San Francisco Slip and Fall Lawyer

Holding Property Owners Accountable for Slip and Fall Accidents

Have you suffered an injury on a property owned by another individual due to poor maintenance? Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of injury and can lead to significant loss of income and hospitalization. That’s why you need to seek the justice you deserve!

At The Cartwright Law Firm, our experienced slip and fall accident attorneys in San Francisco are prepared to provide the legal support you need to pursue such a claim. We handle all aspects of your case, from filing within the statute of limitations to providing supporting evidence and managing all paperwork. We also offer connections to top-level researchers and expert witnesses who can make a substantial difference in your case.

Call Cartwright Law Firm today at (415) 851-6486 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our slip and fall accident attorney in San Francisco.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a crucial area of personal injury law. These cases involve injuries on the property of another individual, especially if the property lacks adequate maintenance or proper cautionary signage.

The key factor in premises liability is negligence. If the negligence of a property owner causes your injury, a slip and fall lawyer can advocate for you.

Some of the most common types of premises liability cases include the following:

• Slip and fall — Water or other substances on the floor cause you to slip and sustain an injury.
• Trip and fall — You trip over a construction or maintenance defect in a property's floor and suffer an injury.
• Retail store negligence — You are injured inside a retail store because of a potentially harmful defect.
• Negligent security — You are inadequately protected at a facility that provides security.
• Assaults and attacks — You suffer an assault or battery on property owned by another person.
• Daycare negligence — Your child suffers injuries when not properly looked after in a childcare facility.
• Dog bites — You are attacked or bitten by a dog owned by another individual.

Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents

Before filing a slip and fall lawsuit, you need to identify two assumptions to help make your case: is there an existence of a dangerous condition, and can a person of average intelligence foresee the potentially harmful environment?

After identifying these principles, you need to prove the absence of three factors: duty of care, negligence, and responsibility. Understanding these elements requires careful documentation and evidence gathering, including witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions supporting your claim. 

DUTY OF CARE

This largely depends on whether or not you are invited to the property. If you are invited to the property there is a high duty of care towards you. On the other hand, there is no duty of care if you trespassed a property.

Remember that commercial spaces, like restaurants, stores, and supermarkets owe a duty to maintain a safe environment for their customers.

NEGLIGENCE

Since the duty of care is established, the next thing to consider is whether such duty is neglected. It is also imperative to assess if the failure to exercise care is the reason for the slip and fall injuries. This only highlights that not all slip and fall accidents result in lawsuits.

For example, if you slipped and fell in a restaurant, but there is a clear warning sign for the wet floor, it won’t be considered negligent. However, it would be tagged as a clear case of negligence in the absence of a sign, or it wasn’t easily visible.

RESPONSIBILITY

Determining the defendant in a slip and fall accident is essential. It is among the factors to help establish your case. Someone must be responsible for the accident. It can be an individual or an institution that did not perform their duty of care or acted negligently, resulting in your accident.

What Are the Laws on Slip and Fall Accidents in California?

There are many legal doctrines and laws in California which could affect your case. The most important rules to consider are:

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Slip & Fall Lawsuit

Typically, California has a two-year deadline for filing slip and fall suits. However, this deadline can be extended depending on your unique situation.

Shared Fault Clause

This rule highlights that the negligent party should only be held responsible for the injuries or damages they have caused. So, if you are partially at fault for your injuries, determine the contributory negligence and comparative negligence among all parties.

To understand your situation better, don’t hesitate to speak with reputable lawyers. They can help address your concerns and provide the best advice for your case.

What Should You Do in Slip and Fall Accidents?

Gathering evidence is crucial for establishing your case. If you have slipped, tripped, or fallen, follow these steps diligently:

Take Photos

Before leaving the premises, take pictures of the accident scene. Include photos of your injuries, as all these can be used as evidence to strengthen your case.

Ask Around

If someone saw the accident, ask for their names and contact information. These witnesses can help testify about what happened during the accident.

Get a Copy of the Accident Report

When you slip and fall in commercial spaces, such as retail stores, hotels, or event areas, a security team may handle the incident and file an accident report on your behalf. If this is not possible, request the manager document everything and provide you with a copy of the accident report, which will serve as proof of the incident and your injuries.

If you didn’t take any photos or gather evidence about the accident, don't worry. Our team of slip and fall accident attorneys at The Cartwright Law Firm is committed to collecting the necessary information to support your claim.

Always Demand Accountability!

Why bear the burden of paying medical bills from a slip and fall accident caused by someone else? If you’ve suffered an injury due to a slip and fall accident on someone’s public or commercial property, you may be entitled to compensation.

With the assistance of slip and fall accident attorneys, you can file a personal injury claim, gather evidence to prove the property owner's liability, and recover your losses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can a Slip & Fall Attorney Assist Me?

A slip and fall attorney can guide you through the complexities of personal injury law, particularly when navigating San Francisco's specific regulations. Our attorneys at The Cartwright Law Firm will help you understand your rights and local legal stipulations that may impact your case. With their adept negotiation skills, they aim to secure the best possible outcome based on your specific circumstances, identifying factors such as building codes, compliance failures, and other localized hazards that could strengthen your claim.

What Are Common Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents?

In San Francisco, several factors commonly contribute to slip and fall accidents. Uneven pavement, wet floors, inadequate lighting, and poor maintenance are prevalent issues in older buildings. The city's unique climate, including its fog and rain, often exacerbates these issues by creating slippery conditions. Property owners are expected to manage these risks effectively. Our in-depth understanding of these local environmental and structural challenges enables us to build robust cases that consider all potential contributing factors.

Who Can Be Held Accountable for a Slip & Fall?

Typically, accountability in slip and fall cases can extend to several parties. Property owners, managers, and even maintenance companies can share liability if they fail to maintain safe conditions. In San Francisco, businesses must adhere to municipal safety codes and zoning laws, which, if violated, can have a material impact on a case. Our team at The Cartwright Law Firm closely examines these relationships, identifying all possible liable parties who may have contributed to your accident and exploring every avenue to ensure justice is served.

Contact Our San Francisco Slip and Fall Attorneys Today!

If you need a San Francisco slip and fall attorney and believe your injury is a case of premises liability, we can help you recover the damages to which you are entitled. Take control of your situation and get the justice you deserve! Contact The Cartwright Law Firm today! Our San Francisco slip and fall lawyers are dedicated to helping you recover financial damages to compensate for the physical and emotional damage you suffered.

For many years, we’ve served the communities of San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Palo Alto, and cities throughout California. Interested to know more? Get in touch with us! Here at The Cartwright Law Firm, your initial consultation is FREE! Schedule a case review by completing the form on our website today. For more urgent concerns, you can call us at (415) 851-6486 in San Francisco or (415) 851-6486 in the North Bay.

Contact us today to get started with our San Francisco slip and fall lawyers.