Los Angeles Slip and Fall Lawyers Serving LA County

Get an attorney who can fight for the maximum compensation you deserve

Due to the temperate climate and abundance of things to do in Los Angeles, many residents walk, jog, play sports, shop, eat out, attend events, or swim in outdoor areas—all of which can be potentially hazardous for slips, trips, and falls. Slip and fall accidents happen regularly to unsuspecting pedestrians, shoppers, restaurant diners, and house guests, leading to serious injuries and unexpected expenses. Injured? Learn how to get cash now for your injury claim.

If you were hurt in a slip and fall incident in the San Fernando Valley, it's crucial to have a dedicated attorney on your side who understands how to handle these cases. Our experienced Los Angeles slip and fall accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.

The skilled slip and fall injury attorneys at Oaks Law Firm thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather necessary evidence, and advocate for your rights against negligent property owners and insurance companies. With offices in Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, and throughout California, we are here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve under the law.

Types of slip and fall claims we handle in the San Fernando Valley

According to the National Safety Council, falls are a leading cause of unintentional injury across the country, resulting in nearly 9 million visits to the emergency room each year. At Oaks Law Firm, we handle a wide range of slip and fall claims, addressing various hazardous conditions that can lead to serious injuries. Some common causes of slips and falls include:

• Slippery surfaces: Slips and falls often occur on wet surfaces, which can be caused by spills, standing water, or inadequate cleanup. These hazardous conditions are common in both indoor settings, such as grocery stores, and outdoor areas, like pool decks or walkways. Certain materials, such as stone surfaces, can become particularly slippery when wet.
• Defective shoes: Footwear with inadequate traction or design flaws can contribute to slip and fall accidents. Shoes that do not provide sufficient grip on certain surfaces can also increase the risk of falling.
• Hazardous areas: Poorly maintained or designed areas, such as broken stairs, uneven steps, damaged hand railings, and faulty ramps, can lead to falls. Outdoor and indoor walking surfaces that are uneven, such as cracked sidewalks or uneven pavement, pose significant risks.
• Pulled-up carpeting or floorboards: In both commercial and residential spaces, loose or raised carpeting and floorboards create tripping hazards. These defects can cause individuals to trip and fall, leading to injuries.
• Poor lighting: Insufficient lighting in areas such as hallways, stairwells, parking lots, and walkways can obscure hazards and increase the risk of falls. Poor lighting makes it difficult to see potential dangers, such as steps, obstacles, or wet areas, which can lead to accidents.
• Cluttered walkways: Items left in walkways, such as boxes, cords, or debris, can create obstacles that people may trip over. Property owners must ensure that pathways are clear and safe for use.

Call now! We are available 24/7 to assist you if you were hurt in a California slip and fall accident that wasn’t your fault. Be confident in your case with Oaks Law Firm on your side.

How much is a slip and fall case worth in California?

The value of a slip and fall case in California can vary significantly based on several factors, including the severity of the injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the impact on the victim's life. There is no standard settlement amount for these cases, as each situation is unique. However, several key elements typically influence the compensation you may receive, including:

1. Medical Expenses: One of the primary factors in determining the value of a slip and fall case is the cost of medical treatment. This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care required due to the injury. Documentation of all medical expenses is crucial in establishing the extent of your financial losses.
2. Lost Wages and Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes not only the income you've already lost but also any future earnings you may miss out on due to your inability to work. In cases of long-term or permanent disability, this can also include loss of earning capacity.
3. Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical pain and emotional distress you've experienced as a result of the accident. This is a more subjective element of damages and can vary widely depending on the severity and impact of the injuries.
4. Impact on Quality of Life: If the injury has significantly affected your ability to enjoy life or perform everyday activities, you may be entitled to additional compensation. This could include loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and other non-economic damages.
5. Liability and negligence: The clarity and strength of the evidence proving the property owner's liability can also affect the value of the case. If it is clear that the property owner was negligent in maintaining a safe environment, this can lead to a higher settlement or award.
6. Comparative negligence: California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that if the injured party is found to be partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for not paying attention, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%.

Elements of a slip and fall claim

To successfully pursue a slip and fall claim in California, certain legal elements must be established. These elements are crucial in proving that the property owner's negligence led to the accident and your injuries. Here are the key components of a slip and fall claim:

Duty of care

The first element involves establishing that the property owner or occupier had a legal duty of care to maintain a reasonably safe environment. This duty varies depending on the status of the visitor—invitee, licensee, or trespasser—but generally, property owners are expected to keep their premises free of hazards that could cause someone to slip and fall.

Breach of duty

Once the duty of care is established, you must show that the property owner breached this duty. This breach occurs when the owner fails to address, fix, or adequately warn about a dangerous condition that they knew or should have known existed. For example, if a store owner neglects to clean up a spill in a timely manner, they may be breaching their duty to provide a safe environment.

Causation

It is not enough to prove that a hazard existed; you must also demonstrate that this hazardous condition directly caused your slip and fall accident. This means showing that you slipped and fell due to the specific dangerous condition, such as a wet floor, uneven surface, or poor lighting, and that it was this condition that led to your injuries.

Actual damages

Finally, you must prove that the slip and fall accident resulted in actual damages. This includes documenting any physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses you have incurred as a result of slipping and falling. Additionally, you can claim non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress caused by the accident.

Notice

Another critical aspect is whether the property owner had notice of the hazardous condition. There are two types of notice: actual and constructive. Actual notice means the owner knew about the hazard, while constructive notice means the owner should have known about it through reasonable inspection. For instance, if a grocery store employee was aware of a spill but did not clean it up, the store could be liable if a customer slipped and fell due to the spill.

Contact a trusted Los Angeles slip and fall attorney today

Establishing fault in a slip and fall claim can be challenging, especially when dealing with uncooperative property owners or insurance companies. As such, it is crucial to collect evidence such as photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and medical records.

Consulting with a knowledgeable slip and fall attorney can help ensure that you meet all legal requirements to prove your claim. Oaks Law Firm is committed to advocating for your rights and helping you recover the compensation you deserve after slipping and falling on someone else's property.

To see how we can help with your potential legal case, contact us today for a free case evaluation. There are no obligations, and we offer a no fee guarantee to slip and fall clients. That means if we don’t win, you don’t pay.