What to Do If You Are Injured on Someone Else’s Property in California

 Posted on January 20, 2021 in Personal Injury

Injuries can happen anywhere. Sometimes, they are simply accidents with no real traceable cause. However, a defective staircase, cracked sidewalk, falling object, wet or sticky floor, lack of security, or improper restraint of an animal is, most often, a case of premises liability. 

What you do in the days, weeks, and even months after such an incident can determine whether or not you receive fair compensation for any injuries you may have sustained. The following steps will guide you, regardless of whether the incident occurred at another person’s home, a government-owned property, public place, or business.

#1 –  File a Report

If you suffer a personal injury while on a homeowner’s property, or if the incident involved an attack, you should file a police report. If, however, you were injured while at a store, government establishment, or place of business, you should speak with the manager or a member of security and request an incident report as soon as possible. Fill it out to the best of your abilities, and always request a copy before leaving the premises. This is an important, but often forgotten piece of evidence by many people injured in premises liability cases.

#2 – Gather Evidence

The sooner you can gather evidence, the better. If you are not critically injured, do so before leaving the premises. This gives you the best chance of finding everything as it was when the incident happened. Evidence can include photographs of factors that may have contributed to the incident, photos of your injuries, statements from witnesses, and shoes or clothing worn at the time of the incident. Do not clean, wash, or alter any of these items in any way.

#3 – Seek Medical Attention

Even if you do not feel as though your injuries warrant medical attention, you should visit a healthcare facility to be examined. Sometimes, the extent of certain injuries is difficult to immediately detect, and without proper medical advice, you will be unable to discern the extent or long-term consequences of your injuries.

#4 – Keep Your Medical Records and Keep Track of Expenses

To help determine what fair compensation for your injuries may be, you will need to retain any medical records, as well as an accounting of any and all related expenses. You will also want to keep track of any lost wages, property damage, or out-of-pocket expenses for medication or medical equipment needed while healing from your injury.

#5 – Hire an Attorney

After an injury, victims are often approached by insurance companies about their injuries. Do not be fooled; these parties rarely, if ever, have your best interest in mind. They are there to minimize damage for the store, homeowner, government agency, or other establishments. They may ask questions, and they will almost certainly ask you to sign something. Before you concede to their requests, hire a skilled premises liability attorney to ensure you have someone looking out for your rights and interests.

Contact an Alameda County Injury Lawyer Today

Over the last 15 years, Attorney Cory Fuller has handled numerous premises liability cases, including slips, trips, falls, defective equipment, dog bites, and more. Dedicated to providing compassion and support to his clients, he can offer the kind of representation you deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Palo Alto premises liability attorney at Fuller Law Office, call 408-234-7563 today.

Source:

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1714.&lawCode=CIV