Los Angeles Slip & Fall Attorney
Protecting Slip & Fall Victims in Los Angeles, California
A slip and fall may initially seem like no big deal, but these accidents can be deceptively dangerous. Under premises liability law, Los Angeles property owners have a legal duty to ensure their premises are reasonably safe, as failure to do so can lead to accidents with potentially severe consequences, including broken bones, head injuries, and long-term disabilities.
If you recently suffered injuries in a slip and fall that may have resulted from the property owner’s negligence, do not wait to get in touch with our responsive team at Carpenter & Zuckerman. Our Los Angeles slip and fall lawyers understand how to establish fault in these cases and can fight to compensate you for medical bills, lost income, and other losses. We are aggressive trial lawyers who can leverage our over 25 years of experience when working to deliver the outcome you deserve. With over $2 billion recovered in settlements and verdicts, our case results speak for themselves.
Discuss your slip and fall today by scheduling a free, no-obligation consultation. Contact us online or call (888) 484-2033 to get started with our slip and fall accident attorney in Los Angeles. Se habla español.
Dedicated Advocates, Always in your Corner A Team You Can Trust
Carpenter & Zuckerman is a leading personal injury law firm founded on the principle that justice for injured people takes precedence over corporate profits. CZ Law has the resources and legal expertise to fight powerful insurance carriers and corporations that do everything they can to limit their liability.
How Liability Works in a Los Angeles Slip & Fall Case
Determining liability in a Los Angeles slip and fall case revolves around the concept of negligence. This means showing that the property owner or operator had a duty to ensure the safety of the premises, the property owner or operator breached this duty through action or inaction, and this breach directly caused you harm. State and local laws require property owners and operators to regularly inspect their property and promptly address or warn against any potential hazards that could lead to a slip and fall accident.
For a property owner or operator to “breach” their duty and be considered negligent under the law, you must be able to show they had “notice” of the hazard that caused the slip and fall. In other words, you have to demonstrate the property owner either knew or reasonably should have known about the hazardous condition that led to the fall. Demonstrating that a property owner had notice of the dangerous condition yet failed to act is pivotal to the success of a slip and fall claim.
Establishing fault in a slip and fall case can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. If we agree to manage your claim, our Los Angeles slip and fall attorneys can help you gather evidence and work to build a strong claim.
A Few Of Our Big Wins
-
$131M Car Accident
-
$74.53M Birth Injury
-
$45M Drunk Driver
-
$31.7M Brain Injury
-
$29.25M Brain Injury
-
$21.65M Motorcycle Accident
-
$17M Brain Injury
-
$16.4M Medical Malpractice
-
$14.6M Commercial Vehicle
What to Do After a Los Angeles Slip & Fall
Slipping and falling can feel embarrassing, especially if it happens around other people. If you are okay enough to get up and walk, your first instinct might be to blame your own clumsiness and leave the scene as quickly as possible. However, there are several things you should do before leaving to help protect your rights and ability to recover compensation.
After suffering injuries in a Los Angeles slip and fall, you should make every effort to:
- Report the Incident. Report the accident to the property owner, manager, or relevant authority immediately. If the property owner is not present at the time of the accident, ask to speak to the person currently in charge. Request that an incident report be created and ensure you get a copy before you leave. The incident report will establish that the accident occurred on their premises.
- Document Everything. Take comprehensive photos of the accident scene, including what caused you to fall and any visible injuries you sustained. If there were any witnesses, ask for their contact information. If you spot any security cameras that may have captured what happened, request a copy of the footage.
- Seek Medical Attention. Prioritize your health by getting medical treatment immediately after the fall, even if you think you were not seriously injured. Some common slip and fall injuries may not present symptoms right away, but early diagnosis can prevent complications. Medical records will also serve as important evidence in your slip and fall claim.
- Follow All Treatment Recommendations. Adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare providers. Skipping appointments or failing to follow medical advice can be used against you.
