What You Need to Know If You Slip And Fell On A Bus In California
Compensation for Slip and Fall on a Bus Insight From the Best Bus Accident Lawyers
You must first determine who is at fault for your slip and fall. It could be:
- You. You may have tripped for various reasons. If you were intoxicated or under the influence, that can easily contribute to a slip and fall. Another scenario could be your shoe laces being untied and you tripping over them.
- Bus driver. They must make sure that the bus is always inspected before taking passengers to their desired locations. There should be no slippery floors in the bus. If there are, a warning sign must be displayed to notify passengers about the hazard. Additionally, regular maintenance is expected to be done. Failure to do so will result in bus operation issues. Passengers may endure slip and falls because of this.
- Another passenger. They could intentionally make you fall by lifting out their arm(s) or leg(s) for you trip over and fall. Another scenario could be passengers leaving their belongings in the middle of the walk through area.
Slip And Fall Injuries
Slip and fall injuries vary. They could be minor, moderate, or severe depending on the level of impact the individual had when they fell. Injuries include:
- Cuts,
- Bruises,
- Broken bones,
- Muscle strains,
- Spinal cord injury,
- Nerve injury.
- Head or neck injury, or
- Knee damage.
If your injuries were minor, it is still recommended for you to get medical advice from doctors on how to treat your wound. In some circumstances, the injury may become progressively worse as the days go by. However, there are some at-home treatments that will help you with your recovery.
If you suffered cuts after your fall, it is recommended that you stop the bleeding and clean your wound. Apply antibiotic cream and cover the injury with a bandage. Keep an eye out for potential infections that may occur. If you got bruised, you must ice it. Wrap the ice around a paper towel or washcloth and apply it directly to your skin for 10 minutes. If you suffered moderate or severe injuries, you must seek medical attention from a doctor. They will help you with your recovery process.
Available Damages
Accidents happen. If you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Below is a brief explanation of damages. Damages are a type of monetary award that is determined by a court of law to help compensate an aggrieved individual for any losses or injuries sustained as a result of someone’s negligence.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are intended to compensate a plaintiff for losses that a dollar amount can readily be attached to. Economic damages are calculated by determining the amount of out of pocket losses an aggrieved individual has or will expect to incur as a result of their injuries.
A few examples of economic losses include:
- Loss of Earning Capacity
- Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are essentially intended to cover losses that are thought of as subjective and will not necessarily cover out of pocket losses. Non-economic damages may include compensation for:
- Emotional Distress
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Other Non-Economic Damanges
Punitive Damages
The third type of damages a California court may award are known as punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended as punishment and are only awarded when a defendant’s behavior is especially harmful. Punitive damages are relatively rare and in fact are only incorporated in 5% of all verdicts.
Furthermore, there is no real set standard for calculating and awarding punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded at the court’s discretion and will vary depending on the specific circumstances of a case.
Limitations For Damages In California
For the most part, there is no real cap on compensatory damages following a personal injury claim. This means that courts are able to award any amount they feel is appropriate and reasonable.
However, the only exception is regarding medical malpractice cases. In these cases, the limit for pain and suffering and other non economic losses is $250,000.
Make sure that you have convincing evidence at hand when suing the individual at fault for your injury. Take pictures of the bus, your injury, and where you exactly fell. Get information from bystanders only if they agree to help you with your lawsuit. Having proper documentation of the incident along with your medical records will play a big factor in determining whether or not you will receive any of these damages.
West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here To Help
If you have been a victim of a slip and fall on the bus, West Coast Trial Lawyers has experienced personal injury attorneys that will help you get the justice you deserve. We will help you recover financial and emotional compensation for the losses you have suffered. This includes medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation with the attorneys at our firm. No fees are paid until your case is settled. Reach out to our legal team 24/7 by calling (213) 927-3700 or emailing [email protected]