Personal Injury Settlements and Cases Won in California.
Fresno, California, a vibrant city with a bustling community, is unfortunately no stranger to slip and fall accidents. These incidents are a real concern for residents, often occurring in the most unexpected places. From the aisles of grocery stores and uneven sidewalks to busy workplaces, slip and fall accidents are a common issue that can significantly impact a person’s life.
The consequences of a slip and fall can be far-reaching, affecting victims physically, emotionally, and financially. Physically, individuals may suffer from broken bones, debilitating head injuries, and sprains. Emotionally, the experience can lead to stress, anxiety, and a fear of future falls. Financially, victims often face mounting medical bills, the cost of rehabilitation, and lost income due to missed work.
Consider common scenarios: a sudden slip on a wet supermarket floor that wasn’t properly marked, or a painful trip over uneven pavement that should have been repaired. These seemingly minor incidents can lead to severe injuries and a long, arduous recovery process. Victims often endure extensive medical treatment, ongoing physical therapy, and the stress of managing their daily lives while unable to work.
If you or a loved one has experienced a slip and fall in Fresno, you don’t have to face these struggles alone. Compensation may be available to help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. An experienced Fresno slip and fall lawyer can provide invaluable assistance, guiding you through the legal process and advocating for your rights. This page will delve deeper into understanding slip and fall accidents, your legal options, and how to seek the justice you deserve.
A slip and fall accident in California is a type of personal injury claim that involves an individual slipping, tripping, or falling due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. This differs from other personal injury claims, such as car accidents or medical malpractice, as it directly falls under premises liability law.
Premises liability dictates that property owners have a legal obligation to maintain a safe environment for visitors. This means they must identify and address potential hazards that could lead to injuries, including wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or cluttered walkways. Failure to do so can make them liable for any injuries sustained by someone on their property
Residents of Fresno, particularly in areas with high foot traffic like shopping centers, apartment complexes, and public spaces, are especially vulnerable to these types of accidents. Property owners in these busy locations have a heightened responsibility to ensure the safety of their premises due to the increased number of people present.
Slip and fall accidents are a prevalent cause of injuries, often stemming from a variety of preventable hazards in diverse environments. Understanding these common causes is crucial for both prevention and for individuals who may need to pursue legal recourse after an accident.
These are among the most frequent culprits. Supermarkets, restaurants, and hospitals, with their high foot traffic, are particularly prone to wet floors from spills, mopping, or tracked-in weather elements. The danger is significantly amplified when these surfaces go unmarked, providing no warning to unsuspecting individuals who may suddenly lose their footing and suffer a serious fall. This can include anything from spilled beverages and food to recently mopped areas or melted ice.
Beyond indoor environments, outdoor structural defects pose a substantial risk to pedestrians. Around neighborhoods, in parks, or even in urban centers, uneven sidewalks, cracked pavement, potholes, and broken concrete slabs can create dangerous tripping hazards. These structural defects can easily cause pedestrians to trip and fall unexpectedly, leading to sprains, fractures, or more severe injuries. Property owners and municipalities have a responsibility to maintain these areas to ensure public safety.
Inadequate illumination is a significant contributing factor to falls, especially in transitional or less-frequented areas. Stairwells, parking lots, and apartment complex common areas, when poorly lit, make it incredibly difficult for individuals to see potential hazards such as steps, cracks, or obstacles. This lack of visibility increases the likelihood of missteps and falls, particularly for those with impaired vision or in unfamiliar surroundings.
Unsecured floor coverings are a deceptively common cause of trips. In homes, businesses, and even public buildings, loose rugs, mats, or carpeting that are not adequately secured to the floor can easily shift, bunch up, or curl at the edges, creating a significant tripping hazard. The sudden movement or obstruction can catch an individual off guard, leading to a fall.
Negligence in maintaining clean and clear aisles can have serious consequences. In stores, cafes, and other commercial establishments, spilled food, drinks, or general clutter left unattended can create dangerously slick surfaces or unexpected obstacles. Such neglected messes can lead to immediate slips and falls, and the responsibility often lies with the property owner or staff to promptly address these hazards.
