LEGAL TERMS USED IN A SACRAMENTO SLIP AND FALL CLAIM

When you are injured in a fall, you are concerned with getting the medical care you need to heal from your injuries. As you recover, you begin to realize that you may have a claim against the property owner for your damages. Our Sacramento slip and fall attorneys can help you seek compensation for your injuries from the property owner.

As we discuss your slip and fall claim, we may use several legal terms that are new to you. Below are explanations of some of the common terms you may hear in a slip and fall case.

Slip and Fall Legal Terms

• Premises Liability — Premises liability law is the area of law that covers slip and fall claims. Property owners must take reasonable steps to ensure that a dangerous or hazardous condition does not remain on the property. If there is a dangerous condition, the owner should warn individuals of the potential for injury.
• Notice — To hold the property owner liable for damages, the owner must have had notice of the condition or should have known about the condition and did nothing to correct it.
• Dangerous Condition — A dangerous condition can be any condition that poses a threat of injury to others. Examples of dangerous conditions torn carpeting, loose stairs, inadequate lighting, holes, missing handrails, slick floors, uneven pavement, and spills.
• Causation — The dangerous condition must have been the proximate cause of your injury.
• Liability — To prove the owner is liable for your damages, you must prove a dangerous condition existed, the owner knew or should have known about the condition, the owner did nothing to correct the condition, the condition caused your fall, you were injured because of the fall, and you suffered damages.
• Economic Damages — Economic damages are your financial or out-of-pocket losses related to your injury. Examples of economic damages include the cost of medical care, loss of income, travel expenses, medications, and medical equipment.
• Non-Economic Damages — Non-economic damages are also referred to as “pain and suffering” damages. Common examples of pain and suffering damages include mental anguish, physical pain, emotional stress, loss of marital relations, and loss of enjoyment of life. Scarring, disfigurement, and disability are also compensable as non-economic damages.
• Plaintiff — The injury victim is referred to as the plaintiff in a premises liability lawsuit.
• Defendant — The property owner and other liable parties are referred to as defendants in a premises liability lawsuit.

There are many other terms that you may hear as your claim is proceeding through the steps toward settlement or a trial. Our legal team walks you through each step of the process to ensure you understand and are comfortable with each decision.

Call a Sacramento Slip and Fall Attorney

The Sacramento slip and fall attorneys of the Tiemann Law Firm can help you hold a negligent property owner liable for your damages. Because premises liability cases can be complex, we urge you to call our office as soon as you can to discuss your claim with an attorney.

Call (916) 999-9000 or visit our website to request a free legal consultation with a Sacramento premises liability attorney.  Our law firm serves clients in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills and other communities in the greater Sacramento area.