Fresno Slip and Fall Lawyer

Our Fresno slip and fall lawyers are dedicated to helping victims in the Central Valley and surrounding Fresno County communities achieve justice and the financial compensation they are entitled to following an incident on someone else’s property.

Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a slip and fall Accident

Even a seemingly “minor” fall can lead to long-term consequences, forcing victims to undergo significant medical and financial burdens. When a property owner’s negligence results in injury or other damages, the affected individual has the right to seek fair compensation.

Programe una consulta gratuita or call our Fresno law offices at (559) 900-3076 and learn how we can maximize your slip and fall claim.

Tabla de contenido

How a Fresno Slip and Fall Attorney Will Maximize Your Claim
Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident?
How California Premises Liability Laws Will Affect Your Case
How Much Is a Slip and Fall Accident Claim Worth?
What Is Compensated in a Slip and Fall Accident Claim?
5 Things to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

Why Work with a Fresno Personal Injury Lawyer after a Slip or Fall Accident

After a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, a property owner or their insurance company may try to minimize the severity of injuries or deny responsibility. Sometimes, they are successful in evading accountability by arguing the injured party was “distracted,” “clumsy,” or “should have seen the hazard.”

Don’t let them succeed in these attempts. A skilled slip and fall attorney can:

Handle all communications with the insurance company.
Negotiate for the maximum settlement or take the case to trial if necessary.
Prove liability by gathering photos, witness statements, and video surveillance.
Secure expert testimony to show unsafe conditions or building code violations.

Slip and fall claims are complicated, but the right legal team can help you focus on healing while they deal with difficult insurance adjusters.

A personal injury attorney will also help you understand your legal options, including whether you can seek compensation or file a claim against the property owner for negligence.

The Benefits of Working with Our Fresno Slip and Fall Attorneys

Local Experience

Having handled cases in Fresno against major retailers, apartment complexes, and municipal entities, our award-winning legal team is familiar with how insurance companies and property owners operate in the Central Valley.

Representación lista para el juicio

Our personal injury attorneys approach every case with trial in mind to achieve an optimal outcome–not just a quick settlement. This approach not only equips us for insurance company tactics but also consistently delivers the most favorable results for our clients.

Sin cargos a menos que ganemos

We do not require any upfront legal fees, as our slip and fall attorneys operate on a contingency-fee basis. This means no payment for our services unless we deliver a case win for the slip and fall.

Around-the-Clock Support

Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer is committed to our clients’ well-being. Therefore, you can anticipate regular case updates, transparent guidance on when to settle or proceed to trial, and support with medical arrangements, enabling you to focus on your recovery.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Fresno, CA

Property owners’ failure to maintain safe premises results in thousands of victims suffering injuries from slip and fall accidents.

These incidents can occur in various locations, including stores or restaurants at the River Park Shopping Center, apartment complexes, private properties, and even public sidewalks around Downtown Fresno. Common causes of most slip and falls include:

Clutter or debris blocking walkways
Damaged or raised sidewalks
Loose or missing handrails on indoor or outdoor staircases
Parking lot hazards, such as black ice or oil spots
Mala iluminación in parking lots or stairwells
Negligent maintenance by landlords or business owners
Uneven flooring or broken tiles
Unsafe stairs or steps not up to code
Wet or slippery floors (spills, freshly mopped surfaces, rainwater)

These hazards can also result in a trip-and-fall accident, a common type of premises liability case. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises.

When they fail to address hazardous conditions or fail to warn about them, Business and property owners can be held legally responsible under California premises liability laws.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Slip and Fall Accident?

Establishing the at-fault party in a slip and fall case is not always straightforward. Ultimately, liability depends on where and how the slip and fall accident occurred. Common examples of potential at-fault parties include the following:

Apartment Complexes and Rental Properties: Landlords who fail to address broken stairs, poor lighting, leaks, or other property hazards may be sued by tenants or visitors.
Hotels and Resorts: Hospitality businesses have a heightened duty to maintain safe floors, hallways, and pool areas. Failing to do so puts the business at fault.
Private Property: Private residents and homeowners may be liable if guests are injured by unsafe conditions they failed to fix or warn about.
Public Property: City or government entities can be held responsible for unsafe sidewalks, parks, or government buildings.
Restaurants and Cafés: If a customer slips on spilled food or drink, the restaurant owner may be responsible.
Retail Stores and Supermarkets: The company or corporation can be liable if employees fail to clean up spills or post warning signs.

If an individual is injured on another person’s property, a personal injury claim may be filed if the property owner breached their duty to maintain safe conditions or against a third party. A slip and fall lawyer will identify the party responsible for the property’s ownership, control, and maintenance to determine who to file a negligence claim against.

Understanding California Premises Liability Law

Slip and fall accidents fall under premises liability, which holds property owners accountable for injuries caused by unsafe conditions. The following must be demonstrated to prove liability in a slip and fall case:

The defendant owned, leased, occupied, or controlled the property.
El defendant was negligent in maintaining or using the property.
El plaintiff was injured as a result of that negligence.
The defendant’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing the plaintiff’s injuries.

California personal injury law, regarding liability, sets the standards for holding property owners accountable in these cases. It only needs to be proven that the property owner did not take reasonable precautions to prevent the accident, not that they intended to cause harm.

What Is “Reasonable Care” for Property Owners?

Similar to other personal injury cases, California law requires property owners to take reasonable care to maintain safe premises. To meet “reasonable” standards, the following will be considered:

The location of the property
The likelihood of someone getting hurt due to the potential hazard
Whether the owner knew or should have known about the hazard
How much time passed between noticing the hazard and addressing it
Whether warning signs or barriers were used to prevent the incident

To win a case for a slip and fall accident, it’s vital to prove the other party’s negligence. An experienced slip and fall lawyer can establish a timeline demonstrating this negligence by utilizing evidence such as surveillance footage, employee schedules, and cleaning logs.

How Much Is a Slip and Fall Accident Claim Worth?

While every case is unique, slip and fall settlements in California can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on circumstances. The value of a claim will depend on several factors:

Amount of medical bills and future care needs
Current and future lost wages or reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering and emotional distress
Gravedad de las lesiones
Strength of the liability evidence
Whether the injury caused long-term disability or disfigurement

Your attorney will strive to secure the maximum compensation, including future medical costs or other necessities to overcome the injury.

Our experienced legal team can provide a free case evaluation and offer an estimation of how much your case is potentially worth.

Recoverable Damages for Slip and Fall Accidents

Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement for your injuries. This settlement may include economic damages (financial losses), non-economic damages (intangible losses), and, in rare cases, punitive damages.

Daños económicos

Facturas médicas actuales
Gastos médicos futuros
Pérdida de capacidad de ingresos
Lost income and benefits
Daños a la propiedad

Daños no económicos

Desfiguración o discapacidad
Pérdida del disfrute de la vida
Mental anguish or anxiety
Dolor y sufrimiento

Daños punitivos

Under rare circumstances involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, such as the falsification of maintenance records, victims may be awarded daños punitivos. This additional compensation serves to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar future behavior.

Daños por muerte por negligencia

The risk of death from a fall is influenced by the individual’s physical vulnerability and the height of the fall. When a loved one dies due to a fall, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim. This legal action seeks to hold the responsible party accountable and recover compensation for funeral and burial costs, as well as other damages incurred.

Common Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents can range from mild to severe injuries. Common slip and fall injuries include:

Catastrophic injuries, such as amputation due to complications
Cuts, bruises, and soft tissue damage
Fracturas y huesos rotos
Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Internal bleeding or organ damage
Lesiones de cuello y espalda
Otras lesiones de tejidos blandos
lesiones de hombro
lesiones de la médula espinal and other spinal injuries leading to partial or total paralysis

Even a “minor” fall can cause long-term complications, especially for older adults. If you’ve been injured, seek medical attention immediately, then contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your rights.

5 Things to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

To protect your personal injury claim, it’s important to proceed cautiously while also remaining proactive. Here is what to do after a slip and fall incident:

1. Seek Medical Treatment

Hidden injuries may exist even if you feel fine. Seek immediate medical attention from the ER, urgent care, or your primary care doctor. Attend all follow-up appointments and maintain the recommended medical care. Retain all medical bills and medical records.

2. Report the Accident

Immediately inform the property owner or on-duty manager. Request a written incident report and a copy for your personal records.

3. Document Everything

Photograph the accident scene, any visible or serious injuries, and all hazards contributing to the fall. Record the date, time, lighting, and other visuals that document the hazards that potentially caused the accident. Additionally, obtain contact information from any witnesses, as their impartial accounts are invaluable.

4. Do Not Provide Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters may contact you closely following the incident for a recorded statement. It is crucial not to speak with insurance companies before consulting a lawyer. Insurance companies prioritize their own interests, aiming for low settlements or misleading personal injury victims into admitting fault, which could lead to the claim being rejected.