- Preserve Footwear & Clothing. Keep the shoes and clothing you wore during the accident in their post-accident condition. They may be used as evidence to show the nature of the fall and the force of impact.
- Limit Communication. Avoid talking about the incident, especially to the property owner's insurance company, until you have spoken to an attorney.
- Reach Out to Carpenter & Zuckerman. The sooner you discuss your case with our Los Angeles slip and fall lawyers, the better. We can work to preserve evidence (such as security camera footage), negotiate with insurance companies, and fight to recover fair compensation.
I Slipped & Fell at Universal Studios Hollywood. Do I Have a Claim?
Universal Studios Hollywood is a popular theme park destination frequented by many Angelenos. The park’s operators have a legal obligation to ensure its premises are reasonably safe for guests, so if you slip, fall, and suffer injuries during your visit, you may be wondering if you have a personal injury claim.
The short answer is it depends, and you will need to consider several points, including:
- Negligence & Duty of Care. Did Universal Studios Hollywood, or any of its employees, act negligently or fail to meet their duty of care towards you as a guest? This could include leaving a spill unattended, failing to maintain rides or walkways, or failing to provide clear warnings about potential dangers.
- Causation. Is there a direct link between the park’s negligence (such as a wet floor without warning signs) and your accident? You'll need to prove that the hazardous condition directly caused your slip and fall.
- Notice of the Hazard. Universal Studios Hollywood’s liability can hinge on whether the park had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition. If it can be shown the park knew about the hazard or that the hazard existed long enough that the park should have reasonably known about it and taken corrective action, you may have a strong case.
- Comparative Negligence. Consider whether your actions contributed to the accident. In California, if you are found partially at fault, for instance, by not paying attention to where you were walking, your compensation could be reduced by your share of the blame.
Put another way, the specific cause of your slip and fall and what you were doing at the time of the accident play major roles when determining whether you have a premises liability claim in Los Angeles. For example, if you were wearing park-appropriate footwear and walking at a normal pace but slipped and fell on a slick surface that had been allowed to sit unaddressed for over an hour, you could have a claim. On the other hand, if you slipped and fell while running to an attraction entrance despite verbal warnings from employees to slow down, you may have a tougher time recovering compensation. Either way, you should get advice from our Los Angeles slip and fall attorneys before accepting any kind of settlement from the park.
why choose carpenter & zuckerman? Why We Stand
-
Nearly 30 Years Serving Clients
-
Experienced, Compassionate Trial Lawyers
-
Maximum Settlements & Verdicts
-
Our Commitment: No Fees Unless You Win
What Damages Can I Recover in a Los Angeles Slip & Fall Lawsuit?
A slip and fall can potentially cause severe, life-changing injuries. If your slip and fall injuries were the result of negligence, you have the right to seek economic and non-economic damages from an at-fault property owner or operator. To do so, you must file your lawsuit before California’s statute of limitations expires, meaning you only generally have two years from the date of the incident to take legal action. You may have even less time if your slip and fall case involves a government entity, which is why you should not wait to get legal advice.
We can help you pursue compensation for many types of losses stemming from your slip and fall, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Recovering compensation extends beyond immediate medical bills; it encompasses future medical needs, especially for injuries that result in long-term health issues. Economic damages cover tangible financial losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages, while non-economic damages address intangible losses, like emotional distress or reduced quality of life. Assessing the full impact of your injury is vital to seeking a comprehensive settlement or judgment that considers both current and future implications. Our team is dedicated to evaluating these factors thoroughly to pursue the compensation necessary to aid your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip & Fall Claims
What Are Common Causes of Slip & Falls?
Slip and fall accidents can occur in many different settings and stem from various hazards. In the bustling city of Los Angeles, common causes include wet or uneven floors, inadequate lighting, cluttered pathways, and lack of proper handrails in staircases. Public spaces, such as shopping malls, restaurants, and office buildings, often experience heavy foot traffic, increasing the likelihood of spills and other unnoticed hazards. Meanwhile, outdoor areas can present risks due to weather-related conditions like rain, making sidewalks and entryways slippery.