External weather conditions can quickly translate into internal dangers. Rainwater, snow, or ice tracked indoors from outside can make floors extremely slippery, particularly on smooth surfaces like tile or polished concrete. If not promptly addressed with mats, warning signs, or regular cleaning, these weather-related hazards can significantly increase the risk of slips and falls for anyone entering the premises.
Handrails are crucial safety features, especially on staircases. When handrails are missing, loose, or broken, individuals lose a critical point of support and balance, making them highly susceptible to falls, particularly when descending stairs or if they miss a step.
Items or debris left in walkways, whether in commercial settings, construction sites, or even residential areas, can create unexpected obstacles. Boxes, equipment, cords, or other clutter that block a clear path force individuals to navigate around them, increasing the chance of tripping and falling.
Subtle and unmarked changes in floor elevation, or steps that are not uniform in height or depth, can be treacherous. These design flaws can easily catch individuals off guard, leading to missteps and falls as they misjudge the surface.
In occupational settings, a lack of proper training on safety protocols or insufficient supervision can lead to employees creating or overlooking hazards. This can result in spills not being cleaned, equipment being left in dangerous positions, or other conditions that contribute to slip and fall incidents.
These are among the most prevalent and often debilitating injuries. When an individual falls, their instinct is usually to brace themselves with their hands or arms. This protective reflex, while intended to mitigate impact, frequently leads to fractures in the wrists (e.g., Colles’ fracture) and arms (e.g., radial or ulnar fractures). Additionally, the impact of falling directly onto the ground can transmit force up the legs, leading to hip fractures, particularly in older adults whose bones may be more brittle due to osteoporosis. These injuries often necessitate surgical intervention, casting, and extensive physical therapy, leading to prolonged recovery times and significant medical expenses.
A direct impact to the head during a fall can have serious consequences. Concussions, a form of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), occur when the brain is violently shaken within the skull, leading to temporary disruption of brain function. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and memory problems. In more severe cases, a fall can result in traumatic brain injury (TBI), which may involve bleeding in the brain (hematoma), contusions, or diffuse axonal injury. TBIs can lead to long-lasting neurological deficits, including cognitive impairments, personality changes, motor skill difficulties, and persistent pain, significantly impacting an individual’s quality of life and ability to work.
The spine is a complex and vulnerable structure. Slip and fall accidents can exert sudden and powerful forces on the back and neck, leading to a variety of injuries. These can range from relatively minor sprains and strains of the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine to more severe conditions like herniated discs, where the cushioning discs between vertebrae rupture and press on nerves. Most critically, a fall can cause direct damage to the spinal cord, which can result in partial or complete paralysis below the site of injury, leading to permanent mobility issues, chronic pain, and a profound decrease in independence. Such injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
Beyond the spine, other joints and surrounding soft tissues are highly susceptible to injury during a fall. Sprains occur when ligaments (the fibrous tissues connecting bones) are stretched or torn, commonly affecting ankles, knees, and wrists. Strains involve damage to muscles or tendons (the tissues connecting muscles to bones). These injuries can cause significant pain, swelling, bruising, and a limited range of motion. While often not as immediately life-threatening as fractures or head injuries, severe soft tissue damage can lead to chronic pain, instability in joints, and prolonged periods of rehabilitation, impacting an individual’s ability to perform daily activities and engage in recreational pursuits.
While mentioned under fractures, hip injuries warrant specific emphasis due to their severity and prevalence, especially among the elderly. A fall can directly impact the hip joint, leading to hip fractures (e.g., femoral neck or intertrochanteric fractures), which almost always require surgical repair or replacement (hip arthroplasty). The recovery process for hip injuries is often lengthy and challenging, frequently requiring extensive physical therapy and potentially leading to a permanent reduction in mobility and independence. For older adults, hip fractures are associated with a higher risk of complications, including pneumonia, blood clots, and decreased life expectancy.
While generally considered less severe, these superficial injuries are extremely common in slip and fall incidents. Bruises (contusions) result from bleeding under the skin, caused by damaged small blood vessels. Cuts and lacerations are open wounds that can range from minor scrapes to deep gashes, depending on the surface contacted during the fall. While many can be treated with basic first aid, deeper or wider lacerations may require stitches or other medical intervention to prevent infection and minimize scarring. In some cases, extensive cuts can lead to significant blood loss or nerve damage, and untreated wounds can become infected, leading to further complications and prolonged healing.
