Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

Slip and fall accidents have the potential to result in major injuries or even fatalities. Suffering injuries in a slip and fall accident due to someone else’s negligence, such as a property owner, is grounds for an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.

At Vaziri Law, LLP, our slip and fall accident lawyers in Los Angeles have over 200 years of combined experience handling premises liability cases. We dedicate significant time, resources, and individualized attention to each case, setting the firm apart from others.

This commitment has led to referrals from prominent law firms, especially for premises liability cases. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers are ready to assist you, starting with a free consultation. Call us today.

Why Choose Vaziri Law, LLP as Your Los Angeles Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer?

Our firm has been representing injured individuals since 2006, bringing over 200 years of combined legal experience to our cases. Our team has recovered more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients.

While these results reflect our commitment to achieving meaningful outcomes, we want to emphasize that past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Experience With High-Stakes Premises Liability Cases

Our approach is different from high-volume practices. We intentionally limit the number of cases we take on so that we can focus on providing exceptional service, thorough preparation, and personalized attention to every client. This commitment to quality has earned us referrals from some of the largest law firms, especially in premises liability cases.

Convenience and Client-Centered Legal Care

We also make the legal process as straightforward as possible. Our team offers remote consultations via Zoom and uses e-signatures for case documents, making it easier for you to get started and stay updated.

Our No Fee Until We Win Policy

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay any legal fees until we win your case. Additionally, we maintain strong relationships with physicians, helping our clients access quality medical care and arrange settlement liens to ease financial burdens during their recovery.

Our Los Angeles Slip and Fall Lawyer Explains Slip and Fall Liability in California

There can be several different reasons why a slip and fall accident might happen. The most common types of incidents that lead to premises liability in Los Angeles, California, include:

• Spills on the floor that could pose a slipping hazard
• Torn, damaged, or loose carpeting
• Uneven flooring
• Broken stairs or handrails
• Uncovered cables or wires
• Inadequate lighting
• Debris in stairways, aisles, or other common areas

Our team of slip and fall accident attorneys in Los Angeles works to show how the defendant was responsible for your injuries.

Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident in California?

Property owners, managers, and other parties have a duty of care under California law to keep their premises free of hazards that could cause slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents. This duty of care applies to individuals or entities that own, lease, occupy, or control property. 

In addition, insurance companies or corporations may also be held liable for damages, depending on the location of your accident and the circumstances of your case.

Often, more than one party can be held liable. For example, if you suffered a slip and fall accident in a supermarket, the property owner, manager, and the company that owns the supermarket franchise or chain can be held financially responsible for your injuries, damages, and losses.

What Elements Need to Be Proven in a Slip and Fall Case?

Under California law, to recover damages in a slip and fall case, certain elements must be established:

• That the defendant owned, rented out, occupied, or controlled the property where the dangerous condition existed
• The defendant was negligent (careless) about the use and/or maintenance of the property
• You, the plaintiff, were injured as a result of a slip and fall or trip and fall accident on the property
• The defendant’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing your fall and resulting injuries
• You suffered monetary damages as a result of the incident

Our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys take care of obtaining and compiling the evidence you need for your slip and fall case.

Our Case Results for Slip and Fall Accidents and Premises Liability Claims

We are proud to have secured significant settlements and verdicts for our clients, helping them recover the financial resources they need after life-changing incidents. Below are some of our notable case results:

$5,000,000 Settlement for a Slip and Fall at a Restaurant

Our personal injury team negotiated a $5,000,000 settlement for a client who suffered catastrophic injuries after slipping on spilled food at a well-known restaurant in February 2022. The restaurant had failed to maintain safe conditions for its patrons, resulting in severe injuries.

The outcome of this slip and fall accident in a famous restaurant stands as a powerful example of holding negligent businesses accountable.

$5,000,000 Settlement for a Trip and Fall on Defective Stairs

We secured a $5,000,000 settlement for a client who sustained a life-altering traumatic brain injury (TBI) in March 2019. The injury occurred due to defective stairs that the property owner failed to maintain. The settlement represented the full insurance policy limits available, providing financial support for our client’s ongoing care and rehabilitation.

$4,110,000 Settlement for a Premises Liability Incident

In August 2022, Vaziri Law, LLP achieved a $4,110,000 settlement for a premises liability accident. Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after being struck on the head by a plank dropped from three stories above. The incident left our client with life-changing injuries, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.

$3,100,000 Verdict for a Trip and Fall at a Shopping Mall

Vaziri Law, LLP, attorney David Shay co-tried a case that resulted in a $3,100,000 verdict against a major shopping mall company. This groundbreaking verdict was the largest trip and fall award in the state that year, setting a precedent for accountability in premises liability cases.

Policy Limits Settlement for a Hotel Slip and Fall Injury

Our client was severely injured after slipping and falling off an incline inside a hotel, which was not visible to guests. She sustained fractures to both wrists, facial lacerations, and required cervical spine fusion surgery.

Our firm secured a settlement for the full policy limits available, helping her cover the costs of her treatment and recovery.

What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?

Prioritizing your actions after suffering injuries can aid your physical recovery. Certain actions can also help your personal injury attorney when gathering evidence and building your claim.

