I slept and fell in a puddle of water at quest diagnostics and I stay on the second floor and I can barely get up there.
Asked in Oakland, CA on May 12, 2026 Last answered on September 6, 2026So was in quest diagnostics and going to get some blood work done and I walked in and slipped and fell in a puddle of water a nurse told me to stay down and she took pictures of me when I was on the floor so I have her as a witness and I stay on the second floor at a medical respite and I can no longer receive care there because I stay on the second floor and there's no first floor accommodations there. What can I do?
2 answers
Evidence:
Did you notice any surveillance/ security cameras nearby where you slipped? Having a witness is very important, but this witness appeared after the fact (at least that's what it looks like).
Insurance Claim:
Have you opened a claim with Quest and/or the property management for the building? Their insurance carrier will need to investigate the length of time that the liquid (assuming it's water) was there and whether there was a premise liability policy in place and/or whether it was followed.
Treatment:
What about treatment? Have you seen your primary care doctor? Have you made notes or documented your pain, mobility, disturbance to daily activities?
These are among the most important "First Things" you should be doing.
If you cannot safely reach your room or needed medical care, notify respite staff or its on-call supervisor immediately and use emergency services for an emergency. Put a written request to the respite program for an accessible placement or another reasonable modification or alternative that permits continued care, and keep its response. That disruption sounds especially difficult. Depending on the operator, disability-access laws may require reasonable modifications unless this would fundamentally alter the program. For the fall, a California business must use ordinary care. A puddle alone does not establish responsibility: evidence ordinarily must show that Quest created it, knew of it, or reasonably should have found and corrected it, and that it caused compensable harm. The nurse’s identity and photographs may be important. Promptly preserve names, date and time, footwear, condition and location of the water, photos, medical and respite records, bills, and all communications. Ask in writing that Quest preserve surveillance footage, photographs, and any incident report. A negligence lawsuit is generally due within two years of injury. If a public entity may be involved, a government claim normally must be presented within six months, so do not assume the two-year period applies. Deadlines and exceptions can be fact-specific.
Don't see what you are looking for? Ask a Super Lawyers Selectee - it's free!
Submit a question and get answers for free from a Super Lawyers Selectee.
Ask a questionThe information contained in this web site is intended to convey general information. It should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. It is not an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship.