Slip And Fall Injuries In Monterey: How To Hold Property Owners Accountable
Slips and falls are among the most common causes of personal injuries. They can impact your health and mobility for long months or even years after while jeopardizing your ability to work and provide for your family. When a slip fall injury in Monterey happens due to property owner negligence, it is important not to underestimate the situation. Find out more about these injuries and your rights to compensation in a premises liability claim.
Do Not Underestimate Slip And Fall Injuries In Monterey
Wet, slippery floors, cluttered aisles and walkways, uneven sidewalks, and worn or otherwise damaged flooring materials are all common causes of slips and falls in Monterey. While experiencing this type of accident can be awkward or embarrassing, particularly if it occurs in public, it is important not to underestimate or downplay your injuries.
Even a seemingly minor slip and fall could leave you suffering serious harm. To protect yourself and your rights in a claim, report the incident to the property owner or manager immediately and seek medical care. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), slips and falls send close to 10 million people to hospital emergency rooms each year. Common types of slip and fall injuries include:
- Back and neck injuries, such as fractured vertebrae or herniated discs;
- Broken bones and dislocated joints, often impacting the shoulders, wrists, ankles, or hips;
- Head or brain injuries, jeopardizing your physical and emotional health for years after;
- Injuries to muscles, tendons, or other soft tissues, resulting in chronic pain and limited mobility;
- Injuries to the spinal cord or column, resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
Diagnostic testing, treatment, and physical therapy for slip and fall injuries can total up to a million dollars or more. Meanwhile, you may be unable to work or engage in your usual hobbies and activities. When negligence on the part of the property owner is to blame, you have the right to hold them accountable.
Your Rights In Seeking Compensation For Slip And Fall Injuries
Under California law (Civil Code section 1714), property owners are responsible for injuries caused by their negligent management of their property. California’s Civil Jury Instructions (CACI No. 1000) make clear that property owners have a duty of care when it comes to providing reasonable maintenance and warning visitors of potential hazards. When they fail in this duty and slip and fall injuries happen, they can be held liable for the damages you suffer. You generally have two options:
- File an insurance claim: Property insurance policies may be in place but it is not uncommon for insurers to either deny claims or downplay these claims.
- File a premises liability lawsuit: If your claim is disputed or your injuries severe, the best course of action may be to file a premises liability lawsuit.
Contact Our Monterey Premises Liability Lawyers
Slip and fall injuries can impact you and your loved ones for years into the future. At The Allen Law Firm, we help you get the compensation you are entitled to in a claim. To discuss your options, contact our Monterey slip and fall lawyers and request a consultation today.
Sources:
nfsi.org/nfsi-research/quick-facts/
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1714.&lawCode=CIV
courts.ca.gov/partners/documents/Judicial_Council_of_California_Civil_Jury_Instructions.pdf
