SLIP & FALL LAWYER
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Property owners, managers, and businesses have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a safe condition and free of hazards. If someone slips and falls on their property as a result of their inattention, they may be held legally liable if the property is not maintained properly or if there are risks present.

If you or a loved one has been hurt as the result of a trip and fall or slip and fall accident on someone else’s premises, you should contact a lawyer right away. We can meet with you during a free case consultation to see if you have a viable premises liability claim at Gingery Hammer & Schneiderman LLP. You are represented by us on a contingency basis, which means we receive no payment unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

COMMON SLIP & FALL INJURIES 

• Back Injury
• Brain Damage
• Bruises
• Broken Bones
• Concussions
• Fractures
• Head Trauma
• Lacerations
• Neck Injury
• Nerve Damage
• Paralysis
• Spinal Cord Damage
• Sprains

CONTACT GINGERY HAMMER & SCHNEIDERMAN FOR SAN DIEGO SLIP & FALL LAWYERS!

Monetary compensation may be paid for injuries caused by a slip and fall accident. Medical expenses, missed income, mental trauma, the loss of a loved one, pain and suffering are just a few examples of financial compensation available. Contact our team today! We’re based in San Diego, California at Gingery Hammer & Schneiderman LLP.

How a San Diego Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help You Win Your Case

Slip and fall accidents are a common thing in the United States, and California is no exception. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 504 fatal work injuries in California in 2022 alone, an increase from the previous year. This figure represents a tragic loss of life and highlights the importance of workplace safety and the need for effective legal representation when slip and fall accidents occur.

Slip and fall accidents in San Diego can happen anywhere, from the workplace to public spaces like grocery stores, restaurants, and sidewalks. When these incidents occur due to the property owner or manager’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation for your treatment expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. This is where a San Diego slip and fall lawyer can provide invaluable assistance. An experienced lawyer in San Diego can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Incidents

Slip and fall accidents can happen for various reasons, many of which involve hazardous conditions on someone else’s property. 

Some of the most common causes include:

• Wet or oily floors: Spills, leaks, or recently mopped surfaces can create slippery conditions that lead to falls. Property owners must address these hazards promptly and warn visitors of the danger.
• Spilled food or drinks: In restaurants, grocery stores, and other establishments, spilled food or beverages can create slippery surfaces that pose a risk to customers. Staff should clean up spills quickly and place warning signs as needed.
• Loose carpeting or floor mats: When carpets, rugs, or mats are not properly secured, they can bunch up or shift, causing people to trip and fall. Property owners must ensure that all floor coverings are safely installed and maintained.
• Uneven flooring surfaces: Poorly maintained or constructed floors with cracks, holes, or unexpected changes in elevation can cause trips and falls. Property owners are responsible for repairing or clearly marking these hazards.
• Holes in the ground: Potholes, uncovered utility access points, and other openings in sidewalks, parking lots, or landscaped areas can lead to serious falls. Property owners must fill or cover these holes and provide warnings if repairs cannot be made immediately.
• Lack of handrails on stairways: Stairways without proper handrails or damaged ones can make it difficult for people to maintain their balance, increasing the risk of falls. Building codes typically require handrails on stairs for safety.
• Snow or ice: In colder climates, accumulated snow or ice on walkways, stairs, and parking lots can create treacherous conditions. Property owners are generally responsible for removing these hazards within a reasonable time frame.

