Can I still file a slip and fall claim in Temple City if I was partly to blame?
Yes, you can still pursue a slip and fall claim in Temple City even if you contributed to the incident. California uses a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault, but your claim is not barred entirely.
This rule, established by the California Supreme Court in the case of Li v. Yellow Cab Co., allows you to recover damages proportional to the other party's responsibility. If a jury finds you were 20% at fault for your slip and fall in Temple City, for instance, you would still be able to recover 80% of your total damages.
Where do I file a slip and fall lawsuit in Temple City?
You will generally file a personal injury case arising from a Temple City slip and fall in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. These cases are assigned to the judicial district where the incident happened, which for Temple City is the Northeast District.
Specifically, your case will be heard at the Pasadena Courthouse, located at 300 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101. Los Angeles County Superior Court Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order effective May 17, 2024, direct personal injury cases to the district's Personal Injury Hub department.
What kinds of cases does a Temple City slip and fall attorney handle?
A Temple City slip and fall attorney handles cases where someone is injured due to dangerous conditions on another person's property. This includes accidents in retail stores, restaurants, private homes, and public spaces throughout Temple City.
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain their premises safely and warn visitors of any known hazards. If they fail to do so, and you are injured because of that failure, you may have a claim. This covers situations like wet floors without warning signs, uneven pavement, poor lighting, loose handrails, or cluttered aisles.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit?
Most personal injury claims, including slip and fall incidents, must be filed within two years from the date of injury, according to California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. However, if your injury happened on property owned by a city, county, or other public agency in Temple City, you must present a written claim to that entity within six months of the injury date, under California Government Code § 911.2.
It is important to remember that these deadlines have specific exceptions. While the deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under CCP § 352, that pause does not apply to claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act.
California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm such as pain and suffering. What a claim is worth depends on the specific facts. We pursue the full compensation available under California law for our clients.
What should you do after a slip and fall in Temple City?
- Seek medical attention immediately. Your health is the priority. Get checked by paramedics or go to urgent care or the emergency room right after the fall, even if you feel fine at the moment. Some injuries may not be apparent immediately.
- Report the incident. Inform the property owner or manager about the fall and make sure they create an official incident report. Request a copy of this report for your records.
- Document the scene. If you can, take photos and videos of the exact location where you fell, showing what caused it (e.g., a spill, broken floor, poor lighting). Also, photograph your injuries.
- Gather contact information. Get names and contact details for any witnesses who saw your fall or noticed the dangerous condition.
- Keep detailed records. Save all medical bills, receipts for related expenses, and records of lost wages due to your injury.
- Avoid giving recorded statements. Do not provide a recorded statement to insurance companies without speaking to a personal injury attorney first.
- Contact a Temple City slip and fall attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights, evaluate your claim, and handle communication with insurance companies.
What working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involves
Working with Casa Legal Los Angeles means you have a team dedicated to your recovery after a slip and fall accident in Temple City. We investigate the incident, gather evidence, and handle all communications with insurance companies and other parties.
Our focus is on allowing you to concentrate on healing while we pursue fair compensation for your injuries. We represent people injured in slip and fall incidents across Los Angeles County, from Agoura Hills to Anaheim to Arcadia and Alhambra.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the property owner says it was my fault?
California's pure comparative negligence rule means your claim isn't automatically dismissed if you share some blame. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover for the portion that was the property owner's responsibility. For example, if your damages total $10,000 and you were found 30% at fault, you could still recover $7,000.
Can I sue the City of Temple City if I fell on public property?
Yes, you can sue the City of Temple City or any public entity if you fell due to a dangerous condition on their property. However, claims against public entities have a strict six-month deadline to present a written claim (Gov. Code § 911.2). This is a much shorter timeframe than the general two-year deadline for claims against private parties (CCP § 335.1), so acting quickly is important.
What damages can I claim after a slip and fall?
California law allows you to claim economic damages, which include medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses you incurred because of the injury. You can also claim non-economic damages, which cover your pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The specific amount depends on the unique facts of your accident.
Do I have to go to court for a slip and fall case?
Most slip and fall cases settle out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit and going to court may become necessary to secure the compensation you deserve. The Pasadena Courthouse is where your case would proceed if it goes to litigation.
A slip and fall injury can change your life in an instant. If you have been injured in Temple City, get legal help. Call Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529 for a consultation. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.