Santa Barbara Slip & Fall Lawyer
Many people believe that slip and falls are not major accidents. Those who have been hurt, however, understand that the injuries sustained in slip and fall accidents can be catastrophic. For example, if a person falls from a significant height, they may suffer from paralysis for the rest of their life. Back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and damage to internal organs are just some of the injuries that are commonly seen after a slip and fall.
If you have been injured while on someone else’s property, it is important to obtain sound legal advice. Our Santa Barbara slip & fall lawyer can provide it so you receive the full settlement you deserve.
How to Prove a Slip and Fall Case
In many cases, state law in California allows you to claim financial compensation after a slip and fall. Unfortunately, simply stating that you were hurt and that someone else is to blame is not enough. To be successful with your claim, you must prove certain elements of your case and they are as follows:
- The defendant owned, occupied, leased, or controlled the property,
- There was a negligent condition on the property and the defendant did not correct it,
- The negligent condition caused your slip and fall accident, and
- You were injured during the accident.
Proving the above elements requires you to present strong evidence. The best evidence used in these claims includes:
- Expert and eyewitness testimony
- Pictures and video footage of the accident scene
- History of slip and fall accidents on the same premises
- Maintenance records
- Incident and police reports
A Santa Barbara slip and fall lawyer will know how to prove your case so you obtain the full compensation that is rightfully yours.
Damages Available in Slip and Fall Claims
Filing a slip and fall claim allows you to claim damages for all of your injuries and other losses resulting from the accident. Slip and fall damages fall into three different categories and they are as follows:
- Economic damages: Economic damages are your losses that have an actual dollar value. Medical expenses, lost income, and the cost of medical devices are just a few common types of damages available in these claims.
- Non-economic damages: Non-economic damages do not have a quantifiable dollar value and so, they are harder to calculate. Still, the physical pain and emotional distress you endured due to your injuries are losses and you deserve compensation for them. A lawyer will know how to calculate these damages so you receive the fair amount.
- Punitive damages: Punitive damages are rare in personal injury cases. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages do not compensate you for your losses. Instead, they punish the defendant for grossly negligent behavior.
Our Slip and Fall Lawyer in Santa Barbara Can Accurately Value Your Claim
Accurately valuing your claim after a slip and fall is not easy. At Zavala Law, our Santa Barbara slip and fall lawyer will help you pursue all of your damages so you obtain the fair settlement you are entitled to. Call us now at 805-429-4292 or contact us online to request a free review of your case.
