Sidewalk Accident Lawyer In Fontana
Sidewalk accidents are among the most prevalent types of slip and fall accidents because a sidewalk can be hazardous or dangerous when left unattended. Falling on concrete can cause serious injuries such as concussions, broken bones, brain damage, and more. There are several causes of sidewalk accidents, some are listed here:
- Sidewalk damage (cracks or uneven pavement)
- Poor weather conditions (snow, ice, and water)
- Loose debris
- Hazardous materials
When sidewalk accidents occur because of the negligence of a separate party, it is wise to go over your accident with a sidewalk accident attorney. At First Law Group, we offer a free consultation to learn more pertaining to your incident and to provide you with legal assistance.
Considering The Legal Options After A Sidewalk Accident
Depending on where you fell, you may either take legal action against a private property owner or a municipality. When pursuing sidewalk accident compensation, the injured party has to prove negligence to be successful. The discussion of liability requires the victim to meet the burden of proof. In doing so, the individual has to prove the property owner knew, or should have known about the sidewalk conditions and did not fix it. Satisfying the burden of proof is best done using evidence.
Establishing Liability And Evidence Collection After A Sidewalk Accident
As discussed above, liability is established by whether the property of your sidewalk accident was public or private. Usually, if another's negligence caused you to fall on a sidewalk adjacent from a private property owner's property, that owner is accountable. If another's negligence caused you to fall on a municipality-owned property, the responsibility is on the municipality.
In regards to standard legal assessment, municipalities or property owners are given a window of time for cleaning up their property after harsh weather conditions in most states. If a person was walking and gets hurt during this designated time window, the injured party might not have a case since it was a risk to walk. If an injury occurs after the municipality's time window expires, the party responsible for looking after the sidewalk could be held liable.
Regardless of the negligent party, accountability is established by the following factors. You have to prove that the property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the unsafe sidewalk conditions, the owner failed to act to fix the hazard, and you sustained damages as a result of the negligence. Evidence is the most effective way to prove the above factors.
Since evidence is critical, there are some essential steps to perform following a slip and fall accident. By completing this list following your accident, you maximize the possibility of winning your case and sidewalk accident compensation. They are as follows:
- Call the police and emergency services following your accident, so immediate medical attention is offered and documentation of the accident is complete.
- Collect the contact information of any witnesses to your accident.
- Take photos of the safety hazard that caused your accident before the negligent property owner has an opportunity to dispose of evidence.
- Seek medical attention for injuries and ask your doctor for medical documents relating to the origin and degree of your injuries.
- Consult with a sidewalk accident lawyer to determine the validity of your claim.
- After filing your claim, avoid social media to be sure your claim is preserved.
Considering a sidewalk accident attorney for your case is important because an attorney can efficiently collect and provide all additional evidence needed to meet the burden of proof. Sometimes, evidence might be hard for you to gather, such as security camera video or expert witnesses, which a sidewalk accident lawyer can assist in.
Damages You Can Claim Following A Sidewalk Accident
Sidewalk accident injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to much more severe damage like broken bones and head trauma. Typically, they have one thing in common-- they can result in psychological, financial, and physical problems for you.
Some typical things we help clients pursue compensation for following a sidewalk accident consist of:
- Earnings lost because of missed work, now and later on.
- Expenses for medical care.
- Pain and suffering.
- Psychological problems.
These damages fall into two types-- noneconomic and economic.
Noneconomic damages do not have a tangible dollar value. Examples are emotional distress and pain and suffering. Financial damages help cover costs with a distinct value, like medical treatment and the amount of earnings you lost from missing work.
Slip and fall accidents on sidewalks can be complex because they can involve both property owners as well as city governments. The best approach for successfully establishing fault is partnering with an experienced sidewalk accident lawyer who knows how to build a case and prove negligence.
Start With Your Sidewalk Accident Claim
As stated above, sidewalk accidents are complicated from the start, because the party accountable for the sidewalk hazard has to be determined. Sidewalk accident injury lawyers have a knowledge base as well as experience for handling these claims. By partnering with First Law Group, you increase the likelihood of you receiving sidewalk accident compensation and guarantee your best interests are defended. With our customer dedication and proven track record, our First Law Group team is confident in our ability to get you justice and your rightful compensation!
At First Law Group, we really care about our community and we are driven by our passion for clients. Our personal injury lawyers in Fontana, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
