Slip and fall accidents happen for various reasons. Some occur on commercial properties, while others happen at private homes. If you suffered injuries in a slip and fall due to someone else’s negligence, you might be able to hold the at-fault party liable for your medical treatment and other expenses. The Orange County personal injury lawyers of OnderLaw have experience handling cases like this and could help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Homeowners and business owners are supposed to maintain their properties so that they avoid causing injuries to guests. If there are dangerous conditions on those properties, an accident could occur and lead to serious injuries and even death. Unfortunately, negligent behavior is common and puts people at risk. For example, if someone mops the floor at a grocery store but doesn’t place warning signs, the owner could be liable for the injured person’s losses if someone slipped and fell in the water.

The Orange County slip and fall lawyers of OnderLaw understand the struggle you face. You’re dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and expensive medical bills. You should not suffer the consequences of another person’s wrongdoing, especially if you don’t share any amount of fault for the accident. Call us for a free consultation and find out how we can help with your case.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer?

“Slip and fall” is a type of premises liability case. These cases involve defective or unsafe conditions that cause guests to have accidents and be injured. The owner typically becomes financially responsible for the injured party’s medical care, prescription drug costs, and other expenses if their actions led to the accident.

A premises liability case can be a huge undertaking. It isn’t as simple as stating that the dangerous conditions of the property resulted in your injury. You must prove that the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to remove or repair it promptly to avoid causing injuries. This requires investigating the incident, gathering relevant evidence, and negotiating a settlement with the insurance company.

Most people don’t understand how to handle a premises liability case and the laws that might affect the outcome. That’s why it’s crucial to hire an Orange County slip and fall lawyer immediately after suffering an injury. OnderLaw is familiar with the process and can handle every step, so you don’t have to. Your only responsibility should be to see your doctor so you can recover.

Types of Accidents

A slip and fall can happen anywhere. Whether you’re hanging with a friend at their home or relaxing in a public park, you could encounter dangerous conditions that cause an injury. The most common places slip and fall accidents can occur are:

  • Swimming pools
  • Public parks
  • Hotels
  • Stores
  • Amusement parks
  • Private homes
  • Office buildings
  • Shopping malls
  • Apartment complexes

A range of scenarios can lead to an accident on someone’s property. Even if you take precautions and stay away from restricted areas, you could trip over a hazard or fall on a broken step. The most common causes of slip and falls include:

  • Potholes
  • Lack of railings
  • Malfunctioning elevator or escalator
  • Wet floors
  • Loose rugs and mats
  • Poor lighting
  • Damaged or defective staircases
  • Cracked pavement
  • Walkway obstructions
  • Missing or confusing warning signs
  • Uneven flooring transitions

This isn’t a comprehensive list of all the possible hazards that can cause a slip and fall accident. If you believe a property owner was at fault for your injuries and want to hold them accountable for the dangers they exposed you to, contact OnderLaw immediately for a free consultation.

Common Injuries Suffered in Slip and Fall Accidents

A slip and fall can result in serious physical harm, emotional trauma, and financial strain. If you need ongoing medical treatment, you might receive bills you can’t afford to pay. That scenario often leads to debt, and many people suffer economic struggles while healing.

OnderLaw knows the severity of slip and fall accidents and the toll they can take on the injured victim. You deserve the chance to hold the negligent owner liable, so you’re not forced to pay out of pocket for the expenses you incur after the dangerous incident.

The most common injuries suffered in a slip and fall include:

  • Nerve damage
  • Dislocated joints
  • Broken bones
  • Sprained ankles
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Cuts and bruises
  • Concussion or traumatic brain injury
  • Back injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Loss of mobility
  • Permanent scarring
  • Emotional suffering

You have already suffered enough since the accident. The property owner failed to provide a safe environment for you to visit, ultimately leading to your injuries. It might take some time before you can resume your normal routine or participate in your favorite activities, but OnderLaw is here to help you get through this traumatic experience and obtain the compensation necessary to pay for your treatment so you can recover.

What Compensation Is Available?

You can pursue compensation for several different kinds of losses. The two main types are economic and noneconomic. Economic losses are expenses, while noneconomic losses are intangible losses that don’t have a specific monetary value. The most common losses you could obtain compensation for in slip and fall accident cases are:

  • Physical impairment or disfigurement
  • Medical bills
  • Personal property damage
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

You could file a claim with the property owner’s insurance company. Homeowners often purchase homeowner’s insurance to cover a guest’s losses if there’s an accident. Business owners might carry general liability insurance, so they don’t have to pay out of their own pocket for a visitor’s medical treatment and other expenses.

In some situations, you might have to file a claim against the government. Different municipalities are responsible for maintaining certain properties, such as public swimming pools, city sidewalks, and shopping mall parking lots. If you were injured on government property, you could file a claim for compensation from their insurance company.

You also have the option of filing a lawsuit. You must initiate your case before the deadline passes if you want to recover a financial award to compensate you for your losses. The statute of limitations is two years in California. That means you have two years from the accident date to file your lawsuit. Once the statute expires, you can’t file a lawsuit against the property owner.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

Depending on the type of property where you suffered injuries, there are some steps you need to take to obtain compensation. One of the most important is seeking medical treatment. Even if the injury is minor, you should see your doctor because the negligent party could be liable for those bills.

After your initial appointment, follow up with all recommended healthcare professionals. Continue your treatment until your physicians release you or you make a full recovery. The medical records from your appointments can prove your injury happened in a slip and fall accident and show the costs that the at-fault party should pay.

Hire a lawyer immediately after the accident so your Orange County slip and fall lawyer can begin an investigation. There needs to be solid evidence that the property owner’s negligence caused the dangerous conditions that resulted in your injury. Without that evidence, it won’t be easy to prove what happened. You might not know where to locate certain documentation or how to request a copy of the property owner’s insurance policy. That’s why seeking legal representation is critical, so you have someone by your side to guide you through the complicated legal process.

Maintain any documentation you receive while working on your case. If your doctor prescribes medication, keep a copy of the prescription. If you receive letters from the at-fault party’s insurance company, don’t throw them away. You should also collect any records associated with the treatment you sought. Forward everything to your lawyer so they can determine if it’s something they can use to support your claim for compensation.

Why Choose OnderLaw?

At OnderLaw, our Orange County slip and fall lawyers have experience negotiating settlements during insurance claims and litigating cases in court. We have the resources to effectively investigate accidents and gather evidence to seek the compensation our clients need. We always dedicate our time and attention to each case we take, so our clients receive the representation they deserve.

Since 2002, we have provided dependable legal services to accident victims. You need someone in your corner to fight for your rights and be there for you in your time of need. It’s overwhelming when you’re faced with a legal case. This is something you shouldn’t go through alone. We will be with you every step of the way until we resolve your case.

Speak to a Dedicated and Qualified Orange County Slip and Fall Lawyer

Do not hesitate to contact OnderLaw to discuss the accident you were in so we can review the circumstances and determine who was at fault. We’re available 24/7, so you can reach us whenever you need us. We know how important it is to feel like you’re a priority. We promise to treat you with the utmost respect and provide open and honest communication from start to finish of the legal process.

If you suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident, call us for a free consultation to learn about your available legal options, and let us get started on your case. We work on contingency, so you’re not burdened by upfront fees or costs. We only get paid if you get paid. Call today.