Riverside Trip and Fall Lawyer

An uneven sidewalk, broken stair, or poorly placed obstruction can cause a trip and serious injuries in a matter of seconds. A Riverside trip and fall lawyer at Hanson & Mouri can investigate why the hazard was present and pursue the parties responsible for your harm. Call (951) 688-0006 or contact us online⁠ for a free consultation.

Personal Attention From the Start of Your Claim

• We develop a case specific strategy based on the property condition, the available evidence, and the effect the injury has had on your life.

• We provide direct guidance so you understand the claims process, the defenses being raised, and the choices available at each stage.

• We handle personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

When is a Property Owner is Liable for a Trip and Fall in Riverside?

An owner, commercial tenant, property manager, maintenance provider, or contractor may be responsible for a trip and fall if that party created the hazard, knew about it, or had enough time to discover and correct it.

California Civil Code section 1714⁠ holds people responsible for injuries caused by a “want of ordinary care” in managing their property. This means failing to take the precautions a reasonably careful person would take under similar circumstances. For a trip and fall claim, that may include failing to:

• Inspect a walkway.

• Repair a known defect.

• Warn visitors about a dangerous condition that could not be corrected immediately.

A property owner may argue that the hazard was too small to require a repair or warning, but there are other factors to help prove your case. Poor lighting, shadows, nearby damage, heavy foot traffic, or the angle of approach can make even a small defect difficult to see.

What if the Fall Happened on Public Property?

Falls on public sidewalks or other government property involve additional rules. Under California Government Code section 835⁠, a public entity can be liable for a “dangerous condition” created by an employee or left unaddressed after the entity knew, or reasonably should have known, about the hazard in time to address it.

However, you generally have no longer “than six months” after to pursue a claim, as stated in Government Code section 911.2⁠. Whereas, most other trip and fall lawsuits must be filed “within two years” under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1⁠.

What Determines the Value of a Trip and Fall Claim?

Compensation depends on how the injury affects your health, ability to work, and daily life. A trip and fall claim may include:

• Medical expenses: The cost of emergency treatment, follow-up appointments, rehabilitation, medication, and any future care related to the injury.

• Lost income: Wages and other earnings lost while the injury prevents you from working.

• Reduced earning ability: Compensation for any limits on the type or amount of work you can perform in the future.

• Household assistance: The cost of help with cleaning, childcare, transportation, or other tasks you can no longer manage independently.

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, reduced mobility, and loss of enjoyment of life.

A Riverside trip and fall attorney can evaluate your losses and estimate your claim’s value.

What Evidence To Collect Before It Disappears, After the Fall?

The condition of the property can change quickly after a trip and fall, making quick evidence gathering critical. Clear photographs, video, measurements, and an accurate description of the conditions around the hazard can preserve what the area looked like at the time.

The property owner and insurer often control the maintenance history, contracts, surveillance footage, and other records needed to decide responsibility. A Riverside trip and fall lawyer can secure those materials, identify who is liable, and build your claim. They also handle settlement negotiations, which if they do not produce a fair result, your attorney can move the case into litigation.

Speak With a Riverside Trip and Fall Lawyer

Hanson & Mouri can evaluate the circumstances surrounding your fall and explain your legal options. Call (951) 688-0006 or contact us online⁠ to arrange a free consultation.