Northern California Slip and Fall Accident FAQ's
Premises Liability Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Define a slip and fall accident.
A. Slip and fall, or trip and fall accidents happen when a person is injured on someone else’s property because of poorly maintained grounds, a substance on the floor or other hazardous condition.
Q. How many people are injured in slip and fall accidents?
A. According to statistics released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one million Americans suffer a fall-related injury each year. Of those one million injuries, approximately 17,000 people are fatally wounded.
Q. Where do slip and fall accidents occur?
A. A slip and fall accident can occur anywhere basic safety standards have been neglected or building codes have been violated, including a grocery store, local mall, theater, hospital, restaurant, retail store, sidewalk, apartment complex, government building, private home, church, school or parking garage.
Q. If I am injured on someone else’s property, who is responsible for my slip and fall accident injury?
A. If you were injured on someone else’s property and did not contribute to the accident occurring, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the property owner, manager or tenant of the premises. You can attempt to recover compensation from the negligent or careless party or parties for injury expenses by filing a personal injury claim. However, simply because a person slips and falls does not mean the property owner, manager or tenant is liable. If the injured party acted irresponsibly and caused the injury, the injured party will not be entitled to compensation.
Q. I fell at work. Can I file a lawsuit against my employer?
A. Injuries occurring while on the job are covered under workers’ compensation, which gives benefits to the injured party for medical expenses and lost wages. By receiving workers’ compensation benefits, the injured worker releases the employer of all responsibility and therefore, cannot name the employer in a lawsuit. Victims can, however, file a personal injury claim against a third party (i.e. vendor or supplier), if the third party contributed to a slip and fall accident occurring.
Q. What compensation am I entitled to?
A. In a personal injury claim, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical devices, medicine, surgeries, hospital stays, doctor visits, rehabilitation, lost wages, disfigurement, loss of quality of life, and pain and suffering.
Q. Should I hire an attorney?
A. If you have been seriously injured in a slip and fall accident, it is highly recommended you contact a northern California personal injury attorney at Estey Bomberger to represent you. Establishing fault and proving liability can be difficult without the representation of a skilled northern California slip and fall accident attorney. Hiring an experienced, aggressive attorney to go face to face with negligent or careless property owners and their insurance carriers can be invaluable.
Q. How much does it cost to hire a northern California slip and fall attorney?
A. The northern California slip and fall accident lawyers at the law firm of Estey Bomberger work on a contingency fee basis. Simply put, when you enter into a contingency fee agreement, you pay nothing until your case has been won. There are no hidden fees and our personal injury lawyers offer free consultations to review your case.
Q. I recently suffered a slip and fall accident injury. How soon should I contact a lawyer?
A. You should contact a lawyer immediately. Before you speak to anyone, even your insurance company, it is imperative that you speak with a northern California slip and fall accident attorney at Estey Bomberger about your accident and injuries. One of our knowledgeable lawyers will listen to your case, review the facts and determine if you can file a claim. Upon hiring, we will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident site and document any evidence to help prove liability. We can be reached 24 hours a day at (800)890-6722.