Daniel Petrov | December 2, 2024 | Personal Injury
A slip and fall accident can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving you with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages. If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property due to their negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. However, it’s crucial to act quickly. California law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims.
At Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers, our experienced accident attorneys understand the challenges you may face after a slip and fall accident. With years of experience helping injury victims throughout Southern California, our dedicated team can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Cases in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for slip and fall cases is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against the property owner or responsible party.
It’s important to note that if your slip and fall occurred on government property (like a public park or government building), the statute of limitations is significantly shorter – just six months.
Knowing the statute of limitations for a slip and fall injury in California is critical because if you fail to file your lawsuit within the specified timeframe, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.An attorney can help you understand the statute of limitations that applies to your specific case and ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and within the required deadlines.
Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations
While the two-year and six-month rules generally apply to most slip and fall accidents in California, some exceptions can extend the statute of limitations:
- Delayed Discovery: If you didn’t discover your injury immediately after the fall, the statute of limitations may begin when you reasonably should have discovered the injury. This often applies in cases where injuries develop or worsen over time.
- Minors: If the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations “tolls” or pauses until they turn 18.
- Defendant Leaves California: If the property owner or responsible party leaves California after the accident, the time they are out of state may not count towards the statute of limitations.
If you miss the statute of limitations deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, preventing you from recovering any compensation for your injuries. This is why it’s vital to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a slip and fall accident.
How Petrov Personal Injuries Lawyers Can Help
At Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers, we have a deep understanding of California’s premises liability laws and the statute of limitations. We can help you by:
- Investigating your case: We will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine liability and gather evidence to support your claim.
- Calculating your damages: We will assess your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: We will handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Filing your lawsuit: If necessary, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
Contact Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers To Start Your Claim
Suffering injuries from a slip and fall accident is hard enough. Don’t let the statute of limitations expire on your slip and fall claim. We will take care of the legal side while you focus on healing. Contact Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.