Business owners are responsible for maintaining safe environments by fixing known hazards and conducting regular inspections. Despite these obligations, accidents still happen when businesses neglect this duty. Whether the incident occurs indoors or outdoors, understanding the root cause of your slip and fall can be instrumental in determining liability and seeking appropriate compensation.
How Can I Prove Negligence in a Slip & Fall Incident?
Proving negligence in a slip and fall incident requires a careful examination of several factors. Primarily, you must show that the property owner or manager owed you a duty of care, which they breached by failing to maintain safe premises. This involves gathering detailed evidence, such as photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and maintenance logs, which can help illustrate the unsafe conditions that led to your fall. Often, demonstrating that the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to act is crucial.
What If I Was Partially At Fault for the Slip & Fall?
In California, the legal concept of comparative negligence allows you to claim compensation even if you were partially responsible for your slip and fall incident. However, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, your settlement or judgment could be reduced by that same percentage. It’s important to fully understand your degree of responsibility and how it impacts your potential recovery.
How Does California's Statute of Limitations Affect Slip & Fall Claims?
The statute of limitations in California places a time limit on filing a slip and fall lawsuit, generally giving you two years from the date of your injury to initiate legal proceedings. This timeline is crucial as failing to file within this period can result in being unable to pursue compensation altogether. Additionally, if your slip and fall case involves a government entity, the timeframe to act is even shorter, sometimes reduced to six months.
Acting promptly not only safeguards your legal rights but also strengthens your claim by preserving evidence and maintaining the accuracy of witness memories. Engaging with experienced attorneys right away ensures you remain compliant with legal deadlines and enhances the effectiveness of your claim. Carpenter & Zuckerman is committed to guiding you through this process, helping you take timely and decisive action to secure the compensation you need.
Contact Our Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Today
At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we recover money for you. This arrangement underscores our commitment to achieving a positive outcome for our clients. Our team focuses on personalized service, ensuring we understand your unique circumstances and tailor our approach accordingly. By choosing us, you benefit from seasoned legal professionals dedicated to fighting tirelessly for your rights in slip and fall claims.
You pay our firm nothing unless we win your slip and fall case, so contact us online or call (888) 484-2033 today to get started with our Los Angeles slip and fall lawyers!
The Legal Landscape for Tractor Trailer Accidents in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, truck accident litigation is shaped by a combination of municipal, state, and federal regulations designed to maintain safety and accountability on the roads. Local regulations often supplement comprehensive state laws, like those outlined by the California Vehicle Code and enforced by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. These laws dictate everything from permissible truck routes to required vehicle maintenance and inspection standards.
-
My car was rear ended, aggravating a bulging disc. Carpenter & Zuckerman set up all my doctor appointments and paid for everything up front. They were able to get me a settlement for both my injury case and property damage case. I am very happy with the way they handled my case.- Ben A.
-
- Larry T.
Carpenter & Zuckerman team was very helpful and informative. Especially Edward Cherkezian and Disha Bhagwat. This was my first time doing any of this and they helped me through step by step. Would recommend!
-
My attorneys Pej and Mario were absolutely amazing. They made everything easy for me handling everything very well. They set me up perfectly to help get me the best results I could ask for. Truly appreciate all their hard work!!- Neena Z.
-
- Jon C.
It was a pleasure working with C&Z. Edward was extremely helpful in making me feel confident in their ability. Would highly recommend.
-
Vlad had my case that was going on for 2 years, resolved in less that 2 months! They are always on top & update you every step of the way- Luna U.
-
- C.H.
Very professional. Had an amazing experience after our vehicle accident. Referral so many people because of the good experience. You're in good hands! I wouldn't go anywhere else.