Take the following steps after your slip and fall incident:

• Check for injuries: Immediately assess yourself for injuries, and be cautious when standing if you feel pain or dizziness. Stay still if you’re severely injured, and ask someone nearby for help.
• Report the incident: Notify the property owner, manager, or staff right away so that they can record the incident. They must make an official note of the accident.
• Document the scene: Take pictures or videos of the exact location where you fell, including any conditions that contributed to the accident, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting.
• Collect witness information: If there were any witnesses to your fall, get their names and contact details. Witness statements can support your account of the incident.
• Seek medical attention: Visit a healthcare provider for a thorough examination, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries might not show immediate symptoms. Your medical records also serve as evidence of your injuries and losses.
• Preserve your footwear and clothing: Keep the shoes and clothing you wore during the accident in the same condition they were right after the fall. They might be used as evidence in your case.
• Consult with a slip and fall injury lawyer: Contact an experienced slip-and-fall lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights to compensation.

Common Slip and Fall Accident Injuries

Our slip and fall injury attorneys in Los Angeles have seen premises liability cases involve the following injuries:

• Broken bones: Fractures are very common in slip and fall accidents, especially hip, wrist, and ankle fractures. These injuries can require surgery and lengthy periods of immobilization.
• Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can occur if a person hits their head during a fall. These can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Our traumatic brain injury lawyer in Los Angeles works with medical experts to demonstrate the extent of your damages.
• Paralysis: A fall can damage the spinal cord, leading to temporary or permanent paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury.
• Cuts and abrasions: Sharp objects or rough surfaces can cause cuts and abrasions during a fall. These injuries might require stitches and can lead to infection if not properly treated.
• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains and strains of muscles and ligaments are common and may not be immediately apparent. They can result in prolonged pain and mobility issues.
• Dislocations: Joints like shoulders, hips, and knees can be dislocated when falling awkwardly. These injuries require immediate medical treatment and can lead to chronic instability.
• Nerve damage: A slip and fall can cause nerve damage, leading to chronic pain, numbness, or tingling. This type of injury can be particularly debilitating.

These injuries can lead to a lifetime of costly medical expenses. Our personal injury attorneys are here to explore your legal options for meaningful recovery.

When Is a Defendant Considered ‘Negligent’ in a Slip and Fall Accident?

A defendant is considered negligent in the use and maintenance of their property when:

• A condition on the premises created an unreasonable risk of injury or harm.
• The defendant knew or should have known about the dangerous condition of their property.
• The defendant failed to fix the problem or give a proper warning about the hazardous condition.

A good example of negligence is when a business, such as a grocery store, fails to post a “wet floor” sign when the floors have been mopped and are slick, posing a dangerous situation for customers.

Potential Damages in a California Slip and Fall Injury Claim

Our firm is well-regarded by peer attorneys and medical professionals for preparedness in trial and delivering strong results in high-value cases. Our Los Angeles slip and fall attorneys can negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement, but we remain ready to represent you in court.

Plaintiffs in a slip and fall case may recover compensatory damages that result from the defendant’s negligence, including:

• Medical expenses include emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, medical equipment, and ongoing medical bills
• Lost income and lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working or earning your pre-injury income
• Property damage if your personal effects were damaged in the fall
• Pain and suffering for the physical pain and emotional suffering as a result of the incident

Our slip and fall attorneys work to recover the compensation you deserve. We can assign a value to non-economic damages. Economic damages, such as lost wages and medical bills, are easier to quantify by using documents such as pay stubs and hospital bills.

Our Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers provide compassionate representation for families seeking justice.

Statute of Limitations for a California Slip and Fall Lawsuit

Under California law, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit is typically two years from the incident date, per California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. However, in some cases, the deadline may be tolled or suspended, for example, when a plaintiff is a child under 18.

If your lawsuit is against a governmental entity, the statute of limitations for such a claim is six months (180 days) after the incident. Our experienced Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer can help you better understand deadlines in California, which could vary depending on the facts and circumstances of your case.

FAQs in Slip and Fall Cases

Can I Sue if I Slip and Fall on Public Property?

Yes, you can sue if you slip and fall on public property, but you must prove that the entity responsible for the premises was negligent. This often involves showing that they knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to address it.

We need to prove that they are responsible for your injuries sustained. Personal injury lawsuits involving public property are subject to strict deadlines. In California, you must file a government claim within six months of the incident to preserve your right to sue.

Missing this deadline could prevent you from pursuing compensation, so it’s important to act quickly. Contact us to discuss your case today.

What Should I Do if the Property Owner Blames Me for the Fall?

Do not admit fault even if the property owner blames you. Your attorney can help determine all contributing factors and the actual liability in your case, which might include shared responsibility.

What if I Didn’t Notice the Hazard That Caused My Fall?

Not noticing the hazard does not automatically prevent you from claiming damages. Your lawyer will need to establish that the property owner should have addressed the hazard before the accident occurred.

Can I Recover Damages if I Was Partially at Fault for the Slip and Fall?

Yes, you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault since California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Under this law, your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your total damages will be reduced by 20%.

This means you can still pursue a claim, even if the property owner argues you share responsibility for the fall.

Contact Our Los Angeles Slip and Fall Lawyer To Schedule a Free Case Consultation

Suffering injuries in a preventable slip and fall accident on someone else’s property can have life-altering consequences. You deserve to hold a negligent property owner, manager, or other liable parties accountable. 

The experienced Los Angeles premises liability lawyers at Vaziri Law, LLP can advocate for you, communicate with insurance companies, and seek the recovery you deserve.

Call us to take advantage of a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.