Workplace Slip and Fall Lawyer
If you slip and fall at work, you may suffer injuries that take you out of work temporarily, or you may suffer lifelong disability.
Workers' compensation is intended to reimburse injured workers for time off, medical expenses, and other costs associated with the injury.
With offices in Fresno and Salinas, CA, slip and fall lawyer Gilbert Fisher can help navigate the complexities of California's labor laws.
A Great Review From a Fresno Worker
"Mr. Fisher is an outstanding attorney. He helped close my case within less than a couple of months of retaining him. I’m truly impressed with his office and I highly recommend retaining him. You will not regret your decision." Adrian Gomez, 5-Star Google Review, 2023
California Workers’ Compensation Laws
We can help you take the right course of action
If you have suffered a slip and fall injury at work, you may not know how to proceed with your workers' comp claim. Or, if you have already filed, the insurance company may deny your claim or attempt to reduce your total payment. When it comes to your slip and fall case, Mr. Fisher can be your advocate and recommend the right course of action to ensure the best outcome.
Negligence Not Required
If you suffer an injury in a slip and fall accident at work, you have a right to workers’ compensation benefits. It is not necessary for us to show that the employer, property owner, or another party was negligent in order for you to receive damages; the injury itself is sufficient.
Included Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits typically include payment of medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and some compensation for lost wages during treatment and recovery.
Filing a Claim
To start a claim, you must file a “first report of injury” form with your employer. This includes specific information about the incident such as the date, time, and cause of injury. At our law firm's offices in Fresno and Salinas, we can help you file your claim so you have the best chance of obtaining fair compensation.
Seeking Medical Care
Your employer will provide you a list of approved physicians and you will select one as your primary treating physician. Your primary physician will evaluate you, and if necessary, refer you to a specialist. You can elect to instead see your own physician, but there is no guarantee of reimbursement and you could be responsible for expensive medical bills.
Slip and fall accidents in the workplace can require costly medical care. Our slip and fall lawyer can help you collect the compensation necessary to cover these expenses.
Pursuing a workers' comp claim is worth it. Our fall attorney charges nothing upfront and can pursue compensation to help you recover from your slip or fall.
What Does Workers'
Comp Cover?
- Medical bills
- Death benefits
- Disability benefits
- Return-to-work supplement
- Supplemental job displacement benefits
Seeking Maximum Compensation? Contact Our Law Firm
If you slip and fall at work, you deserve peace of mind in knowing that an attorney is fighting for maximum compensation. Our slip and fall accident lawyer can help you file a claim and hold your employer's workers' comp insurance company accountable for your restitution. We can also determine if another party, such as a machinery manufacturer, acted negligently and contributed to your injuries.
Contact us online today to ask a question or request a free case review with Gilbert Fisher. You can also schedule a consultation at our Fresno or Salinas offices by calling:
(559) 447-1210
A Fall Lawyer Fresno Trusts
"If you need a lawyer to believe in you no matter what is going on in your case Mr Fisher is for you. His staff is Awesome also great people and great hospitality." Renee Hernandez, 5-Star Google Review, 2023
Learn More About Mr. Fisher
Mr. Fisher has now spent nearly a decade exclusively handling workers' compensation claims. Before dedicating his career to helping injured workers, he practiced law on the insurance company side of these claims. This background allows him to anticipate the tactics insurance companies may use against you.
Our attorney's decision to focus on helping workers was sparked by personal tragedy. His father was a factory worker who was paralyzed and later passed away as the result of a workplace injury. This experience inspired Mr. Fisher to provide the best representation possible to workers and their families.
Mr. Fisher has had continued success over his more than two decades in practice. This allowed him to open a second office in Salinas. His dual locations are ideal for clients who need to appeal a claim, since both Fresno and Salinas have appeals board offices.
Let Our Injury Lawyer Do the Talking For You
Anything you say about your slip can be used against you to minimize compensation. Insurance company representatives often contact injured workers to try and obtain out-of-context statements. Meanwhile, even comments made to coworkers can harm your claim.
If you are contacted by an insurance company representative, remain polite and refuse any pressure from them. Tell them you would like no further contact and direct all future communication to your slip and fall lawyer, Gilbert Fisher.
If you stay silent and allow Fresno attorney Fisher to do the talking for you, you can avoid making statements that could harm your case. Call or send us a message to book your free consultation.
"I really can't express how great of an attorney Mr. Fisher is. From day one, I felt like they were there for me and fought hard for my case. I called them one day and the next day they were able to get me in. I met with Mr. Fisher on the day of my consultation (free). I was not passed from one person to the other. The staff was super professional and friendly. I've heard of horrible experiences of people with other attorneys and all I can say is that I was truly blessed. Thank you Mr. Fisher and his amazing team for all you did for me and my family. Forever grateful!!"
