LOS ANGELES SLIP AND FALL ATTORNEY

Slip and fall accidents fall under California’s premises liability laws, which require property owners and businesses to take reasonable steps to keep their spaces safe. In Los Angeles, where foot traffic is constant and properties range from high-rise offices to corner markets, hazards can appear quickly if they’re not actively monitored and repaired.

Most valid slip and fall cases center on a few questions:

• Was there a dangerous condition? (wet floor, spilled product, broken stair tread, poor lighting, uneven pavement, loose mat, clutter, etc.)
• Should the property owner have known about it?
• Did they fail to fix it or warn you?
• Did you suffer real injuries and financial losses as a result?

If the answer to these is yes, or even “maybe”, you may have a viable case under California law.

Slip and fall injuries occur in various settings, including restaurants, grocery stores, big-box retailers, apartment complexes, office buildings, parking lots, hotels, theme parks, and public sidewalks. The conditions that usually lead to these accidents include:

• Wet or slippery floors from spills, mopping, rainwater, or leaks
• Uneven sidewalks and broken pavement, often found throughout LA neighborhoods
• Loose carpeting or torn floor mats
• Poor lighting in stairwells, lots, or hallways
• Cluttered aisles or walkways
• Broken handrails or uneven stairs
• Construction zones with improper signage
• Weather-related hazards, like slick surfaces after rain

Property owners are expected to identify and repair these hazards or, at the very least, warn visitors to prevent injury.

A fall can cause anything from minor bruises to life-altering trauma. Common injuries include:

• Fractures (wrists, ankles, hips)
• Shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears
• Back and spinal injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
• Soft-tissue strains and sprains
• Facial injuries or dental trauma

Medical documentation is crucial. The sooner you seek care, the stronger your claim becomes.

Liability depends on where the fall occurred and who was in control of the property at the time of the fall. In LA, those responsible may include:

• Businesses, such as grocery stores, gyms, hotels, restaurants, or retail stores
• Landlords or property management companies
• Homeowners or Airbnb hosts
• City or county agencies, if the fall happened on government-maintained property
• Contractors responsible for construction or maintenance

Your attorney will identify all possible sources of liability and insurance coverage to maximize your recovery.

Claims involving the City of Los Angeles or other public entities are subject to special rules. Before filing a lawsuit, you generally must submit a written government claim within a short statutory window. These cases move fast, so contacting a lawyer early is essential.

Slip and fall lawsuits must be filed within a specific timeframe established by law. While the exact deadline varies based on the circumstances and whether a government agency is involved, missing the applicable window can bar your claim completely. Because these rules are strict, speaking with an attorney early is the best way to protect your rights and preserve evidence.

California uses pure comparative negligence, meaning your compensation may be adjusted if you’re found partly responsible for your fall. Even if you’re assigned a percentage of fault, you can still recover the remaining portion of your damages. Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame. Your lawyer’s job is to push back and protect the full value of your claim.

Strong evidence often makes the difference between an undervalued claim and a full recovery. Useful documentation includes:

• Surveillance footage
• Photos or videos of the hazard
• Witness statements
• Incident reports
• Medical records
• Maintenance logs or inspection records
• Weather data (for rain-related falls)
• Records of prior complaints or accidents at the location

Morgan & Morgan’s team conducts full investigations to secure this evidence before it disappears.

Your recovery may include:

• Medical bills (current and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Home care or rehabilitation expenses
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages for families in fatal cases

The value of your claim depends on your injuries, long-term prognosis, and how the fall has changed your daily life.

Slip and fall settlements in California vary widely. Claims involving soft-tissue injuries may resolve more quickly, while cases involving fractures, surgeries, long-term disability, or disputed liability typically involve higher compensation and more extensive negotiations. Your attorney’s job is to ensure you don’t settle for less than your injuries truly warrant.

Los Angeles slip and fall cases can turn into uphill battles, especially when dealing with powerful insurers, corporate defendants, or government agencies. Morgan & Morgan brings:

• Nationwide resources and over 1,000 trial-ready attorneys
• California-specific premises liability experience
• Access to investigators, medical experts, and safety specialists
• A reputation for not backing down from large defendants
• A contingency-fee structure — The Fee Is Free™ unless we win

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which often leads to stronger settlement outcomes.

Every claim is different, but most follow a similar roadmap:

• Case evaluation to determine whether you have a valid claim
• Investigation, including securing video, documentation, and witness statements
• Medical review to understand the full extent of injuries
• Liability analysis under California premises liability law
• Insurance negotiations to pursue a fair settlement
• Litigation, if the other side refuses accountability

Most cases settle, but our attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to court if needed.

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Los Angeles, even if you’re unsure if you have a case, Morgan & Morgan can guide you through your options. A slip and fall shouldn’t derail your future, and you deserve a legal team that knows how to stand up to big corporations, landlords, insurers, and government agencies.

Start with a free case evaluation. You pay nothing unless we win.