Sidewalk Accident Lawyer In Ontario
Sidewalk accidents are among the most prevalent types of slip and fall accidents because a sidewalk can be hazardous or dangerous when left neglected. Falling on concrete can cause major injuries such as concussions, broken bones, brain damage, and more. There are many 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 happen due to the negligence of a separate party, it is wise to discuss your accident with a sidewalk accident lawyer. At First Law Group, we offer a free consultation to learn more regarding your incident and to provide you with legal support.
Considering The Legal Options Following A Sidewalk Accident
Depending on where you fell, you might either take legal action against a private property owner or a municipality. When pursuing sidewalk accident compensation, the injured party must prove negligence to be successful. The topic of liability requires the victim to meet the burden of proof. In doing so, the individual must prove the property owner knew, or should have known about the sidewalk conditions and did not fix it. Fulfilling the burden of proof is best achieved using evidence.
Establishing Liability And Evidence Collection Following A Sidewalk Accident
As stated 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 terms of general legal assessment, municipalities or property owners are given a window of time for cleaning their property after inclement weather in most states. If an individual was walking and got injured during this alloted time window, the injured party might not have a case because it was a risk to walk. If an injury occurs after the municipality's time window expires, the party in charge of caring for the sidewalk could be held responsible.
Regardless of the negligent party, responsibility is determined by the following factors. You have to prove that the property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the hazardous sidewalk conditions, the owner neglected to take action to repair the hazard, and you suffered damages as a result of the negligence. Evidence is the most effective way to prove the above variables.
Since evidence is essential, there are some essential steps to perform after a slip and fall accident. By completing this checklist after your accident, you maximize the likelihood of winning your claim and sidewalk accident compensation. They are as follows:
- Call the authorities and emergency services following your accident, so immediate medical care is offered and documentation of the incident is complete.
- Collect the contact information of any witnesses to your accident.
- Take photos of the safety hazard that led to your accident before the negligent property owner has a chance to dispose of evidence.
- Get medical treatment for injuries and ask your doctor for medical records regarding the origin and extent of your injuries.
- Speak with a sidewalk accident lawyer to establish the legitimacy of your claim.
- After filing your claim, stay away from social media to ensure your claim is protected.
Considering a sidewalk accident attorney for your case is important because an attorney can efficiently gather and present all additional evidence needed to meet the burden of proof. In some cases, evidence may be challenging for you to gather, such as security camera video or expert witnesses, which a sidewalk accident lawyer can facilitate.
Damages You Can Claim After A Sidewalk Accident
Sidewalk accident injuries can vary 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 cause emotional, financial, and physical challenges for you.
Some typical things we help clients pursue compensation for following a sidewalk accident include:
- Earnings lost because of missed work, now and in the future
- Expenses for medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological burdens
These damages fall under two classifications-- noneconomic and economic.
Noneconomic damages do not have a tangible dollar value. Examples are psychological distress and pain and suffering. Financial damages help cover costs with a concrete value, like medical treatment and the amount of income you lost from missing work.
Slip and fall accidents on sidewalks can be complex because they can involve both property owners as well as local governments. The most effective method for successfully determining fault is partnering with an experienced sidewalk accident lawyer that knows how to build a case and prove negligence.
Start With Your Sidewalk Accident Claim
As mentioned above, sidewalk accidents are complex from the start, because the party accountable for the sidewalk hazard has to be determined. Sidewalk accident injury lawyers carry a knowledge base as well as experience for handling these cases. By partnering with First Law Group, you improve the chances of you receiving sidewalk accident compensation and ensure your best interests are protected. With our customer commitment 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 Ontario, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