5. Contact a Fresno Personal Injury Attorney

Consult with an experienced lawyer. At Abogado Jeff, abogado de accidentes automovilísticos, we offer a free consultation to all prospective clients. By partnering with us, you can focus on your recovery while we preserve evidence, investigate the incident, prove negligence, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf.

How Long Do You Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim in California?

Under California law, claims must be filed within a certain period of time. Missing these filing periods can result in losing the right to recover fair compensation. Generally, the estatuto de limitaciones for slip and fall injury claims is:

Two (2) years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit
Six (6) months to file a government claim if the property was public (city, county, or state)

The sooner you contact a Fresno slip and fall lawyer, the better they can secure evidence and protect your case. To get started, schedule an initial consultation. We offer free consultations, allowing personal injury victims to discuss their cases and help them understand their legal options without any financial commitment.

Common Defenses From Insurance Companies in Slip and Fall Cases

Insurance companies and defense attorneys often try to avoid paying fair compensation. Common arguments include:

The hazard was obvious.
You weren’t watching where you were going.
You wore the wrong shoes.
You had a pre-existing injury.
We didn’t know about the hazard.

An experienced Fresno premises liability attorney can counter these arguments using evidence and expert testimony. They will demonstrate that the property owner’s failure to act reasonably was the direct cause of your injuries due to someone else’s negligence.

Evidence That Strengthens a Slip and Fall Claim

Evidence is crucial to recover maximum compensation, which is vital after sustaining a serious injury, like broken bones or spinal injuries. Important evidence may include:

Employee or manager testimony
Expert analysis (engineers, accident reconstructionists)
Eyewitness statements
Maintenance or cleaning logs
Medical records linking your injury to the fall
Photos of the hazard (liquid, debris, broken surface)
Safety inspection records
Surveillance video or security footage

An experienced slip and fall lawyer will issue preservation letters to ensure businesses or property owners don’t delete or destroy important footage or documents related to the incident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accidents

¿Tendré que ir a la corte?

Most cases settle out of court—but our attorneys are always prepared to go to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can guide you through the Fresno personal injury claims process and help determine the most effective path forward.

What if I was partly at fault?

In California, you may still be able to receive partial compensation even if you were partly at fault, thanks to the principle of comparative negligence. Your awarded amount will simply be adjusted to reflect your percentage of fault.

What if I fell on government property?

When filing a personal injury claim against a public entity, like the City of Fresno, the filing period is significantly shorter, at just six months, compared to the usual two years for other personal injury cases.

¿Qué hago si el seguro del propietario se comunica conmigo?

Insurance companies often try to reduce payouts by getting you to admit fault, minimize your injuries, or accept low settlement offers. It’s crucial to avoid giving recorded statements or signing any documents. Only provide essential information and direct all other communications through your attorney. A slip and fall lawyer will manage negotiations on your behalf, safeguarding your rights and ensuring all your losses are fully covered.

¿Qué tipo de compensación puedo esperar recibir por mis lesiones?

Slip and fall victims are entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages cover medical expenses and lost wages, while non-economic damages address pain, suffering, and emotional distress. The severity of the injuries, the cost of medical treatment, and the overall impact on the victim’s quality of life determine the final awarded amount.

The Top Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers in Fresno, CA

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall in Fresno County, including Clovis, Del Rey, Madera County, Selma, Tranquility, Parlier, Kingsburg, Auberry, Orange Cove, Riverdale, or the surrounding areas, you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries, lost wages, physical pain and emotional suffering, and more.

En Abogado Jeff, abogado de accidentes automovilísticos, we are prepared to advocate for your best interests. With extensive experience in trip and fall accidents, our dedicated legal team has secured millions for accident victims throughout the Central Valley–and we’re ready to put that expertise to work for you.

Después de un accidente, Jeff te tiene

Contact Our Fresno Personal Injury Law Firm

If you or a loved one has suffered a slip and fall injury, contact Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer today. Our experienced car accident attorneys are skilled in slip and fall accidents, in addition to the following practice areas.

Programe una consulta gratuita

Determine the viability of your case with our verificador de casos gratuito or contact us for a consulta gratuita and speak with a Fresno injury lawyer today.

DIRECCIÓN: Calle P 44, Suite 304, Fresno, CA 93721
Número de teléfono: (559) 900-3076

Otras ubicaciones del abogado Jeff Car Accident Lawyer

Our law firm has locations throughout Northern California and Southern California. Contact one of our offices today and schedule a free consultation.

Abogado de resbalones y caídas en Fresno