Slip and fall accidents are relatively common throughout the U.S. and California. They can happen on private property as well as on commercial properties, including supermarkets, department stores, restaurants, and hotels. If you were hurt in a slip and fall accident in Oxnard, the property owner might be responsible for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other expenses resulting from the accident.

The Oxnard slip and fall attorneys of OnderLaw want to help you get fair compensation for your injuries. Our team will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gather evidence to support your claim, identify the liable individual or company, calculate damages on your behalf, and hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligence.

Since 2002, we have helped thousands of accident victims pursue the compensation they need to recover from their injuries. We will use that wealth of experience and knowledge to do the same for you. Contact OnderLaw today or via our website to schedule a free consultation.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer? Why Choose OnderLaw?

After a slip and fall accident, you will probably want to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company. While California law does not require that you hire an attorney, doing so gives you an advantage and ensures that your rights are protected. At OnderLaw, our lawyers are your advocates and your confidants. We stay with you every step of the way and handle every aspect of your case for you, that way you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

Our attorneys recognize that every individual case is different. We work hard to help you avoid mistakes that may affect your claim for compensation and provide you with excellent legal counsel. Insurance companies may assign an adjuster to speak with you about the accident and get your side of the story.

Insurance adjusters are excellent negotiators and will use various tactics to try and reduce or even deny your claim. They might also offer you an initial settlement that seems generous but isn’t half of what you deserve. Our attorneys know how to subvert these tactics in order to secure a fair settlement. Not only will we provide you with advice throughout the claims process, but we can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall injuries are extremely common. In fact, the total financial burden of fall injuries nationwide is estimated to be around $14 million each year. Falls may occur in a wide variety of places, including:

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

Some of the common causes of slip and fall accidents include:

  • Wet floors
  • Uneven floors
  • Loose rugs or carpet
  • Potholes in a road or parking lot
  • Oil or grease on floors
  • Icy roads or sidewalks
  • Cracked pavement
  • Walkway obstructions
  • Poor lighting conditions
  • Hanging cords or loose wiring
  • Debris on the floor
  • Cords that run along the floor
  • Open drawers and cabinets
  • Discarded objects
  • Lack of handrails
  • Unsecured handrails
  • Faulty elevators
  • Faulty escalators
  • Unstable ladders
  • Damaged staircases

This is not a comprehensive list of possible hazards, but this list may help you identify situations in which a slip and fall accident can occur. If you believe a property owner was at fault for your injury after a slip and fall in Oxnard, call OnderLaw immediately for a free case review.

Property Owner/Manager Responsibilities in California

Slip and fall accidents are covered under premises liability law in California. Premises liability law covers a property owner or occupier’s liability for accidents that occur when another person is on the property. Property owners, employees, and homeowners must maintain a safe space for visitors. Property owners have a duty of care to provide a reasonably safe environment for visitors to their property.

Premises liability laws apply to the individuals who manage a property on behalf of the owners, as well as people who occupy the property. Property owners have a legal obligation to eliminate hazards that might harm anyone who visits the property, or to warn guests of potential hazards when they are on the property.

To have a valid claim, you will need to prove negligence on the part of the property owner. You must show the responsible party knew about the hazard but didn’t take steps to eliminate it. If they didn’t know about the hazard, you’ll need to demonstrate that a reasonable person should have known about it and taken steps to rectify the situation.

You will also have to prove to the insurance company or court that the hazard caused your injury and that you suffered losses because of these injuries. When these criteria are met, then you likely have a case for compensation.

Common Injuries Suffered in Slip and Fall Accidents

While some slip and fall injuries are relatively minor, others can be severe. If the person who fell is elderly, they may be more likely to sustain a severe, debilitating injury.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five slip and fall accidents results in serious injuries such as a broken bone or head injury. The types of injuries that are commonly associated with falls include:

  • Bruises
  • Burns
  • Cuts and abrasions
  • Sprains and pulled muscles
  • Back and neck injuries
  • Joint injuries and dislocations
  • Spinal injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Nerve damage
  • Fractured hips
  • Internal bleeding
  • Head injuries (including concussions, TBIs, and skull fractures)
  • Paralysis
  • Whiplash
  • Psychological damage
  • Death

OnderLaw understands the severity of slip and fall accidents and the toll they can take. You deserve the chance to recover from your injuries without being forced to pay out of pocket for the expenses you incur as a result of the accident. Our legal team is here to help you get through this traumatic experience and seek the compensation you need to get back on your feet.

Compensation for a Slip and Fall Accident

The amount of compensation you may receive for a slip and fall accident depends on several factors, such as the severity of the injuries and any anticipated long-term medical expenses. Some of the most common types of damages you could qualify for include:

  • Medical expenses – You may be able to recover damages for any medical expenses you incur as a result of the slip and fall accident. It is important to keep all of your medical bills, including those from the hospital and doctors, ambulance fees, diagnostic testing fees, physical therapy bills, and prescription medication receipts.
  • Lost wages – If you’re unable to return to work while recovering from your injuries, you may receive compensation for lost income.
  • Loss of earning capacity – If you become disabled as a result of the accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your lost earning capacity.
  • Pain and suffering – You may be eligible for compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you experienced after a slip and fall accident.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life – You may be unable to participate in the activities that you previously enjoyed on a regular basis, which can lead to loss of enjoyment of life. You may also be able to recover compensation for this, in addition to other non-financial compensation.

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, contact OnderLaw today to see if you qualify for compensation.

What To Do If You’re Injured in A Slip and Fall

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights and ensure that you are able to pursue the compensation you need to recover.

  • Seek prompt medical treatment – Your physician will document your physical injuries and may be able to detect any delayed injuries as well. If the physician recommends a follow-up with another medical provider or specialist, be sure to follow through. Insurance companies also generally require that you be seen within a 72-hour window, or they may try to argue that the slip and fall accident didn’t cause your injuries.
  • Take photos of the scene – If you can, take photos and videos of the scene of the accident from various angles to ensure that you have a solid visual record of the accident scene. Get close-up photos of the hazard that caused your fall.
  • Report the injury – Report the accident to the property manager or owner in writing. Keep a copy of the report for your records.
  • Collect documents – Keep a file containing all documentation related to the accident, such as a copy of your notification to the owner and a record of your medical expenses. You should also consider keeping a pain journal in which you document your recovery process. A pain journal can help your attorney calculate damages for pain and suffering.
  • Don’t speak publicly about the accident – Don’t post about the accident on social media, and don’t furnish the insurance company (or anyone else) with details about the accident or your injuries. Let your attorney do the talking until your case is resolved.

Contact An Oxnard Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Today

Our legal team at OnderLaw is committed to helping you seek the compensation that you deserve. Call to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We will review your case and discuss your legal options. Contact one of our seasoned slip and fall accident attorneys today.