Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

I fell in a store 2 days ago. There was a small, clear plastic hanger on the floor just around the other side of a rack I was about to go around. As I turned the corner, I stepped on it. It was like stepping on a piece of ice. I went down hard and hurt myself. The hanger was in direct view of the dressing rooms, so I don't understand how an employee wouldn't have seen it. As soon as I told the store manager about what happened, she got on the PA system telling all store employees to walk down every aisle to insure there were no hangers on the floor. Too late for me.

So, my question(s). I've been recently laid off, so am without insurance. I know I have to go to the doctor because I can't take the pain any longer and the difficulty walking now is really scaring me. I'm really worried that my issues won't resolve on their own. I'm a tough person, so it takes a lot to knock me down, but I really think I've suffered a few bad injuries. The store manager told me someone would call me the morning after the fall to see how I was. No one has called. I guess I'm not surprised. Should I contact them and let them know that I have to get checked by a doctor? Are they obligated to pay for it or am I on my own? Unfortunately, I can't afford to see a doctor so, if they aren't willing to pay, I guess I'll have to hope things get better over time.


Asked on 12/25/11, 10:24 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates

My firm handles cases like this all over the State of California. You can read about these cases here: www.slip-and-fall.net.

You may call me for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 x. 1.

Read more
Answered on 12/26/11, 8:43 am
Tony Carballo Carballo Law Offices

If you are in pain then you need to see a doctor immediately and worry about seeing a lawyer after you find out the nature of the injury. If a serious injury then next see a lawyer right away. Slip and fall cases are tough because the store will say that you were not watching where walking or the item on the floor was just dropped a minute before you stepped on it. That's why you need a lawyer but don't bother if the doctor finds an injury that will go away totally with a few pain pills in 6 weeks or less. You have 2 years to file a lawsuit but need a lawyer right away if the injury is serious.

Read more
Answered on 12/26/11, 8:54 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Personal Injury Law and Tort Law questions and answers in California