Each year, 8 million emergency room visits are attributed to falls. Whether it be in the grocery store, at the mall, in a parking garage, or even in your friend’s icy driveway, a slip and fall accident can take almost anywhere.
Following a fall, you may decide not to hire an attorney. However, if you suffered even minor injuries from your fall, the best step you can take is to hire a Santa Barbara premises liability lawyer to represent your interests.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A TBI can impair brain function, with severe TBIs causing paralysis, loss of consciousness, mood swings, seizures, and a risk of lapsing into a coma.
Bone Fractures
Symptoms of a bone fracture may include pain or swelling at the injury site. While some fractures may heal on their own, it is always wise to be examined by a medical professional.
Emotional Trauma
Especially in older people, a person who falls will likely be afraid of falling again. This can cause an individual to limit exercise, affecting their physical health as well.
California Premises Liability Law
According to California Civil Code §1714(a), everyone is responsible for any injuries that occur on property that is under their management.
A property owner is considered negligent if he or she knew (actual knowledge) or should have known (constructive knowledge) of the danger but failed to warn you. If a property owner fails to warn someone about a hazard on their property, that person will be responsible for any losses that the injured individual sustains.
Types of Compensatory Damages
If you are injured on another person’s property, you may be entitled to economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are pecuniary losses that take money directly out of your pocketbook.
Economic damages may include:
- Lost wages
- Ambulatory services
- Emergency room visit
- Surgeries
- Physical Therapy
In contrast, a person who slips and falls may be able to recover noneconomic damages. These are losses that do not come with a price tag but affect your quality of life.
Noneconomic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship and society
- Negligent infliction of emotional distress
- Disfigurement
Why Should I Hire an Attorney After My Slip and Fall Accident?
Retaining the services of a Santa Barbara premises liability lawyer can come with the following benefits:
- Your attorney will be able to gather evidence to prove the other party’s negligence
- Your attorney will have the experience to know what your case is worth
- Based on your situation, your attorney will request specific damages and amounts
- Your attorney will negotiate an insurance settlement on your behalf
- Your attorney will advise if and when you should proceed to trial
You cannot rely on the insurance company to compensate you for the full extent of your injuries in their initial offer. A premises liability lawyer has experience negotiating insurance settlements, giving you the best chance of receiving fair compensation.
Contact a Santa Barbara Premises Liability Lawyer Today
Injuries from a slip and fall can be extensive and, in some instances, permanent. If you have been the victim of a slip and fall accident, our Santa Barbara premises liability lawyers are here to assist you. Contact us today online or by calling 805-643-5555 to schedule your free consultation.
