Defending Clients Against Corporations
Businesses often prioritize profits over safety, creating risk for customers, patrons, and employees. Whether it’s a spill that isn’t cleaned up quickly, lack of safety training for employees, or a broken handrail, ignoring safety needs can lead to accidents and injuries. When commercial accidents occur in Bakersfield, they tend to cause serious injury due to the industries in the area. No one should face physical and financial burdens due to the negligent practices of a business. Contact the Bakersfield commercial injury attorneys at BD&J today to get justice and compensation after an accident.
Commercial Injury 101
Commercial injuries happen when interacting with a business or commercial entity and are caused by negligence or misconduct. You may be shopping in a store, driving by a commercial vehicle, using a commercial product, or on the job when you suffer a commercial injury. Businesses owe a duty of care to clients, vendors, contractors, and more. When this duty is breached, causing unsafe conditions, and someone is injured they have a right to hold the business accountable for their mistakes.
In Bakersfield most of the commercial accidents that happen are workplace accidents in the agriculture and energy industries. These are often slips and falls, machine-related accidents, and exposure to hazardous substances. Since Bakersfield is along a major trade route, commercial vehicle accidents with semi-trucks are also common in the area. If you or a loved one find yourself injured because of the negligence of a business, contact the Bakersfield commercial injury lawyers at BD&J for a free case evaluation today!
Common Commercial Injuries Suffered in Bakersfield
Victims can suffer a wide variety of injuries that range in severity. The most common commercial injuries BD&J lawyers have handled in Bakersfield include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Bone fracture
- Internal injuries
- Laceration
- Burns
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, or if you think you didn’t suffer any injuries, you should prioritize medical attention after a commercial accident. Shock and adrenaline can often mask injury symptoms. That’s why we recommend immediate medical evaluations as a precaution.
Determining Liability in a Commercial Accident
Ranging from businesses and property owners to employers or contractors, many people can be held responsible for a commercial injury, but – how do you know who is at fault for a commercial accident? Commercial injury lawyers in Bakersfield conduct careful investigations to identify the liable party. They look for evidence that shows the negligence or misconduct that led to the accident and the person or party responsible for the negligence. For example, in cases where injuries are caused by poor building or property maintenance, an investigation will determine if the responsibility falls on the property owner or manager.
Determining liability can be simple, but there are situations where proving negligence is challenging. Namely, commercial vehicle accidents often involve in-depth investigations to pinpoint which party is responsible and may even involve multiple liable parties. Alternatively, when a commercial injury is caused by a defective product, the business does not need to be found negligent. Instead, you must find evidence to prove that the product was defective or lacked proper warning labels and that this directly resulted in injury.
Call the BD&J commercial injury attorneys 24/7 to discuss your case!
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you have been injured due to the negligence of a business or one of their employees, you have a right to justice and compensation for the damages. A commercial injury lawyer can help you accurately assess the damages you can claim, but they will likely include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In cases that cause severe injury, like an accident on an oil & gas worksite, you will be eligible for more extensive compensation like in-home assistance or long-term care during recovery. To find out how much compensation you could receive for your injury schedule a free consultation with the Bakersfield commercial injury attorneys at BD&J.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m injured at a business or commercial property in Bakersfield?
If you are injured in a store or workplace, first seek medical attention and have your injury assessed and treated. When possible, document the scene of the accident and your injuries – take photos, notes, and witness information. Next, report the incident to the business and get in touch with a Bakersfield commercial injury lawyer before initiating your claim.
Do I need a lawyer for a commercial injury case?
Many clients find it beneficial to work with a commercial injury lawyer when they have been injured due to the negligence of a business or related party. When you pursue a claim against a business or their insurance company, they may deny or dispute your claim to minimize your payout and protect their profits. The Bakersfield commercial injury lawyers at BD&J are experienced in fighting for justice from large corporations and will not be intimidated by legal teams or insurers. Clients can often double or triple their compensation award by working with a commercial injury lawyer.
What do I do if the business or employer’s insurance company denies my claim?
When a claim is denied or disputed you have the option to file an internal appeal. An appeal procedure will be outlined in the denial letter from the insurers, so be sure to follow these instructions closely. Alternatively, you may benefit from working with a commercial injury lawyer who can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf or take the case to trial. It is important to collect evidence to support your claim for this reason – it is hard to deny or dispute irrefutable evidence like photos, videos, and witness statements.
What should I consider when choosing a commercial injury attorney?
The right lawyer for your case is one that not only has experience with similar cases but is also a good fit for you. Look for a lawyer’s case history online to get an idea of their experience working on commercial accident cases and standing up to corporate entities. It’s also a good idea to review client testimonials to understand a lawyer’s work style and general demeanor.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, the BD&J team of commercial injury attorneys in Bakersfield offer free consultations to give advice and answer questions at no cost, so clients can decide if they want to move forward with a claim. During a free consultation we will review the details of the case, discuss possible strategies, and estimate how much compensation you can receive. This first meeting is also an opportunity for clients to assess lawyers, so be prepared to ask questions to find out if you want to pursue a case with our team.
Holding Businesses Accountable for Negligence
For over 20 years BD&J has fought for the rights of victims against businesses to ensure no one is silenced by corporate interests. In this time, and through winning more than $2 billion* to compensate clients, we have earned a reputation as one of the toughest law firms in California. That’s because we are dedicated to bringing in maximum compensation for clients to help with a smooth recovery. If you are struggling after a commercial injury, reach out to the BD&J team and get the compensation you deserve.