Slip & Fall Injuries and Common Causes

Slip and fall accidents can result in many injuries, from minor bruises to life-altering conditions. Some of the most common slip and fall injuries include:

• Back Injury: Falls can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, and vertebrae in the back, leading to chronic pain, limited mobility, and even paralysis in severe cases.
• Brain Damage: Hitting your head during a fall can result in concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries that may cause cognitive impairments, memory loss, and personality changes.
• Bruises: While often considered minor, deep muscle bruises can be painful and limit your ability to perform daily activities.
• Broken Bones: Fractures of the wrists, ankles, hips, and other bones are common in slip and fall accidents, especially among older adults. These injuries can require surgery, lengthy rehabilitation, and lead to long-term mobility issues.
• Head Trauma: In addition to brain damage, falls can cause lacerations, contusions, and other head injuries that may require stitches or more extensive medical treatment.
• Neck Injury: Whiplash and other neck injuries can result from the sudden jerking motion often experienced during a fall, causing ongoing pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
• Nerve Damage: Falls can cause damage to the peripheral nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, weakness, and chronic pain in the affected areas.
• Paralysis: In the most severe cases, slip and fall accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or total paralysis below the site of the injury.
• Sprains: Stretching or tearing of ligaments in the ankles, knees, wrists, and other joints can happen during a fall, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected limb.

How a San Diego Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help

When you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, a San Diego slip and fall lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in navigating the legal process and securing the compensation you deserve. Here are some of the ways an lawyer can help:

Investigating the accident scene

Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the site of your accident, documenting the hazardous conditions that led to your fall and gathering crucial evidence to support your claim.

Gathering evidence and witness statements

In addition to physical evidence, your lawyer will collect witness statements, surveillance footage, and other documentation to help establish the property owner’s negligence.

Determining liability

Slip and fall cases can be complex, often involving multiple parties who may share responsibility for your injuries. Your lawyer will identify all liable parties and work to hold them accountable.

Negotiating with insurance companies

Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Your lawyer will handle all communication with the insurance companies and negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.

Representing you in court, if necessary

If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, your San Diego slip and fall lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.

Proving Negligence

To win your slip and fall case, your lawyer must demonstrate that the property owner or manager was negligent in maintaining a safe environment. This involves establishing the following elements:

Duty of care

The property owner owed you a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe and free of hazards.

Breach of duty

The property owner breached this duty by failing to address, repair, or warn of the dangerous condition that caused your accident.

Causation

The breach of duty directly led to your slip and fall accident and the resulting injuries.

Damages

You suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other losses as a result of the accident.

Your San Diego slip and fall lawyer will gather evidence and build a strong case to prove each of these elements and demonstrate the property owner’s negligence.

Maximizing Your Compensation

To ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve, your lawyer will work to identify and calculate all of your damages, including:

Economic damages

Economic damages are the quantifiable financial losses you’ve incurred due to the accident, such as medical bills, lost income, and future medical expenses or lost earning capacity.

Non-economic damages

Non-economic damages are more subjective and include things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible losses.

Your lawyer will use their experience and knowledge to assess the full value of your claim and negotiate with the insurance companies to secure a fair settlement. If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to argue your case in court and fight for the maximum compensation possible.

By working with a skilled San Diego slip and fall lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles the legal aspects of your case and works to protect your rights and interests.

Why Choose a San Diego Slip and Fall Lawyer

When choosing a slip and fall lawyer in San Diego, it’s imperative to select a lawyer with the knowledge, experience, and dedication necessary to effectively handle your case. 

Here are some reasons why working with a local San Diego slip and fall lawyer can benefit you:

• Local knowledge and experience: San Diego slip and fall lawyers are familiar with the local court system, judges, and opposing lawyers, which can provide a significant advantage when navigating your case.
• Understanding of California premises liability laws: California has specific laws and regulations governing slip and fall accidents. A San Diego premises liability lawyer will have a deep understanding of these laws and how they apply to your case.
• Dedicated to protecting your rights and interests: A skilled San Diego slip and fall lawyer will be committed to fighting for your rights, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve, and holding negligent property owners accountable for their actions.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation Now

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in San Diego, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Contact the experienced slip and fall lawyers at Gingery Hammer & Schneiderman LLP today for a free consultation. Our team has a proven track record of success in handling slip and fall cases and is committed to fighting for the rights of injured individuals. 

Let us put our knowledge, skills, and resources to work for you and help you secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life.