Fall Accident Lawyer in Bakersfield

When you pursue a legal claim after a slip-and-fall accident, you’re essentially seeking compensation to offset the various personal and financial effects the accident has had on your life. The money you recover for your claim can address a range of losses, including:

• Medical expenses
• Future treatment costs
• Lost income
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or physical impairment
• Loss of consortium
• Property damage costs

Slip-and-fall accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. The severity and type of injury often depend on factors like the nature of the fall, the environment, and the individual’s age and physical condition. Common examples of slip-and-fall injuries include:

• Sprained ankles or wrists
• Bone fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
• Torn ligaments or tendons
• Dislocated joints
• Spinal cord injuries
• Herniated or slipped discs
• Whiplash and other neck injuries
• Knee injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Rotator cuff tears
• Muscle strains or pulls
• Facial injuries
• Eye injuries
• Crush injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Deep lacerations
• Puncture wounds
• Psychological trauma or stress
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

In California, property owners are obligated by law to maintain a safe environment for individuals who visit their premises, upholding a principle called the duty of care. This duty requires property owners to take reasonable steps to ensure that no unsafe conditions exist on their premises that might cause harm to others. Such conditions could include wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly lit areas, typical culprits in slip-and-fall accidents.

Property owners who fail to uphold this duty of care can be liable in premises liability cases if someone gets hurt due to a dangerous condition on their property. In these instances, the injured party can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related losses by proving that the property owner was negligent. Negligence in this context typically involves the owner knowing, or having reason to know, about a dangerous condition but failing to correct it or warn visitors adequately.

Liability is not always straightforward in a slip-and-fall case. Several different parties might share responsibility depending on the circumstances and location of the accident, such as:

• Property Owners – Property owners or managers can be liable if their failure to maintain a safe environment or warn visitors of hazards leads to a slip-and-fall accident.
• Business Operators – A business owner might be responsible if a slip-and-fall occurs due to unsafe conditions within the business premises they operate.
• Landlords – A landlord could be accountable if tenants or guests suffer slip-and-fall injuries due to poorly maintained common areas or structural defects.
• Government Entities – Government entities might be liable for accidents occurring due to unsafe conditions on public properties like sidewalks, parks, or public buildings.
• Manufacturers – A manufacturer might bear liability if a slip-and-fall results from a defect in flooring materials, footwear, or other related products.

Experiencing a slip-and-fall accident can be disorienting and stressful. But knowing the right steps to take afterward can significantly bolster your physical recovery and the strength of your legal claim. Here’s what you should do after a fall on someone else’s property:

• See a doctor right away so they can diagnose, treat, and document your injuries.
• Report the accident to the property owner, manager, or other relevant authority.
• Collect contact details from any witnesses present during the accident.
• Take clear photographs of the accident scene and any obvious hazards.
• Preserve physical evidence, such as torn clothing or the shoes you wore when you fell.
• Avoid giving statements or signing documents without consulting a lawyer.
• Refrain from posting about the accident on social media platforms.
• Document all medical treatments, bills, and other accident-related expenses.
• Maintain a journal detailing your pain, discomfort, and any other symptoms.
• Contact a personal injury attorney about the accident as soon as possible.
• Avoid discussing the case with anyone other than your attorney.
• Stay consistent with all medical treatments and follow-ups.
• Track any missed workdays and document any losses of income.

In California, individuals seeking to file a slip-and-fall lawsuit have two years from the date of the injury to act. While this is the standard deadline, there are exceptions that might extend or shorten the filing window depending on the circumstances surrounding the case. Missing a filing deadline can result in losing your right to pursue compensation through a lawsuit. 

An experienced Bakersfield slip-and-fall accident law firm can file your claim accurately and within the allowable time frame, safeguarding your right to seek compensation. Furthermore, your lawyer can gather essential evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court if necessary. This can significantly improve your chances of securing a favorable outcome in your slip-and-fall case.

Sean Shamsi, a seasoned Bakersfield attorney, can handle every aspect of your slip-and-fall case while you focus on recovering from your injuries. He can protect your rights and maximize your financial recovery by:

• Investigating the slip-and-fall to identify liable parties and supporting evidence
• Collaborating with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists
• Analyzing medical records to establish the severity of your injuries
• Calculating your total losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and more
• Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
• Drafting and filing all necessary legal documents in a timely manner
• Representing you in court if the need arises
• Challenging any attempts to downplay or dismiss your claim
• Best of all, you pay nothing unless Sean recovers the compensation you deserve for your claim. The Shamsi Law Firm, APC will prepare and try your case at no expense to you, with any fees paid to the firm as a percentage of the recovery.