At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, our Los Angeles slip and fall lawyers are here to stand up for your rights. If you believe negligence played a role in your accident, we’re committed to pursuing a settlement that truly addresses your needs.
With millions recovered for clients across California, our firm’s results speak to our commitment to “Putting our clients first. Always!” If you’re looking to hold a business or property owner accountable, we’re ready to fight for you.
Reach out to our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers for a free consultation today. Let’s discuss your case and explore how we can help you move forward.
What Is a Slip or Trip and Fall Accident?
Slip and trip accidents are a type of premises liability claim, falling under the broader category of personal injury. Our lawyers know these incidents often happen when someone slips on a slick surface or trips over an obstacle, resulting in injuries on someone else’s property.
These accidents frequently stem from a dangerous condition that property owners failed to address. When hazards are left unattended, they can lead to serious harm and liability for the owner.
Property owners generally have insurance for such accidents, but proving negligence is essential for securing compensation. If you’ve been injured, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury case. Let us help you hold the responsible party accountable and explore your legal options.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents often occur when a person loses their footing due to a hazardous condition. These accidents can be caused by a range of factors and unsafe conditions, such as:
- Slippery or wet floors
- Uneven surfaces or walkways
- Loose or broken handrails
- Poorly maintained stairs or ladders
- Bulging carpets or cluttered areas
- Slippery sidewalks during bad weather
Certain individuals, especially older adults, may face a higher risk of falls due to reduced strength, balance, or mobility. The Center for Disease Control (CDC)’s facts about falls show that 300,000 elderly people are treated for hip fractures each year, most caused by falls.
Sadly, many of these accidents could have been avoided. When property owners fail to address hazards, their negligence may lead to serious harm.
Common Places for Slip and Fall Accidents
Victims of slip and fall accidents can get hurt almost anywhere, from workplaces to sidewalks. However, these incidents often happen more frequently on commercial properties. Public property and areas like grocery stores are also common sites where people may suffer a fall.
Here are some locations where slip and trip accidents most commonly occur:
- Grocery stores and markets
- Gas stations and convenience stores
- Public property, including sidewalks and parks
- Commercial office buildings and retail stores
- Hotels, apartment complexes, and parking garages
- Restaurants, gyms, and movie theaters
- Tourist attractions and amusement parks
Whether in a busy store or a local park, hazards can arise in many places. Staying alert can help reduce risks, but property owners also have a responsibility to keep these areas safe.
If you’ve been hurt in any of these locations, a Los Angeles slip and fall attorney can help you understand your legal options. We’re here to support accident victims in seeking justice and holding property owners accountable.
Common Injuries From Slip and Fall Accidents in Los Angeles
Slip and fall accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, ranging from minor injuries like cuts and bruises to more serious conditions that can change an injured person’s life.
Some common outcomes include:
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruising
- Sprains, dislocations, and joint injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries or damage to the neck
- Internal injuries, such as organ damage or bleeding
Even if a slip or trip initially seems harmless, injuries may not be immediately noticeable. Conditions like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries can take time to manifest.
An injured person should seek prompt medical attention after a fall, even for what seem like minor injuries. Only a healthcare professional can fully assess the impact and catch any underlying issues.
Building and Proving Your Case
Before filing a slip and fall lawsuit, it’s essential to establish two key points: Was there a dangerous condition present? Could a reasonable person have foreseen the risk?
After addressing these, you’ll need to demonstrate the absence of three elements—duty of care, negligence, and responsibility—to build your case.
Duty of Care
This refers to the obligation to maintain a safe condition. If you were invited onto the property, the property owner owes you a higher duty of care.
For commercial properties like grocery stores, restaurants, or public spaces, owners must keep the environment safe for visitors. However, this duty does not apply to trespassers.
Negligence
Once a duty of care is established, it’s necessary to show whether it was neglected. If the property owner failed to maintain a safe condition, resulting in your injuries, it may be considered negligence.
For instance, if you fell on a wet floor without any warning signs, this could indicate negligence.
Responsibility
Identifying who is responsible for the accident is crucial. It may involve an individual or institution that did not fulfill their duty of care, leading to the hazardous situation.
A Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer can help you determine liability and pursue financial compensation for your injuries.
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Can I Sue a Government Entity for a Slip and Fall?
Yes, you can pursue a lawsuit against a government entity in Southern California if your fall was due to negligence by a state, city, or local government employee. For instance, if you tripped on a broken sidewalk owned by a city or county, you have the right to seek damages.
