When you slip and fall in public, the best-case scenario is that you bruise your ego. Unfortunately, many will discover this is far from the truth. In reality, a slip and fall can cause the victim to endure injuries that can change their life. If you have fallen because of another party’s negligence, understanding how to recover compensation with the help of a slip & fall lawyer in Sacramento, California is critical. The following blog explores what you should know about the statute of limitations for these accidents.
What Injuries Can One Sustain After Slipping and Falling?
Unfortunately, a slip and fall can cause the victim to sustain several severe injuries. Generally, when a hazard on the ground causes someone walking to lose their footing or slip, trip, and fall, they are a victim of a personal injury. This can occur for several reasons, such as wet spots on the ground, debris left in walkways, unsafe flooring, or dangerous stairwells.
Though some slips and falls are relatively minor, maybe leaving the victim with a slight bruise on their tailbone or an aching back, other accidents can have severe impacts. As the victim of a slip and fall, you’ll find you can sustain the following injuries:
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Shoulder dislocation
If you sustain a slip and fall due to the negligence of another person, you should take the necessary steps to mitigate the damages. This includes immediately contacting emergency medical services for treatment, even if you feel okay. Because of the adrenaline, you may not know the extent of your injuries, and seeking immediate medical treatment can help mitigate damages while establishing medical care.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Slip and Fall?
When you sustain an injury, understanding your legal options is critical. If you choose to pursue compensation against the negligent party, it’s essential to know that you only have so long to take legal action. In California, this statute of limitations is two years. As such, you must pursue compensation within this period. If you do not, you relinquish your right to sue the negligent party. However, if you were injured on government property, such as a slip and fall in your local post office, this statute of limitations is shortened to six months. If this is the case, you must file a notice of claim within 180 days from your injury.
Slipping and falling may not seem like it can cause considerable harm, but this is far from the truth. In reality, you’ll discover that you can sustain intense pain and astronomical medical bills as the result of another party’s negligence. You shouldn’t suffer through this alone – the team at the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes is ready to assist you. Connect with our team today to learn more about this complex process and how we will fight for the compensation you deserve.