Can I still claim compensation if I slipped and fell in Commerce but was partly at fault?
Yes, you can still claim compensation even if you were partly at fault for a slip and fall in Commerce. California law uses a "pure comparative negligence" system.
This means a court will reduce the compensation you get by your percentage of fault, but your own fault does not prevent you from recovering anything at all.
Where do I file a slip and fall lawsuit in Commerce?
A personal injury lawsuit for an incident in Commerce is filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court. Specifically, cases are assigned to the Central District's Personal Injury Hub department.
You would generally file your case at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, located at 111 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. This is how Los Angeles County handles personal injury cases, as per LASC Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order effective May 17, 2024.
What types of slip and fall cases do we handle in Commerce?
We handle various slip and fall cases in Commerce, focusing on injuries caused by unsafe property conditions. Property owners, whether commercial or private, have a responsibility to keep their premises safe.
This includes incidents at businesses, sidewalks, or other locations where hazards like wet floors without warning signs, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or cluttered aisles lead to falls. Learn more about our approach to personal injury law throughout Los Angeles.
How long do you have to file a slip and fall claim in California?
Most California personal injury claims, including slip and falls, must be filed within two years of the injury (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, if your claim is against a city, county, or other public agency in Commerce, you must present a written claim within six months of the incident (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2).
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under CCP § 352, but § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act. What a claim is worth depends on the specific facts; California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm. For example, similar cases might arise in Anaheim or Agoura Hills.
What should you do after a slip and fall in Commerce?
- Report the Incident: Inform the property owner or manager immediately. Get their contact information and the names of any witnesses.
- Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the exact hazard that caused your fall, your injuries, and the surrounding area.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries may not be apparent right away. This creates a record of your injuries.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep the clothes and shoes you were wearing. Do not talk to insurance adjusters or sign anything without legal advice.
- Contact a Lawyer: Speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you understand your rights and protect your claim, especially if your injury happened in Commerce, or another part of Los Angeles County.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with us means we handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery. We investigate the incident, gather evidence, identify responsible parties, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
We build a strong case to pursue the full compensation available under California law for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Our team is familiar with the process for slip and fall cases across Los Angeles, from Arcadia to Alhambra.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't know who owns the property where I fell in Commerce?
Identifying the property owner is a critical first step in a slip and fall case. Your legal team will investigate property records and business licenses to determine who is responsible for the property's upkeep and liable for your injuries. This step is necessary to know who to pursue a claim against.
Can I still file a claim if my injury wasn't diagnosed until weeks after the fall?
Yes, you can still file a claim. Many injuries, especially those affecting the back, neck, or head, may not show full symptoms until days or weeks after an accident. What matters is that you seek medical attention promptly once symptoms appear and connect them to the fall. This delay can make a claim more complex, but it doesn't automatically bar it.
Does the six-month deadline for public entities apply to all slip and falls in Commerce?
The six-month deadline (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2) specifically applies when the property where you fell is owned or maintained by a public entity, such as the City of Commerce, Los Angeles County, or a state agency. If you fell on private property, the standard two-year deadline (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1) applies. Understanding the property ownership is key to meeting the correct deadline.
What if the property owner says I signed a waiver of liability?
Even if you signed a waiver, its enforceability can depend on many factors, including the specific language of the waiver, the nature of the activity, and public policy. California law often limits the effectiveness of waivers, especially when gross negligence or intentional harm is involved. An attorney can review the waiver and advise on its impact on your specific claim.
If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall in Commerce, contact Casa Legal Los Angeles today. Call us at 888-585-2529 for a free case review. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.