CALIFORNIA SLIP AND FALL
ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Top-rated accident law firm advocating for victims of slip and falls and trip and falls in California.
Zero Fees Unless We Win
When the unexpected happens, and you find yourself injured in a slip and fall accident, the path ahead can seem bleak. At RTM Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these incidents can take. Our dedicated team of seasoned California slip and fall accident lawyers is here to lift the burden off your shoulders.
Whether you’re grappling with medical bills, lost wages, or the pain and trauma of your injuries, our mission is to be your steadfast ally. With our extensive experience and proven track record in California’s slip and fall cases, we ensure that your rights are fiercely protected and your voice passionately heard.
As you navigate this difficult time, let RTM Law’s California slip and fall accident attorney be your guiding light towards justice and fair compensation. Trust us to handle the legal complexities, so you can focus on healing.
Why Slip and Fall Accidents Happen
Certain types of bikes can be more prone to accidents due to various factors like design, speed capabilities, and typical usage environments. Here’s a look at some bike categories that might have a higher accident risk:
- Wet or Uneven Surfaces: Including cluttered floors, defective sidewalks, and poorly maintained parking lots.
- Inadequate Lighting: Obscuring potential hazards like uneven surfaces or debris.
- Weather Conditions: Particularly in California, unexpected rain can lead to slippery conditions.
- Absence of Warning Signs: Highlighting the need for clear indicators of potential dangers.
- Workplace Hazards: Emphasizing the importance of proper training and safe environments.
- Inappropriate Footwear: Underlining the role of proper shoes in preventing falls.
- Poor Property Maintenance: Stressing the responsibility of property owners in maintaining safety.
Types of Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents, more common than many realize, can have a profound impact on an individual’s life. These incidents can lead to a wide range of minor to serious injuries, and their effects often extend beyond the physical harm.
- Knee Injuries: Can range from sprains to more severe ligament damage.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Like sprains, strains, and bruises, often not immediately apparent.
- Broken Bones: Particularly in the wrists, arms, or hips, which can require extensive recovery time.
- Head Injuries: Including concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries.
- Cuts and Abrasions: Which may be superficial or severe.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Potentially leading to long-term mobility issues.
- Fractures: Especially in older adults, these can be life-altering.
- Herniated Discs: Causing chronic back pain and discomfort.
- Muscle Strains: Which can impair mobility and daily activities.
- Shoulder Injuries: Such as dislocations or rotator cuff injuries.
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Why Choose Our California Slip and Fall Accident Attorney?
Expertise and Compassion
Our team’s deep understanding of personal injury law in California is coupled with a genuine concern for your well-being.
Tailored Legal Strategies
We understand the uniqueness of each case, crafting personalized approaches.
Proven Track Record
Our success stories speak volumes, with substantial settlements in the millions of dollars won for our clients.
Injured in a slip and fall accident?
We can help you file an injury claim.
No fees until we win. Available 24/7.
Injured in a slip and fall accident
in California?
Our injury lawyers can help.
Free consultation. No fees until we win.
Impact of Slip and Fall Injuries
Physical Impact of Slip and Fall Accidents
Physical impacts range from temporary discomfort to chronic pain or even permanent disability, affecting one’s ability to work and engage in daily activities.
Emotional and Mental Impact
Victims often experience emotional distress, anxiety, and depression, particularly if the injury affects their independence or quality of life.
Financial Burden
Medical treatments, therapy, lost wages, and other associated costs can create a significant financial strain on the victim and their family.
Long-Term Consequences
Some injuries may require long-term care, rehabilitation, or adjustments to living spaces to accommodate reduced mobility.
Effect on Quality of Life
In severe cases, the injury might lead to a diminished quality of life, impacting not just the victim but also their family and loved ones.
Understanding the broad range of potential impacts of slip and fall injuries is crucial for victims. It underscores the importance of seeking appropriate medical care, legal advice, and support to ensure a comprehensive approach to recovery and compensation.
Trip and Fall vs. Slip and Fall Claims
Though often used interchangeably, “slip and fall” and “trip and fall” accidents refer to two distinct types of incidents, each with its own causes and potential injuries. Understanding the differences is important for both prevention and legal purposes.
Slip and Fall
- Cause: Typically occurs when there’s a lack of traction between the foot and the walking surface. Common causes include wet or icy floors, oily surfaces, or recently waxed floors.
- Motion: In a slip and fall, the person’s feet slide out from under them, often leading to a backward fall.
- Common Injuries: May include back injuries, head injuries (such as concussions), hip fractures, or wrist sprains and fractures, often due to the suddenness of the fall and the difficulty in bracing for impact.
Trip and Fall
- Cause: Occurs when a person’s foot comes into contact with an object or uneven surface, interrupting the motion of walking. Common causes include cluttered walkways, uneven flooring, exposed cables, or abrupt changes in walking surfaces.
- Motion: In a trip and fall, the person typically falls forward as they are moving forward when they trip.
- Common Injuries: Can include facial injuries, hand and arm injuries (as the person might extend their arms to break the fall), knee injuries, or even shoulder dislocations, depending on the nature of the fall.
Legal Considerations
- Liability: Determining liability can differ based on whether the accident was a slip and fall or a trip and fall. Property owners’ responsibility to maintain a safe environment plays a key role in both, but the specifics of the hazard (like a wet floor vs. an obstructed walkway) can affect legal outcomes.
- Documentation: For both types, documenting the exact conditions that led to the fall (such as the presence of a wet floor sign, lighting conditions, or the state of the walking surface) is crucial in a legal context.
Who is Responsible for a Slip
and Fall? Premises Liability
and California Law
Responsibility for a slip and fall in California is determined by the premises liability laws in place. Under these laws, property owners must take reasonable steps to protect those on their premises from hazardous conditions.