After a slip and fall accident, time is of the essence. Swift action is crucial for both your health and the strength of any potential legal claim. Here’s why:
Protecting Your Claim: Delaying action can significantly weaken your claim. As time passes, it becomes harder to gather evidence and prove liability, making it more challenging to secure the compensation you deserve.
This signifies the existence of a hazard that presented an unreasonable risk of injury to individuals visiting the premises. This could include, but is not limited to, wet floors without warning signs, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or obstructions in walkways.
This can be proven if the property owner or their employees directly created the hazardous condition, were previously notified or aware of its existence, or if the condition had persisted for such a duration that a reasonably prudent property owner would have discovered and rectified it through regular inspections and maintenance.
Upon becoming aware of a dangerous condition, the property owner is legally obligated to either repair the hazard or provide clear and sufficient warnings to individuals about its presence. This action must be taken within a reasonable period, considering the nature and severity of the risk.
A definitive causal link must be established between the dangerous condition on the property and the specific injuries sustained by the victim. This means the injuries would not have occurred “but for” the existence of the hazardous condition.
Immediate documentation of the dangerous condition, the surrounding area where the fall occurred, any contributing factors, and visible injuries sustained. These should ideally be taken from multiple angles and include relevant measurements if possible.
Official and detailed documentation of all injuries, diagnoses, treatment plans, prescriptions, rehabilitation, and all associated medical costs from healthcare providers. This should cover the entire course of treatment and recovery.
Statements from anyone who personally observed the fall, individuals who previously encountered or noticed the dangerous condition before the incident, or those who can attest to the property owner’s awareness (or lack thereof) of the hazard.
Any formal report filed with the property owner, management, or relevant authorities detailing the incident, date, time, and circumstances of the fall.
Documentation from the property owner regarding their regular inspection schedules, maintenance activities, and any previous attempts to address similar hazards.
In complex cases, opinions from safety experts, medical professionals, or accident reconstruction specialists can be crucial in establishing the existence of a dangerous condition, causation, and the extent of injuries.
To establish negligence in a California slip and fall claim, you must demonstrate four critical elements, each substantiated by robust evidence:
A dog bite can be frightening and overwhelming, especially when it happens suddenly in a familiar setting like a neighborhood street or park. Knowing what to do right after the attack can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim if you decide to pursue compensation.
Acting quickly also helps establish a clear record of what happened.
This signifies the existence of a hazard that presented an unreasonable risk of injury to individuals visiting the premises. This could include, but is not limited to, wet floors without warning signs, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or obstructions in walkways.
This can be proven if the property owner or their employees directly created the hazardous condition, were previously notified or aware of its existence, or if the condition had persisted for such a duration that a reasonably prudent property owner would have discovered and rectified it through regular inspections and maintenance.
Upon becoming aware of a dangerous condition, the property owner is legally obligated to either repair the hazard or provide clear and sufficient warnings to individuals about its presence. This action must be taken within a reasonable period, considering the nature and severity of the risk.
A definitive causal link must be established between the dangerous condition on the property and the specific injuries sustained by the victim. This means the injuries would not have occurred “but for” the existence of the hazardous condition.
After a slip and fall in Fresno, immediate action is crucial. Your steps now will impact your health and any future legal claim. This guide outlines essential actions to protect your well-being and rights.
Even if injuries seem minor, adrenaline can mask pain. Prompt medical evaluation ensures well-being and creates an official record for future claims.
Report the incident to the property owner, manager, or responsible party as soon as possible after addressing medical needs. Provide basic facts (where and when), but avoid speculating about fault or injury extent. Obtain a copy of any accident report.
If possible, take numerous photographs and videos of the fall location. Capture wide shots and close-ups of hazards (spills, uneven flooring, poor lighting, obstructions). Document lighting, warning signs (or lack thereof), and the general state of the premises. Gather contact information from any witnesses.
Insurance adjusters represent the insurance company, not your interests. Do not give detailed or recorded statements without first consulting a qualified attorney. An attorney can advise on rights, claim value, and handle communications to protect your case.
