Slip and Fall Attorney in Temple City, CA
While it is easy to think of a slip and fall accident as a result of clumsiness, lack of attention, or other personal issues, this is not always true. Many slips and falls are actually caused by a dangerous property condition, which can cause serious injuries to victims. If you fell due to a property owner’s negligence, you should speak with a Temple City slip and fall lawyer.
Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, A Professional Corporation: Work With a Trusted Personal Injury Attorney
Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, A Professional Corporation provides personalized legal representation focused on achieving fair compensation for slip and fall victims. Our firm has over 40 years of experience and has helped many fall victims, whether they were injured in a grocery store, business, apartment building, or other property.
Our team has been rated by SuperLawyers and is Lead Counsel Rated, representing our commitment to strategic legal guidance and our customized approach to each client’s case. However, awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
Understanding Slip and Falls in Temple City
Slip and falls can be incredibly dangerous accidents. Of all preventable injury deaths, 24% are slips and falls. Many slip and fall accidents happen from hazardous conditions on a property, or a property owner failing to warn about a hazard. Common examples of these hazards include:
- Wet or greasy floors
- Uneven sidewalks
- Broken stairs
- Items left in walkways
- Broken handrails
California’s Slip and Fall Laws
Property owners have a legal responsibility to keep their property safe for visitors. California’s slip and fall laws allow slip and fall victims to hold property owners or their insurance liable for their damages if the accident resulted from negligent actions.
A property owner may be at fault for a slip and fall if the accident was caused by:
- Failing to repair hazardous conditions that they were aware of or should have been aware of
- Failing to warn visitors about hazardous conditions, such as by using a wet floor sign
- Improper building maintenance
Types of Injuries in a Slip and Fall Case
Depending on the circumstances, slip-and-fall victims may suffer life-changing injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and resulting in permanent disability. Each case involves unique injuries, however, and it is important to work with a lawyer who can tailor your claim to your specific injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained during a fall include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Every year, there are 2.9 million TBI-related visits to emergency departments in the United States, many of which are due to falls. TBIs can happen when the brain is forced against the inside of the skull as the head makes contact with the ground or another object during a fall.
- Soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries involve damage to tissues such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Many people experience significant pain and limited mobility while recovering from a soft tissue injury, which can mean missing out on work, physical pain and suffering, and expensive medical costs.
- Broken bones. Bone fractures can be extremely serious. For example, almost 319,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures each year. Falls commonly lead to fractures to the hip, ankles, wrists, and other areas.
- Back and spinal cord injuries. Falls often cause herniated discs, spinal fractures, nerve damage, and even paralysis. Severe back and spinal cord injuries can leave victims with a permanent disability or requiring extensive surgeries.
Why You Should Hire a Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall cases are not easy. Insurance companies work hard to avoid liability, such as by claiming that the dangerous condition was open and obvious, that the property owner was not aware of the hazard, or that your actions made you responsible for the accident. A Temple City slip and fall lawyer can help you gather and present evidence that challenges these tactics and pursues fair compensation for your damages.
FAQs
How Hard Is It to Succeed in a Slip and Fall Case?
Slip and fall cases are hard to succeed in because you must have sufficient evidence to prove that the property owner is liable for your damages. This involves proving how they acted negligently, rather than only needing to prove that you fell. Strong evidence, such as photographs, surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements, can improve your chances of succeeding in a claim.
What Is the Highest Payout for a Slip and Fall?
There is no maximum payout that applies to every slip and fall case. Settlements and verdicts vary widely depending on the severity of the injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, permanent disabilities, the strength of the evidence, and the circumstances of the fall. Catastrophic injury cases often result in higher compensation compared to cases involving minor injuries. If you hire a slip and fall lawyer, they can calculate how much your claim is worth.
What Should You Not Say to Your Injury Lawyer?
When speaking with your Temple City slip and fall lawyer, you should avoid withholding information, asking them to do something illegal, or lying about the details of your case. It is important to be forthcoming with your lawyer, as it allows them to build the most effective legal strategy for your case and anticipate potential challenges. Additionally, communications with your lawyer are confidential, allowing you to share personal details with them.
Can You File a Claim Against the City for a Slip and Fall?
Yes, you are able to file a claim against Temple City if you fell due to a dangerous condition on public property. This may include a poorly maintained sidewalk or a fall within a public building. Filing a claim against the city involves unique legal procedures and deadlines. A Temple City slip and fall attorney can guide you through the steps, from first filing a claim with the City Clerk at 9701 Las Tunas Drive to resolving your case.
Work With an Experienced Temple City Slip and Fall Attorney
Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, A Professional Corporation is an experienced Temple City personal injury firm. Contact us to learn how our team can help you recover after suffering a slip or fall due to a property owner’s negligence.