When filing a claim against government agencies, special rules apply. California law requires you to submit a formal notice of your claim within six months of the accident. If your claim is denied, you then have another six months to file a lawsuit.
You must act quickly to meet these deadlines and protect your rights. Our firm can guide you through the process and help make sure all paperwork is filed correctly.
When to Contact a Los Angeles Slip and Fall Lawyer
Filing a personal injury claim after a fall lets you seek damages for your losses. To proceed, you must show evidence that a landowner or third party is responsible.
Moreover, you have an obligation to bring your claim forward before your statute of limitations expires. Cal. Civ. Code § 335.1, California’s statute of limitations, gives you no more than two years to gather all of the data you need to make your case.
If you want to make the most out of that two-year period, we encourage you to contact an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer. Our team of lawyers will gather data and compile it into a claim while you prioritize your health and career.
What to Know About Filing a Slip and Fall Insurance Claim
Most property owners have insurance coverage, which may be enough to support an injured party after an accident on their premises. Should you file an insurance claim after a slip and fall? You can, but it’s important to approach the legal process with caution.
Insurance companies aim to protect their own interests, not yours. Their adjusters often seek to minimize payouts and may not prioritize your well-being.
To avoid being taken advantage of, it’s best to:
- Limit communication with insurance companies
- Avoid providing a recorded or written statement
- Carefully evaluate any quick settlement offers
Insurance companies sometimes use bad-faith tactics to deny claims or offer less than what you deserve. By working with a slip and fall lawyer, you can pursue maximum compensation while having a legal professional handle communications on your behalf.
Our team is here to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights as an injured party.
Insurance Claims Versus Slip and Fall Accident Claims
As mentioned, filing a personal injury claim allows you to recover damages based on losses sustained due to negligence that leads to a slip and fall accident.
Unlike an insurance claim, personal injury claims allow you to recover damages based on your intangible—or “non-economic”—losses in addition to your economic expenses.
How Lawyers Determine the Value of a Slip and Fall Claim
When calculating the value of a slip and fall accident claim, we consider both economic and non-economic losses. Some of the factors that may impact your claim include:
- Medical expenses, such as hospital bills and ambulance fees
- Physical therapy and ongoing pain management
- Lost wages due to time missed from work
- Emotional distress and the impact on your daily life
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence
Our slip and fall attorneys in Los Angeles understand that this can be a difficult time, and we’re committed to advocating for your full rights.
We keep the process transparent and work to secure fair compensation for all the hardships you’ve faced, including medical costs and emotional suffering.
How Do Lawyers Prove Your Right to Damages?
Our lawyers gather evidence to connect your losses to the accident, aiming to meet the state’s burden of proof. With sufficient data, we can negotiate for your damages or take your case to trial.
The data that we can use to identify a liable party and outline your right to damages may include the following:
- Physical debris from the accident
- Photos of unsafe property
- Video footage of your accident
- Witness statements from bystanders
- Expert witness testimony attesting to the dangers of an untended property
- Medical statements going into detail about your accident
The majority of these cases are resolved out of court. You can learn more about the ways you can fight for fair accident compensation by scheduling a free case evaluation with our team.
Key Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
For the best chances of recovering both physically and financially, you should:
- Seek medical attention right away. Your health comes first, so call 911 and request paramedics if needed. Visit a hospital or medical facility promptly and give a clear description of your injuries to the medical staff.
- Report the accident to the property owner. Make sure to notify the property owner or manager as soon as possible. This step is essential for documenting the incident and supporting your claim.
- Contact a premises liability lawyer. An experienced lawyer can investigate the details of your case, gather evidence, and work to protect your rights for the best possible outcome.
- Avoid discussing the incident. Speak only with your lawyer about the accident, and refer any calls or inquiries from the property owner or insurance company to your attorney.
How Omega Law Group Can Help With Your Slip and Fall Case
If you’ve recently been injured in a fall due to someone else’s negligence, a Los Angeles slip and fall accident lawyer can help you take action. At Omega Law Group, we bring decades of experience to every case, working to hold property owners accountable for unsafe conditions.
Our team has served Southern California for years, always putting clients’ needs first in the face of negligence. We understand how overwhelming this time can be, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
With our contingency fee arrangement, you don’t have to worry about upfront costs—we only get paid if we win your case. Contact Omega Law Group today to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.
