A slip and fall can occur under various circumstances and for a range of different reasons. The hazardous conditions on someone’s property can cause you to fall and hurt yourself. If you sustained an injury in a slip and fall accident due to the owner’s negligent actions, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact OnderLaw immediately to discuss the available legal options to hold them liable for the expenses you incurred.

The owners of commercial and residential properties are responsible for keeping the interior and exterior areas of their properties in good condition. They should perform routine maintenance and remove or repair hazards they discover promptly. If you don’t provide a safe place for guests to visit, a severe accident could occur.

At OnderLaw, we can provide the legal representation and guidance you need to get through this traumatic experience. We know you face a long road ahead with various economic, physical, and emotional struggles. The at-fault party should be held accountable for their misconduct. Let us help you seek the money you’re owed so you can heal and move forward with your life.

Call us now for a free consultation with one of our Santa Clarita personal injury attorneys.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer? Why Choose OnderLaw?

A slip and fall is a type of case that falls under premises liability law. The California statute indicates that every person is responsible for injuries resulting from their want of ordinary skill or care and willful acts. The owner of a dangerous property becomes liable for an accident if their actions contributed to the unsafe conditions.

The laws regarding slip and fall cases are complex. Just because you were injured on another person’s property doesn’t necessarily mean you are entitled to receive compensation from them. Most accident victims don’t understand how to hold a property owner accountable for an injury. OnderLaw can take over your case and navigate the legal process on your behalf.

First, we will request a copy of the owner’s liability insurance policy to determine the available coverage. We will then file a claim with their insurance company and submit all available evidence we find to prove what happened. And when the time comes, we can negotiate a settlement to compensate for the losses you suffered, such as medical bills and pain and suffering. If the insurance company offers a low settlement amount or denies the claim altogether, we will proceed with a lawsuit and fight your case out in court.

Our Santa Clarita slip and fall accident attorneys will not back down without a fight. We will aggressively seek adequate compensation so that you’re not left with out-of-pocket costs. You should not be responsible for bills resulting from your injury if you weren’t at fault for the incident.

Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

You may suffer injuries in a slip and fall accident no matter where the accident occurs. Whether you’re at a restaurant, hotel, or family member’s house, the dangerous conditions on the property can lead to a serious accident.

Some places where slip and fall accidents commonly occur include:

  • Public parks
  • Shopping malls
  • Sports arenas
  • Amusement parks
  • Office buildings
  • Private or public swimming pools
  • Concert venues
  • Restaurants
  • Hotels
  • Stores
  • Family or friend’s property
  • Playgrounds
  • Apartment buildings
  • Fitness centers and gyms

The most common causes of slip and falls include:

  • Inadequate maintenance
  • Potholes and other hazards in a parking lot
  • Missing or damaged railings
  • Poor lighting
  • Uneven or cracked sidewalk
  • Damaged staircase
  • Wet or slippery floor
  • Obstructions in aisles and hallways
  • Lack of warning signs
  • Loose rugs, tiles, mats, and floorboards
  • Unusual flooring transitions
  • Torn carpet
  • Overgrown grass
  • Pebbles, mulch, and other debris on walkways

If unsafe conditions on someone’s property led to you being injured, then you have the right to take legal action. Even if you suffered minimal harm, you deserve to collect compensation for any medical treatments that you require.

Property Owner/Manager Responsibilities in California

A property owner has a duty to keep their property reasonably safe and to warn visitors of hazards they could encounter. That means they must provide the same reasonable care another person would show under similar circumstances. For example, if the owner knows about a wet spot on the floor, they should clean it up or place a warning sign, so guests don’t slip.

Multiple parties other than the commercial or residential property owner could be at fault for a slip and fall accident. They include:

  • Landlord
  • Repair or maintenance worker
  • Tenant in a rental property
  • An employee on the premises
  • The property management company or parent company
  • Third-party contractor
  • Retail center
  • Government agency or employee

The property owner is typically liable for injuries occurring on their property, even if someone else’s actions cause an accident. They are supposed to know about potential dangers and take the necessary steps to avoid harming a guest. Their job is to inspect the property regularly, meet all building and safety codes, and maintain a safe place free of hazards.

Common Injuries Suffered in Slip and Fall Accidents

Physical and psychological injuries can result from a slip and fall. Many victims require emergency medical care and some require long-term treatment to fully recover. If you incur medical bills for the treatment you need, the at-fault property owner should be held financially responsible for those medical costs and other related expenses.

Common injuries caused by slip and fall accidents include:

  • Exposure to toxic substances
  • Nerve damage
  • Broken bones
  • Sprained or twisted ankle
  • Psychological trauma
  • Dislocated joint
  • Cuts, bruises, and burns
  • Mobility issues
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Concussion and other head injuries
  • Torn ligaments and tendons
  • Neck and back injuries

You could suffer various complications following a slip and fall. A permanent injury might require ongoing treatment to manage pain, regain muscle strength, or improve mobility in joints. Some people become disabled and need assistance at home performing routine tasks.

Compensation for Slip and Fall Accident Injuries

The compensation available in a slip and fall case could cover the losses you suffered, such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Physical impairment or disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Emotional distress
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Damage to personal property

You can pursue compensation from the at-fault party by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. If the fall happened at a family or friend’s house, you could file your claim with their homeowner’s insurance company. Businesses typically carry liability insurance for incidents resulting in a guest’s injury.

If you choose to sue the property owner, you might be able to recover exemplary damages. This punishes the defendant for their negligent actions. You must show clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s malice, fraud, or oppression for a jury to consider awarding exemplary damages.

What to Do if You’re Injured in a Slip and Fall

After a slip and fall injury, you should notify the property owner. Report the accident in writing and ask for a copy to keep for yourself. Include your name, contact information, and describe the dangerous conditions that caused the accident.

If your injury isn’t too severe, take photos. Pictures of the hazard can serve as helpful evidence in a claim. You can also take pictures of visible injuries you suffered and any personal property damaged during the fall. Be sure to preserve the clothes you were wearing if they got dirty or ripped.

After leaving the scene, go to the hospital. You need to seek immediate treatment of the injury to prove it resulted from the incident. Maintain all documents you receive, including surgical reports, physician bills, X-ray results, and hospital records.

It is never a good idea to try to handle an insurance claim or lawsuit without seeking legal representation. Call OnderLaw after the accident to retain our services. We will investigate and locate crucial evidence to try to prove the property owner was at fault for your injuries. We can file your claim on your behalf and pursue the maximum possible compensation to compensate for the losses you suffered as a result of the accident.

Contact OnderLaw Today

The Santa Clarita slip and fall accident attorneys of OnderLaw have represented accident victims since 2002. We have been able to recover over $3.5 billion in settlements on behalf of our clients. Our legal team dedicates the necessary time, attention, and effort to every case we take. You will be our top priority as we’re working on your claim to hold the property owner accountable for the suffering you endured.

OnderLaw takes pride in the service we provide to those in need. We received multiple awards for our work ethic and case results. Martindale-Hubbell gave us an AV® rating, the highest rating given to the top lawyers in the country. And we put our legal knowledge and skills to use for more than just accident victims. We also contribute to various charitable organizations, such as Parents for Window Blind Safety, Toys for Tots, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

If you sustained injuries in a slip and fall accident, call OnderLaw for a free initial consultation. We take cases on contingency, so you’re not forced to pay upfront fees or costs. We only collect legal fees if we secure compensation on your behalf. You can count on us to fight by your side until the end.