At Jacoby & Meyers, our attorneys believe in holding property owners responsible when serious slip and fall accidents occur due to their failure to keep a premises safe. If you were recently injured in a slip or trip and fall accident anywhere in Fresno, we can help you understand and protect your legal rights.
What Makes Jacoby & Meyers Right for This Case?
- Our law firm has been standing up for the rights of injured slip and fall accident victims throughout California since 1972. We understand how these cases work.
- We have proven our abilities in and out of the courtroom. Our lawyers have collected more than $2 billion in case results for clients, including $1.5 million in a slip and fall claim.
- Our Fresno personal injury attorneys accept all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay us a dime for our services unless we win your slip and fall case.
How Can a Fresno Slip and Fall Lawyer Help You?
Slip and fall accident cases in California can be difficult for injured victims to win. Certain injuries can be hard to prove, for instance, such as soft-tissue damage that does not appear on x-rays. In addition, property insurance companies are experienced in denying claims and minimizing the coverage they offer to clients.
When you hire a slip and fall accident lawyer in Fresno to represent you, you gain an edge during insurance settlement negotiations. Your attorney will communicate with an insurance provider for you to fight for the results that you deserve. You can count on your lawyer to protect your best interests while you focus on healing from your slip and fall injuries.
When Can a Slip and Fall Claim Be Filed in Fresno?
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident that occurred on someone else’s property in Fresno due to a hazardous condition, you may be able to file a civil claim against the owner. A claim is available if the owner or controller negligently allowed the dangerous condition or defect to exist. The following elements are necessary for a valid slip and fall accident claim:
- Duty of care: the property owner had a legal obligation to ensure a reasonably safe premises for lawful visitors (invitees and licensees).
- Hazardous condition: a defect existed on the property that caused the slip and fall, such as wet or slippery floors or a broken staircase.
- Breach of duty: the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition but carelessly failed to fix it or provide adequate warnings.
If the property owner’s failure to maintain a safe premises resulted in damages or compensable losses suffered by an accident victim, a personal injury claim can be brought against the owner in pursuit of financial compensation for these losses. As an injured victim, you may need an attorney to help you prove the required elements of your slip and fall claim.
Common Causes of Fresno Slip and Fall Accidents
When property owners fail to maintain safe premises, dangerous conditions can lead to serious injuries. At Jacoby & Meyers, we regularly handle cases involving hazardous conditions that could have been prevented with proper care and maintenance.
Slippery and Uneven Surfaces
Wet and slippery surfaces are among the most common causes of slip and fall accidents in Fresno. These often result from:
- Recently mopped floors without warnings
- Spilled liquids in stores and restaurants
- Leaking equipment and rain water
- Cracked sidewalks and loose tiles
- Torn carpeting and unmarked elevation changes
Lighting and Weather Hazards
Poor lighting conditions in stairwells, parking lots, and walkways can make it difficult to spot potential hazards. When combined with weather-related hazards, these conditions become even more dangerous. Fresno’s unique climate creates specific risks including:
- Inadequate lighting in stairwells and parking areas
- Rain-slicked entrances and walkways
- Ice buildup during winter months
- Accumulated debris and standing water
- Sudden changes in lighting levels
Maintenance and Code Violations
Maintenance issues and building code violations frequently contribute to slip and fall accidents. Common problems include:
- Loose or missing handrails
- Broken steps and staircases
- Non-compliant ramp slopes
- Missing “Wet Floor” signs
- Inadequate warning markers
Legal Protection for Victims
If you’ve been injured due to these or other dangerous conditions, our experienced Fresno slip and fall attorneys can help determine if the property owner failed to meet their duty of care. We understand how these hazardous conditions can impact your life and will fight to hold negligent property owners accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Types of Slip and Fall Injuries
A slip and fall accident can result in severe, life-altering injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Joint Injuries
- Internal Organ Damage
- Long-Term Complications
Your Rights After a Slip and Fall in Fresno
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, California law protects your right to seek compensation. Property owners must maintain safe premises for visitors, and when they fail to do so, they can be held legally responsible for resulting injuries.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
Under California premises liability laws, property owners have a duty of care based on your visitor status:
- Invitees (customers, patrons): Highest duty of care
- Licensees (social guests): Moderate duty of care
- Trespassers: Limited duty of care
Comparative Negligence and Time Limits
California follows “pure comparative negligence” rules, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for your accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Important deadlines apply – you typically have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit.
How We Protect Your Rights
Our Fresno attorneys will:
- Investigate your accident thoroughly
- Document all evidence of property owner negligence
- Handle insurance company negotiations
- Meet all legal deadlines
- Fight for maximum compensation
Don’t let concerns about fault stop you from exploring your legal options.
Request a Free Slip and Fall Case Review in Fresno
Recovering from a slip and fall accident with the compensation you require is easier when you hire an experienced lawyer in Fresno. The attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers have been protecting the rights of injured accident victims in California for over 52 years. Find out how we can help you with your specific slip and fall case during a free evaluation. Because you deserve justice.
Our Fresno law office is conveniently located at 516 W Shaw Ave #200, Fresno, CA 93704. Call us at (559) 545-0730 to schedule your case review.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Cases
How Much is My Case Worth?
The value of your slip and fall case depends on several factors including:
- Severity of your injuries
- Total medical expenses
- Lost wages and income
- Impact on your daily life
- Property owner’s degree of negligence
Every case is unique, and our experienced attorneys will evaluate your specific circumstances to determine fair compensation.
How Long Will My Case Take?
Most slip and fall cases settle within 6-12 months, but complex cases may take longer. Factors affecting timeline include:
- Your recovery period
- Insurance company cooperation
- Complexity of liability issues
- Whether a lawsuit needs to be filed
- If the case goes to trial
What if I’m Partially at Fault?
California’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% responsible, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
Who Pays My Medical Bills?
Initially, your health insurance will cover medical expenses. However, you may be entitled to reimbursement through:
- Property owner’s insurance
- Premises liability coverage
- Your settlement or verdict
- Medical payment coverage
Can I Handle the Case Myself?
While you can represent yourself, slip and fall cases are complex. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims. An experienced attorney can:
- Properly value your claim
- Gather necessary evidence
- Handle legal procedures
- Negotiate with insurers
- Protect your rights
What if the Property Owner Denies Responsibility?
Property owners often deny responsibility, but this doesn’t mean you don’t have a case. Our attorneys will:
- Investigate the accident
- Collect evidence of negligence
- Interview witnesses
- Work with experts
- Build a strong case on your behalf
Have additional questions? Contact our Fresno office for a free consultation with an experienced Fresno personal injury attorney at 15595450730 or fill out our online form here.
Call or text 888-522-6291 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form