Sidewalk Accident Lawyer In Glendora
Sidewalk accidents are among the most common types of slip and fall accidents because a sidewalk can be hazardous or dangerous when left unattended. 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 below:
- Sidewalk damage (cracks or uneven pavement)
- Poor weather conditions (snow, ice, and water)
- Loose debris
- Hazardous materials
When sidewalk accidents happen because of the negligence of a separate party, it is a good idea to discuss your accident with a sidewalk accident attorney. At First Law Group, we provide a free consultation to learn more about your situation and to provide you with legal guidance.
Looking Into 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 victim must prove negligence to be successful. The topic of liability requires the victim to satisfy 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 repair it. Meeting the burden of proof is best done using evidence.
Determining 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 liable. If another's negligence caused you to fall on a municipality-owned property, the liability belongs to the municipality.
In regards to standard legal assessment, municipalities or property owners are given a window of time for cleaning their property after inclement weather conditions in most states. If an individual was walking and became hurt during this allocated time window, the victim 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 responsible for looking after the sidewalk could be held responsible.
No matter the negligent party, accountability is established by the following factors. You must prove that the property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the hazardous sidewalk conditions, the owner failed to take action to fix the hazard, and you sustained injuries as a result of negligence. Evidence is the most effective way to prove the above variables.
Since evidence is crucial, there are some crucial steps to perform following a slip and fall accident. By completing this checklist following 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 info of any witnesses to your accident.
- Take pictures of the safety hazard that led to your accident before the negligent property owner has a chance to dispose of evidence.
- Get medical care for injuries and ask your doctor for medical records relating to the source and extent of your injuries.
- Consult with a sidewalk accident attorney to establish the validity of your case.
- After filing your lawsuit, stay away from social media to guarantee your case is protected.
Considering a sidewalk accident attorney for your case is important because a lawyer can efficiently collect and present all additional evidence needed to fulfill the burden of proof. Sometimes, evidence might be difficult for you to gather, such as security camera video or expert witnesses, which a sidewalk accident attorney can facilitate.
Damages You Can Claim After A Sidewalk Accident
Sidewalk accident injuries can range from mild scrapes and bruises to more severe injuries like broken bones and head trauma. Generally, they have one thing in common-- they can cause psychological, financial, and physical problems for you.
Some typical things we help clients seek compensation for after a sidewalk accident include:
- Income lost because of missed work, now and in the future
- Expenses for medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional problems
These damages fall under two types-- non economic and economic.
Noneconomic damages don't have a concrete dollar value. Examples are emotional distress and pain and suffering. Economic damages help cover costs with a concrete 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 local governments. The best method for successfully determining fault is partnering with a skilled sidewalk accident lawyer who understands how to build a case and prove negligence.
Start with Your Sidewalk Accident Case
As mentioned above, sidewalk accidents are complex from the start, because the party liable for the sidewalk hazard has to be identified. Sidewalk accident injury attorneys carry a knowledge base as well as experience for taking on these cases. By partnering with First Law Group, you improve the chances of you obtaining sidewalk accident compensation and ensure your best interests are protected. With our customer 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 Glendora, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
