of your burdens.

Northridge Slip and Fall FAQs

Q: How Successful Are Slip and Fall Claims?

A: The success of slip and fall claims largely depend on the skill and experience of the lawyer, but it can also depend on your ability to prove fault. If you have evidence to prove the owner is at fault, your case may be successful. The extent of your injuries and damages in your case are also factors to consider.

Q: How Much Do Slip and Fall Lawyers Charge?

A: The cost for a slip and fall lawyer varies considerably. The main factors that influence a lawyer’s fees are their skill and experience, the complexity of the case, and the firm’s location. More experienced lawyers can justify charging higher rates, and lawyers who work out of firms in areas with a high cost of living may also charge more. If your case is complex, it may require more billable hours. At Freeman & Freeman, LLP, we charge no upfront costs. We only get paid if we win your case.

Q: How Do I Negotiate a Slip and Fall Settlement?

A: If your slip and fall settlement offer seems unfair, or you are otherwise unhappy with it, you can negotiate it. The ideal way to negotiate your settlement is to let your lawyer handle it in Northridge CA. They know the legal structure of personal injury claims. A seasoned personal injury attorney has the experience to negotiate for the compensation you deserve.

Q: How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated in a Slip and Fall Claim?

A: Pain and suffering is typically calculated using the multiplier method, based on a value that the judge decides. Factors that contribute to pain and suffering determinations may include:

• The severity or extent of your injuries
• The duration of your injuries
• How much work you missed
• The psychological damage you sustained

Contact Freeman & Freeman, LLP

A slip and fall accident can interfere with your life in many ways. Because they can cause injuries, job loss, or pain and suffering, you have the right to obtain compensation. At Freeman & Freeman, LLP, we have decades of experience in getting results. Contact us today for an initial consultation.