Karen Mavrikis
Types of Falls
Slips, Trips, and Falls at Work
Slip, trip, and fall accidents at work vary greatly depending on the type of fall that occurred, the cause of the fall, and the severity of injuries. These types of falls can affect any type of worker, whether you are employed in an office, grocery store, retail shop, school, or on a construction site.
Slippery Floors
Spilled liquids such as water, ice, grease, and other materials can pose a hazard. In addition, freshly mopped and polished floors can make the surface more slippery, placing workers at risk for falls. Dusty floors can also make workers more prone to slipping. Rainy or icy conditions are another circumstance that frequently increases the risk of workplace falls.
Loose Flooring and Faulty Stairs
Loose rugs, mats, or other flooring can cause employees to slip. Hitting your head on flooring can cause severe harm, such as a traumatic brain injury. Similarly, a stairway with uneven steps or a broken or missing handrail can easily lead to an on-the-job injury with devastating and debilitating consequences.
Poorly Lit Areas
Workers are more likely to fall if an area is poorly lit. This is especially true on stairways, steps, or ledges. With low lighting, employees can misjudge or fail to see the edge of a step or ledge, resulting in a fall.
Obstacles or Obstructions
Obstacles like exposed wires, cables, and other objects on the floor can cause an employee to trip. Fixed obstructions like low walls, curbs in parking lots, and more can also pose tripping hazards.
Falls from Great Heights
Falls from great heights like ladders, scaffolding, or areas lacking guardrails can cause catastrophic injuries. These types of injuries typically occur in the construction industry. They may result in long-term or permanent injuries, and our firm is ready to fight for the compensation you will need in order to overcome your losses.
Types of Injuries in Slip and Fall Cases
Most often, these accidents result in soft tissue injuries such as sprained ligaments, tendons, and muscles. However, some workers suffer more serious and long-lasting injuries such as brain injuries, fractures, and amputations. Getting in touch with a workplace slip and fall lawyer in Fresno or Salinas can help you learn more about your short- and long-term legal options.
How We Can Help With Workplace Slip and Fall Accidents Mr. Fisher Provides Personalized Representation
Our work injury lawyer has intentionally kept his firm small so he can better serve Fresno and Salinas clients. Unlike big firms, when you walk through the doors of our law office you can expect to immediately meet with the attorney handling your case.
Slip and fall accidents are very common, and Mr. Fisher has handled a wide spectrum of fall cases. In this short video, our attorney discusses the distinguishing characteristics of these cases.
Talk To a Workplace Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Mr. Fisher is here to help you
If you have been injured on the job, you need a fall lawyer who can protect your best interests. Attorney Gilbert E. Fisher can review the details of your slip, trip, or fall accident, helping you work within the statute of limitations that applies to your case.
Don't let important deadlines pass you by. To find out if you have a case, and to take the first step towards getting the compensation you deserve, contact our firm for your free consultation.
(559) 447-1210
The Clock Is Ticking Missing a deadline could destroy your case
California state law enforces various deadlines that must be followed when pursuing workers’ compensation and any lawsuit. Whether you suffered a simple sprain or a serious brain injury as a result of dangerous conditions, missing these deadlines could mean that you never receive the compensation you deserve.
Workers' Comp
When it comes to workers' compensation claims, you have 30 days from the time of your fall accident to notify your employer in writing about what happened. The statute of limitations for filing your workers' compensation lawsuit gives you one year from the day of your fall accident.
Personal Injury
When it comes to filing a personal injury, premises liability, or wrongful death lawsuit, California’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of your slip and fall accident to bring action against a property owner or other party.
Rare Extensions
Extensions are not common, but a statute of limitations could be extended if the injured person did not realize their slip and fall was caused by another person, if the injured person was a minor and could not file a lawsuit, or if the liable party left California before the lawsuit could be filed.
If Your Employer Is Uninsured They Still Have to Pay
Despite the fact that maintaining workers' compensation insurance is mandatory under California law, some companies fail to comply. This is a criminal offense that does not let a negligent employer off the hook.
Your employer must pay for your work-related injury or illness even if they do not maintain workers' compensation insurance. In situations such as these, you can file both a workers' compensation claim and a civil lawsuit against your employer. Mr. Fisher can explain how this seemingly complicated situation works and help you obtain compensation.
Mr. Fisher Will Help You Decide
Determining which type of claim to file is largely dependent upon who was responsible for your slip and fall. For example, if you slipped and fell on a property to which you were making a delivery, you could have grounds for a personal injury case against the property owner. Gilbert Fischer will analyze the facts of your case to help you take the best course of action. Message our attorney or reach us by phone.
What If I'm an Independent Contractor?
Some injured workers in Fresno and Salinas believe they have no right to a workers' comp claim because they are independent contractors. The truth is that this classification is sometimes misused by employers to protect their bottom line. But the courts have the power to designate you as an actual employee who is entitled to workers' comp benefits.
There are many factors that we can use to argue that you were an employee when you suffered your slip and fall accident. For example, you may be considered an employee if the person paying you for work was setting your schedule, providing an hourly wage, was able to fire you, or had control over your work.
The Same Applies to Part-Time and Seasonal Workers
Far too often, part-time workers and seasonal workers do not pursue workers' comp claims because they believe they are not afforded the same level of protections that full-time employees enjoy. This is a misconception that only leads to more unnecessary worker suffering.
In many cases, part-time or temporary workers can indeed file successful workers' comp claims and receive robust benefits. This can be especially important to know for individuals throughout the Central Valley, as a significant amount of the farming that occurs here is performed by temporary laborers.
To find out if you or your loved one is eligible to receive workers' comp compensation, reach out to my Fresno or Salinas law office.
Many People Benefit From Workers' Comp
According to data compiled by California's Workers' Compensation Information System, Fresno County saw 19,368 different First Reports of Injury claims in 2022. This worked out to almost a 5% rate of injury to employees.
What Are Supplements For Job Displacement and Return-to-Work?
Mr. Fisher and his team are here to make each step of the workers' comp process as clear as possible. Confusing terms can make what should be a simple process feel overwhelming. Here is some key information about what these supplements can do for you:
- Job Displacement
- Supplemental job displacement is a workers' comp benefit provided to workers who a) have a permanent partial disability caused by their workplace injury b) have not been offered different work by their employer. This benefit covers skill enhancement or educational retraining that allows the injured worker to obtain a new position that they can handle despite their disability.
- Return-to-Work
- If you have received your supplemental job displacement voucher, you are likely eligible for a return-to-work supplement. The return-to-work supplement is typically a one-time $5,000 payment that is given to workers who have suffered an exceptional loss of income as a result of their slip and fall or other workplace injury.
We Can Handle Your Appeal
Sometimes, workers' comp claims administrators wrongfully deny slip and fall accident claims. Denied workers often feel stranded. They may think they need to start their claim all over from scratch. Others even give up on receiving compensation altogether. But it's important to know that you can appeal a denied claim.
Mr. Gilbert Fisher is a fall lawyer who has handled many workers' comp appeals since 2014. If you have been wrongfully rejected by the system and need help obtaining the compensation you deserve, our personal injury professional is ready to provide the guidance and advocacy you need.
To begin the appeals process, reach out to us. We have offices near the appeals boards in both Fresno and Salinas.
(559) 447-1210
Should I Pursue a Personal Injury, Premises Liability, or Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
If injured workers decide to pursue a personal injury, premises liability, or wrongful death lawsuit, a trip and fall attorney will need to establish third-party negligence. It is important to note that you may not be eligible to claim workers' comp benefits if you pursue these types of lawsuits.
If you feel that the negligence of a property owner, co-worker, third-party company, or another party caused injuries resulting in lifelong disabilities, a compromised ability to work, and a reduced quality of life, an injury lawsuit may be the best option. While these types of lawsuits require the plaintiff to prove negligence on the part of the property owner or other liable party, in certain cases, they offer the best chance to recover full compensation for work injuries and lifelong disabilities. We have offices in Fresno and Salinas where Mr. Fisher can review the details of your injury and determine which option is most appropriate in your case.
Injured Workers Recommend Us
"Gilbert Fisher attended and helped me a few years ago, he is a very efficient and humanitarian person, he does everything possible to help you a lot, his secretary Gloria, I thank you very much for everything." Mayra Chavez, 5-Star Google Review, 2023
You Can Help Yourself After a Fall Injury
Oftentimes, when clients call our Fresno fall attorney they feel somewhat powerless as a result of their physical pain and inability to work to earn money. You should know that there are various actions you can take to heighten your chances of success and help our workplace personal injury lawyer secure the compensation you need.
Get Medical Attention
Filing a slip and fall claim but failing to seek medical attention can be construed as evidence that you were never truly injured. Furthermore, getting medical attention now may help a doctor identify slow-developing physical issues you are not currently aware of. As an added incentive for seeing your doctor, these appointments generate key medical records that may be necessary in certain types of claims.
Remain Silent
Speaking about your slip and fall to anyone is not wise. A seemingly innocent comment to a coworker can make its way back to your boss and be taken out of context, twisted into evidence that you are embellishing your harm. The wisest thing you can do is let our Fresno lawyer handle all communication as you say nothing about your claim. Mr. Fisher's knowledge of premises liability and slip and falls allows him to avoid making mistakes.
Save All Evidence
In some cases, an employer's insurance company will argue that the alleged slip and fall never occurred. If you have any hard evidence demonstrating the dangerous conditions that led to your slip and fall, you need to make sure this evidence is safe and secure. Duplicate any photos or videos on multiple digital devices and email copies to yourself so everything we need is always accessible.
