Sidewalk Accident Lawyer In Rancho Cucamonga
Sidewalk accidents are among the most prevalent kinds of slip and fall accidents because a sidewalk can be hazardous or dangerous when left neglected. Falling on concrete can result in 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 due to the negligence of a separate party, it is prudent to discuss your case with a sidewalk accident attorney. At First Law Group, we provide a free consultation to find out more about your situation and to provide you with legal support.
Considering The Legal Options Following A Sidewalk Accident
Depending on where you fell, you may either sue a private property owner or a municipality. When seeking sidewalk accident compensation, the injured party has to prove negligence to be successful. The discussion of liability requires the injured party 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 repair it. Fulfilling the burden of proof is best done using evidence.
Establishing Liability And Evidence Collection Following A Sidewalk Accident
As discussed above, liability is determined by whether the property of your sidewalk accident was public or private. Generally, if another's negligence caused you to fall on a sidewalk adjacent from a private property owner's property, that owner is responsible. If another's negligence caused you to fall on a municipality-owned property, the accountability is on the municipality.
In regards to standard legal evaluation, municipalities or property owners are provided a window of time for cleaning their property after inclement weather in the majority of states. If an individual was walking and got hurt during this alloted time window, the victim might not have a case since it was a risk to walk. If an injury takes place after the municipality's time window expires, the party in charge of caring for the sidewalk could be held accountable.
Regardless of the negligent party, responsibility is determined by the following variables. You must prove that the property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the unsafe sidewalk conditions, the owner neglected to take action to fix the hazard, and you suffered damages due to the neglect. Evidence is the most effective way to prove the above factors.
Because evidence is crucial, there are some essential steps to complete following a slip and fall accident. By completing this checklist after your accident, you maximize the chances of winning your case and sidewalk accident compensation. They are as follows:
- Call the authorities and emergency services following your accident, so immediate medical care is available and documentation of the incident is complete.
- Collect the contact info of any witnesses to your accident.
- Take pictures of the safety hazard that caused your accident before the negligent property owner has an opportunity to discard evidence.
- Get medical care for injuries and ask your doctor for medical documents relating to the origin and degree of your injuries.
- Speak with a sidewalk accident lawyer to determine the validity of your case.
- After filing your claim, avoid social media to make sure your claim is preserved.
Considering a sidewalk accident lawyer for your case is important because an attorney can efficiently gather and present all additional evidence needed to satisfy the burden of proof. Sometimes, evidence might be hard for you to collect, 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 range from minor scrapes and bruises to much more severe harm like broken bones and head trauma. Generally, they have one thing in common-- they can lead to emotional, financial, and physical challenges for you.
Some typical things we help clients seek 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
- Emotional burdens
These damages fall under two classifications-- noneconomic and economic.
Noneconomic damages don't have a tangible dollar value. Examples are psychological distress and pain and suffering. Economic damages help cover costs with a concrete value, like medical care and the amount of earnings you lost from missing work.
Slip and fall accidents on sidewalks can be complicated since they can involve both property owners and local governments. The best method for successfully determining fault is partnering with an experienced sidewalk accident lawyer that understands how to build a case and prove negligence.
Get Started With Your Sidewalk Accident Case
As mentioned above, sidewalk accidents are complicated from the start, because the party liable for the sidewalk hazard has to be identified. Sidewalk accident injury lawyers carry a knowledge base and experience for dealing with these claims. By partnering with First Law Group, you improve the likelihood of you getting sidewalk accident compensation and guarantee your best interests are protected. With our client devotion and proven track record, our First Law Group team is confident in our ability to earn 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 Rancho Cucamonga, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