In California, slip and fall lawsuits have strict deadlines, known as the Statute of Limitations. Generally, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, claims against government entities have a shorter, six-month deadline for filing an administrative claim before a lawsuit can proceed.
Missing these deadlines can lead to the permanent loss of compensation rights, regardless of injury severity. Prompt medical attention, evidence documentation, and legal consultation are crucial for timely filing. While a “discovery rule” exists, its application in slip and fall cases is limited. Awareness of these deadlines is vital for a successful claim.
When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you might assume that the responsible party’s insurance company will act in your best interest. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case.
It’s crucial to understand that insurance companies prioritize minimizing payouts over your well-being. Their primary objective is to protect their bottom line, not to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
A common tactic involves attempting to shift blame to the victim. They might try to argue that your own carelessness, inappropriate footwear, or pre-existing conditions were the primary cause of your injury, rather than the negligence of their insured. This strategy aims to reduce the amount they have to pay or even deny the claim altogether. They might dig into your past medical history, look for any inconsistencies in your statements, or even suggest that your actions contributed to the incident.
Insurers often try to downplay the seriousness of your injuries, suggesting they are not as severe as you claim or that your recovery should be much quicker. They might question the necessity of specific treatments or argue that your medical bills are excessive.
You might receive a quick settlement offer shortly after your injury. While this might seem appealing, these initial offers are almost always far less than what your claim is truly worth. They are designed to resolve the case quickly before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and their long-term impact, and before you have had a chance to consult with legal counsel.
A common tactic involves attempting to shift blame to the victim. They might try to argue that your own carelessness, inappropriate footwear, or pre-existing conditions were the primary cause of your injury, rather than the negligence of their insured. This strategy aims to reduce the amount they have to pay or even deny the claim altogether. They might dig into your past medical history, look for any inconsistencies in your statements, or even suggest that your actions contributed to the incident.
Insurers often try to downplay the seriousness of your injuries, suggesting they are not as severe as you claim or that your recovery should be much quicker. They might question the necessity of specific treatments or argue that your medical bills are excessive.
You might receive a quick settlement offer shortly after your injury. While this might seem appealing, these initial offers are almost always far less than what your claim is truly worth. They are designed to resolve the case quickly before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and their long-term impact, and before you have had a chance to consult with legal counsel.
Maintain consistency in all your statements, whether to medical professionals, police, or your attorney. The insurance company can exploit inconsistencies to cast doubt on your credibility.
Your lawyer will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies, protecting you from their aggressive tactics and ensuring your rights are upheld. They understand the actual value of your claim and will fight for maximum compensation.
They are familiar with the various strategies insurance companies employ to deny or undervalue claims and know how to counter them effectively. This includes gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and building a strong case on your behalf.
A personal injury lawyer will work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any future care needs. They will quantify all aspects of your loss, both economic and non-economic.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court, handling all aspects of litigation, from filing lawsuits to representing you at trial.
When you’ve suffered a slip and fall injury in Fresno, selecting the proper legal representation is crucial. RMD Law brings a proven track record specifically in slip and fall cases, demonstrating our expertise in navigating the complexities of these personal injury claims.
Our firm possesses in-depth knowledge of Fresno’s local courts, judges, and procedures, giving us a distinct advantage in advocating for our clients within the local legal landscape. We are committed to providing personalized client support, ensuring you receive individual attention and clear communication throughout your case. Our history of securing favorable results speaks to our dedication and effective legal strategies.
We understand that legal fees can be a concern during an already challenging time. That’s why most of our slip and fall cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs, and we only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you. Trust RMD Law to champion your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.
Suffered a slip and fall injury in Fresno? Don’t navigate the complex legal landscape alone. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll such an incident can take, and our experienced legal team is dedicated to providing you with the support and aggressive representation you need to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us to learn more about how we can help and to schedule your complimentary consultation. Let RMD Law be your advocate during this challenging time.
Located in the center of California’s Central Valley, Fresno combines scenic landscapes, historic charm, and a welcoming community vibe. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just passing through, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
From outdoor adventures and cultural gems to delicious eats and fun attractions, Fresno offers countless ways to explore, enjoy, and create lasting memories.
