Any type of property is prone to accidents that can result in serious injuries. Accidents involving falls are especially common in apartment buildings and complexes. If you’ve had a trip and fall due to a hazardous condition at an apartment complex, you are likely to have questions about your rights and legal options.
The trip and fall attorneys of Normandie are here for you if raised carpeting at an apartment building caused you to have an accident. Whether you are a tenant in the building or someone that was visiting for social or business purposes, we can help you obtain compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
Contact our office and schedule a free case evaluation to learn more about the process of suing for a trip and fall due to negligence by a property owner.
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Injuries Caused by Loose or Raised Carpeting
Raised carpeting can be caused by many conditions, including wear and tear and failure to secure the carpet to the floor. Over time, the glue holding down the carpet to the floor or protective padding can dissolve and cause sections of the carpet to rise up. This can lead to uneven flooring and bunching, especially as people walk over the carpet and shift it around in different directions.
Uneven, loose, or raised carpeting can easily cause people to trip and end up with the following injuries:
- Deep cuts
- Sprained ankle
- Knee injuries (torn ligaments, fractured kneecap)
- Shoulder dislocation
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Neck and spinal cord injury
- Fractured coccyx (tailbone)
- Hip fracture
- Nerve damage
- Chronic pain
Can I Sue My Apartment Complex if I Tripped Over Raised Carpeting?
Yes, you can sue an apartment complex or condo association if you fell down from tripping over raised carpeting on the premises. This can happen in entryways, foyers, hallways, stairs, and various other parts of the property. Under the law of premises liability, owners have a legal duty to maintain the property and take care of hazards, like loose or uneven carpeting. If they are lax in their duty of care, anyone that’s injured has a right to sue and receive monetary compensation from an accident claim.
What if the building is owned by an individual? Can I sue my landlord if I tripped over raised carpeting?
Yes, you can sue private landlords as well, which is often the case with single apartment buildings as opposed to apartment complexes. Sometimes, there are multiple owners who manage the ownership and operation of the buildings, instead of relying on a property management firm. However, lawsuits against private owners of apartment buildings can be complicated, as landlord insurance is not required in the state of California. Of course, most owners do have coverage, which means you can file a claim directly with their insurance company.
If a landlord does not have insurance coverage for their building, the legal process can be quite complicated. Rest assured that our law firm has ample experience with these cases and knows what it takes to get you payment from an apartment building accident injury claim. For a free case review with a trip and fall lawyer in the Los Angeles area, contact us today.
Trip and Fall Accident Case Values
The total amount that can be recovered from a trip and fall lawsuit is based on the monetary damages you are entitled to. These are categories of payments for things like medical bills and missed wages while you are in recovery. Most victims also receive payment for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and mental anguish. On the lower end, case values typically range from $15,000 to $60,000. However, many of the clients we represent have fairly serious injuries that require surgery and long-term care. These cases are worth anywhere from $125,000 to $500,000 on average. If the injuries are severe and there are lifelong complications (disability, for example), settlements usually fall within the range of one to three million dollars.
Estimated Time to Settle a Fall Accident Injury Claim
Many of the claims that we handle are settled within 6 to 10 months, depending on the type of property and the number of parties that are involved. Generally, cases against leasing companies / property management firms take longer than those against private landlords. But this is not an absolute rule, and there’s no accurate way to predict how long it will take to reach a settlement. Our goal is to work out a payment amount through private negotiations with the insurance company, which we are able to do in most cases. If further action is needed, like taking your case to trial, the timeline to settle a trip and fall case may be two years or longer.
How Long Do I have to File a Lawsuit?
You have two years starting from the date of the accident to file a trip and fall injury case. Extensions are very difficult to obtain, so it’s important to file your lawsuit within the 2-year statute of limitations. To ensure that there is plenty of time to investigate your accident and prepare a strong and compelling lawsuit, contact our law firm as soon as possible.
Second Opinion from a Lawyer with Experience in Trip and Fall Incidents
Our attorneys are here for you if you need a second opinion on an existing apartment complex trip and fall accident claim. A second opinion can help you gain clarity on the laws and your available legal options. Or, you may want to explore the option of switching your lawyer if you’re unhappy with your current law firm. Regardless of the issue, we are here to offer advice and guidance, and let you make the decision that feels right to you. This is a free one-on-one consultation with an experienced trip and fall attorney, so don’t hesitate to call and schedule a free second opinion.
Contact Normandie Law Firm
Our legal team is ready to speak with you if you have been injured from tipping over raised carpeting in an apartment building or complex. During a free consultation, we will go over the steps we can take on your behalf if you had a trip and fall due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. If you decide to hire us, you can be sure that your claim is being handled by attorneys with decades of experience in lawsuits against apartment buildings and private landlords.
In addition, we have a Zero Fee Guarantee policy that allows you to hire us at no upfront cost. All of our bills are taken care of by the landlord or apartment complex as a part of the settlement process. Furthermore, you pay us absolutely nothing if we don’t win your case.
Normandie Law Firm is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us right away to discuss your case with a tripped over raised carpeting accident attorney.
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