Bakersfield Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
Slip and fall cases are the most common type of premises liability claims filed in Bakersfield. Premises liability is an area of personal injury law that holds property owners liable if someone becomes hurt on their premises. Few slip and fall claims are straightforward, though. To obtain the maximum compensation you deserve, you must prove the property owner was negligent, and this is extremely complicated. Below, our Bakersfield slip and fall accident lawyer explains how to do it.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall AccidentsWhile any dangerous condition can result in a slip and fall, there are some that are more common than others. These include:
- Loose or torn carpeting,
- Spills,
- Uneven floors,
- Plumbing leaks,
- Missing or broken railings,
- Unsecured cords and cables,
- Broken furniture, and
- Failing to place warning signs around known hazards.
Property owners must make sure these hazardous conditions are not present on their premises so anyone who enters it is kept safe. If you have been injured, reach out to a slip and fall accident attorney in Bakersfield right away.
How to Prove Property Owner NegligenceAs with most personal injury claims, to obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve, you must prove the property owner was negligent and that you were injured as a result. To do this, you must show the following:
- A condition existed on the property that created an unreasonable risk of injury,
- The property owner knew, or should have reasonably known, about the danger, and
- The property owner did not repair the condition or warn of the dangerous condition.
For example, a staff member at a grocery store may wash the floors. A wet floor is a dangerous condition, and a warning sign should be posted so people take extra caution and do not become hurt.
Damages Available in Slip and Fall ClaimsSlip and fall accidents can result in very serious injuries. You may not be able to return to work right away and will lose wages as a result. These are just a few of the losses sustained in slip and fall accidents, and you can claim compensation, known as damages, for all of them. The most common types of damages in slip and fall cases include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Property damage, such as if your phone became broken during the slip and fall
- Pain and suffering
In some cases, you may be able to obtain punitive damages, but these are rarely awarded. If you suffered catastrophic injuries, the accident caused a wrongful death, or the property owner destroyed evidence of liability, punitive damages may be awarded.
Our Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Bakersfield Can Prove Your CaseSlip and falls are not the minor accidents many people think they are. At Brod Law Firm, our Bakersfield slip and fall accident attorney knows this and is dedicated to helping clients obtain the full damages they justly deserve. We can put our experience to work for you, too. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a free review of your case and to get more information.