The results are clear. Here’s what some of our past clients have to say about their successful slip and fall claims with our assistance.
Many people assume all falls are alike, but there’s an essential difference between a slip and fall and a trip and fall. Knowing which one you experienced can directly impact your right to compensation. This guide explains those differences and why they matter for your injury claim.
When a slip and fall accident happens, you have the right to take the matter to court. Be prepared with this guide on how to file a slip and fall claim.
According to the National Floor Safety Institute, one million people visit an emergency year each year because of a slip and fall. These falls represent
You’re not required by law to hire an attorney after a slip and fall, but having one can significantly improve your chances of success. An experienced Fresno slip and fall lawyer can investigate the accident, collect key evidence like medical records and witness statements, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and work to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
After a slip and fall accident, your priority should be seeking medical care, even if the injuries seem minor, since prompt treatment helps prevent complications and creates critical medical records. Report the incident to the property owner or manager and make sure it’s documented. Take photos or videos of the hazardous condition, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Collect names and contact details of any witnesses who saw the accident. Finally, before giving statements to insurance adjusters, consult with a Fresno slip and fall attorney who can protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Yes. Under California’s pure comparative negligence system, you can still recover compensation even if you share some of the blame for your accident. However, your settlement may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you were found 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. A lawyer can help minimize unfair fault claims and strengthen your case.
In California, including Fresno, the statute of limitations for most slip and fall lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. If the injury or its complications are discovered later, you may have one year from the date of discovery. Acting quickly is crucial to preserving evidence and protecting your right to pursue a claim.
Over $100,000,000 total recent personal injury wins for our clients. Our dedicated personal injury lawyers are eager to fight for you.
RMD Law found an insurance code violation by the defense insurance company in a slip & fall injury case. With smart lawyering, we used the violation to argue that the $100,000 policy limits no longer applied.
The insurance company wrongfully refused to pay our client the $100k policy limit in a rollover auto accident. RMD Law refused to take no for an answer, and filed a lawsuit alleging bad faith, ultimately winning millions for our deserving client.
Confidential bad faith settlement – a negligent driver t-boned our client at a red light resulting in severe spinal injuries. The defendant’s insurance company unreasonably refused to pay the $100K policy limit. RMD Law filed a lawsuit seeking the true value of the case. Policy was opened, and the client settled for an amount vastly higher than the original limits.
We care about your recovery. We stake our reputation on it.
Aria is a member of the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. He speaks English, Farsi, and Spanish.
Nicole has settled hundreds of personal injuries claims, known for her professional, honest, and caring approach.
John is a former defense lawyer turned award-winning personal injury lawyer. He speaks English and Farsi.
Associate Attorney Yen Quach started work at RMD Law in 2017 as a paralegal. Injured clients seeking justice from insurance companies can do no better than Yen.
Ryan is a caring and experienced litigator. He defended scores of depositions and understands what it takes to move a case in California.
Ariana Martin is one of RMD Law’s skilled personal injury lawyers. She brings a lot of legal experience to the table, having worked previously in the field of insurance defense.
A lawyer will conduct an investigation into the accident to determine how it occurred. Call your personal injury attorney as soon as possible to preserve and put together your case.
Landowners must keep their property safe, otherwise they may be legally liable if you fall.
For example:
Even the government may be liable for injuries in a fall, so cities, and counties must maintain their sidewalks and property regularly to keep them reasonably safe from tripping hazards. Premises cases are among the most complex types of personal injury claims, and are more likely to go to court than other case types therefore it is a good idea to have an experienced attorney on your team. RMD’s experienced Irvine slip and fall lawyers can help!
We are Irvine personal injury lawyers servicing all of California. Our attorneys regularly handle cases from all over the state.
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At RMD Law, we believe that reputation is everything. When clients trust us with their cases, we do everything in our power to help guide them. That means personal service and sharp advocacy. We care about the details of your case because that is how we can get you the best settlement.
RMD Law is a California Personal Injury law firm. We help victims who have been injured in accidents due to someone else’s negligence. RMD Law offers free no-obligation case evaluations for our clients.
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