Reasonable precautions may include:
- Ensuring that any dangerous condition (such as a wet floor) is clearly marked with warning signs.
- Keeping floors well lit and free of debris or other obstructions.
- Repairing any damaged areas promptly.
- Taking necessary safety measures during construction or maintenance activities.
With these being said, responsibility may fall on the following:
- Property Owners: For failing to maintain a safe environment.
- Tenants or Lessees: If negligence within their leased space leads to an accident.
- Employers: Particularly in ensuring workplace safety.
- Business Operators: Who must safeguard their premises for customers.
- Government Entities: For accidents on public property due to negligence.
- Contractors: If their actions create hazardous conditions.
Experienced a slip and fall injury?
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Proving Fault for an Injury Claim
in California
Duty of Care
Establish that the property owner/manager had a legal obligation to maintain a safe environment. This duty varies depending on the relationship between the property owner and the injured person (e.g., invitee, licensee, trespasser).
Breach of Duty
Demonstrate that the property owner/manager failed to uphold their duty of care. This could involve showing negligence in addressing known hazards (like wet floors or obstructed walkways) or failing to conduct regular safety inspections.
Causation
Link the breach of duty directly to the accident. You must prove that the negligence of the property owner/manager was the direct cause of the slip and fall or trip and fall incident.
Damages
Provide evidence of the actual injuries and losses suffered as a result of the fall. This includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other related expenses.
Foreseeability
It’s essential to show that the hazard was foreseeable and that a reasonable person managing the property would have taken steps to prevent the accident. This means the danger was not so obscure or unexpected that it couldn’t have been anticipated.
Comparative Negligence
In California, the principle of comparative negligence applies. If you, as the injured party, are found to be partially at fault for the accident (e.g., not paying attention to where you were walking), your compensation may be reduced proportionally to your share of the fault.
Understanding and fulfilling these elements are crucial for a successful slip and fall or trip and fall claim in California. Proper documentation and timely legal action can significantly strengthen your case and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Client Success Stories
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California Slip and Fall Attorney: FAQs
You may be entitled to recover various types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded.
The statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall lawsuit in CA is two years from the date of the accident. It’s important to initiate legal proceedings within this period to preserve your right to seek compensation.
While it’s not legally required, hiring a California slip and fall lawyer can be highly beneficial. Slip and fall cases can be complex, and an experienced lawyer can help navigate the legal system, gather and present evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure your rights are protected to secure the best possible outcome.
The amount attorneys charge for slip and fall cases can vary, depending on the complexity of the case and the experience of the attorney. RTM Law has a no-fee guarantee when taking personal injury cases, and we charge only a contingency fee if we win the case. This means that you don’t have to pay anything unless you receive compensation for your injuries.
The value of a slip and fall case depends on the severity of the injury and the extent of the damages suffered. Compensation can include coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Consulting with an experienced California slip and fall accident attorney is the best way to evaluate the potential value of a slip and fall case and ensure the best outcome.
Slip and fall cases involving children are treated with particular care, as children may not always be aware of potential hazards. In these cases, the duty of care expected from property owners may be higher. If a child is injured in a slip and fall accident, a parent or guardian typically files the claim on their behalf. The statute of limitations for minors starts running on their 18th birthday, extending the time frame to file a lawsuit.
Yes, RTM Law is a lawyer for autism advocacy recognizing the unique considerations in slip and fall cases. The sensory processing issues of persons with ASD can make them more susceptible to falls, and they might not always be able to communicate or identify hazards effectively. In such cases, property owners might be required to take extra precautions to ensure safety.
Additionally, the impact of the fall might be more severe for someone with autism, especially if it exacerbates existing sensory or behavioral challenges. Our neurodiversity advocacy and personal connection to the autism community allows us to provide more effective advocacy for individuals with ASD in slip and fall cases. We will use our knowledge of local laws and regulations to ensure that you get the justice you deserve.
Hurt in an accident
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Call Our Top-Rated California Slip and Fall Lawyers to Fight For You. Free Case Review.
No matter what life throws at you, we’re here to help. Let RTM Law Firm be your advocate in getting the justice you need after suffering a slip or trip and fall caused by someone else’s negligence. With our expertise in California law, we are prepared to provide personalized legal solutions for every situation.
Reach out now to discuss how we can fight for fair compensation on your behalf. Together, we can lighten the load and get you on the path to a brighter future.
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Millions of Dollars Recovered for Accident Victims
Our California personal injury law firm has consistently obtained maximum outcomes and recovered millions for our clients
RTM WINS
$5,000,000
Global Settlement
Trucking Accident
RTM WINS
$2,000,000
Wrongful Death
Auto Collision
RTM WINS
$1,000,000
Global Settlement
Auto v. Truck
RTM WINS
$900,000
Car Accident
Auto v. Auto
RTM WINS
$485,000
Rear End Auto Collision
Involving Mild Brain Injury
RTM WINS
$425,000
Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle Collision
RTM WINS
$425,000
Trip and Fall
Incident at Apartment
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We Help Accident Victims File
a Personal Injury Claim in California
Our personal injury attorneys serve the following locations and more in California:
- Anaheim, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
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Our Locations
RTM Law, APC | Personal Injury Attorney
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(949) 287-4342
RTM Law, APC Personal Injury Attorney
2nd Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93309
(661) 402-3200
RTM Law, APC Personal Injury Attorney
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 990-8853
RTM Law, APC Personal Injury Attorney
Victorville, CA 92395
(760) 278-7810
RTM Law, APC Personal Injury Attorney
San Diego, CA 92108
(858) 330-3314