Los Angeles Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer

When can I file a slip-and-fall claim? Under California Civil Code § 1714, you may file a slip-and-fall claim when your injuries were caused by an accident resulting from the negligence of a property owner, business, landlord, or any other responsible party. If a hazardous condition on the property caused the incident and the responsible party failed to take reasonable steps to address or warn of the danger, a Los Angeles injury lawyer can help you file a claim to seek compensation for your losses.

While most people think slips and falls are minor accidents, some injured victims experience serious injuries from them. Whether the accident occurred on a wet floor at a shopping center in Downtown Los Angeles, an uneven sidewalk in Hollywood, or a poorly maintained apartment complex, you may face significant medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and physical pain. On top of that, going through the legal process to recover compensation can be overwhelming and stressful.

With an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we pursue compensation. Jacoby & Meyers is here to support you and your family every step of the way with a blend of legal expertise and compassion.

• Our firm has been helping injury victims in Los Angeles and California since 1972.
• More than $2 Billion recovered in verdicts and settlements
• Client reviews show how our team has helped victims who suffered life-altering injuries such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
• Free consultation available through our 24/7 hotline and online request form
• Our awards and affiliations reflect more than 50 years of dedication to personal injury law.

Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

Call our Los Angeles slip-and-fall lawyer at Jacoby & Meyers to learn more about how you may be able file a premises liability claim.

What Our Clients Have To Say

What should you do after a slip-and-fall accident leaves you injured?

Seek medical help, report the incident to the property manager or the authorities, and collect as much evidence as you possibly can. These actions are important for your recovery journey after a slip-and-fall accident.

Depending on where and how the accident occurred, the incident may need to be reported to the property owner or manager for private property, Los Angeles County Public Works for hazards on public property, or the Los Angeles Police Department  in more serious situations.

• Seek Medical Attention: Get medical care promptly, even if injuries seem minor.
• Report the Incident: Notify the property manager, owner, or security personnel about the accident. If the property’s condition is dangerous, you should also alert local authorities.
• Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the area where you fell. These images can help establish the cause of your accident.
• Collect Witness Information: If anyone saw the accident, gather their contact details for future reference.

These steps are important for your safety, smoother investigation, and to avoid preventable complications during the claims process.

What often happens after a slip-and-fall accident?

After a slip-and-fall accident leaves you injured, you are often left dealing with medical treatment, ongoing investigations, gathering records and documentation, and pursuing a personal injury claim. This reality can be difficult to manage while recovering from what may be a life-changing injury.

Injured victims are often faced with challenges such as:

• Property owners or managers may refuse to provide security camera footage of the incident, making it more difficult to obtain evidence of how the accident occurred.
• Incident reports prepared by businesses, property managers, security personnel, or apartment management offices may take time to obtain.
• If the accident is reported to the Los Angeles Police Department, obtaining a copy of the report may take a week or longer.
• Some medical treatments or specialist care may not be available at a single facility, such as Los Angeles General Medical Center, requiring additional appointments or referrals.
• Hazardous conditions may be repaired, cleaned, or removed shortly after the accident, as property owners are generally not required to leave the condition unchanged.
• Insurance companies may contact injured victims shortly after the accident, investigate the incident, and attempt to settle the claim early or minimize the amount paid.

Being aware of these challenges can help you preserve important information and better manage the claims process during recovery.

What are the common causes of slip-and-fall accidents in Los Angeles?

Slip-and-fall accidents in Los Angeles are often caused by hazardous property conditions that create an unreasonable risk of injury. In Los Angeles County, where over 10 million people live, work, and visit properties every day, these accidents can occur at shopping centers in Hollywood, hotels near Sunset Boulevard, apartment complexes, public sidewalks, and other locations where dangerous conditions are not addressed properly.

• Wet or slippery floors: Spills, recently mopped surfaces, or tracked-in rainwater without warning signs create fall risks, particularly in grocery stores, restaurants, and retail locations.
• Uneven or damaged walking surfaces: Cracked sidewalks, broken pavement, potholes in parking lots, or uneven flooring transitions can cause trips and falls.
• Poor lighting: Insufficient illumination in stairwells, parking structures, or outdoor walkways makes hazards difficult to see, especially at night.
• Inadequate maintenance: Loose handrails, worn carpeting, broken tiles, or debris left in walkways signal neglected property upkeep.
• Weather-related hazards: Rain, which is common in Los Angeles during winter months, can create slick surfaces on outdoor stairs, ramps, and entryways when property owners fail to address drainage or provide traction.
• Construction materials or equipment: Tools, cords, building materials, or scaffolding left in pedestrian areas create tripping hazards.
• Defective or missing handrails: Staircases without proper railings or with unstable railings increase fall risk, particularly for elderly visitors.

Property owners and managers have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions and address known hazards within a reasonable timeframe. If they fail to meet this standard, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.

What are the common injuries in slip-and-fall cases?

While many falls may not cause serious harm, they can result in serious injuries, fractures, sprains and strains, head injuries, back and spinal cord injuries, cuts and bruises, hip fractures, shoulder injuries, and even death.

According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in 2024. In the same year, 48,308 people died in falls at home and at work.

Here are some of the most common fall injuries you may encounter:

• Fractures: Broken bones in the wrists, arms, ankles, hips, or other parts of the body.
• Sprains and strains: Damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons.
• Head injuries: Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries that may affect memory, concentration, and daily activities.
• Back and spinal cord injuries: Injuries that may lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, or even paralysis.
• Cuts and bruises: Soft tissue injuries caused by harsh contact with floors, stairs, furniture, or other objects.
• Hip fractures: Serious injuries that are particularly common among older adults.
• Shoulder injuries: Dislocations, fractures, and torn soft tissues.
• Knee injuries: Damage to ligaments, cartilage, or other knee bone structures.

If you are involved in a slip and fall accident, seeking medical attention promptly is important. Some injuries, including head or internal injuries, may not appear immediately. Early medical care can help identify injuries and support recovery.

Who may be liable for a slip-and-fall accident?

Under California Civil Code § 1714, property owners and other responsible parties may be held liable when their negligence causes a slip-and-fall accident. Liability often depends on whether a hazardous condition existed and whether the responsible party failed to take reasonable steps to address or warn visitors about the danger.

When can a party be considered negligent? 

Property owners, businesses, government agencies, or other people in charge of keeping the premises safe may be considered negligent if they fail to:

• Address hazardous conditions or property defects within a reasonable time.
• Warn visitors about dangerous conditions when appropriate.
• Maintain reasonably safe premises for customers, tenants, guests, and other visitors.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, potentially liable parties may include: 

• Property owners: Residential landlords, commercial property owners, and other property owners responsible for maintaining safe premises.
• Property managers: Companies or individuals responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing the property.
• Business tenants: Retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses responsible for keeping their premises reasonably safe for customers and visitors.
• Maintenance companies: Third-party contractors whose work created a hazard or failed to address a dangerous condition.
• Government entities: The City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Public Works, and other public agencies responsible for sidewalks, parks, public buildings, and other government property.
• Construction companies: Contractors whose equipment, materials, or work activities created unsafe conditions.

While compensation may be available, pursuing a claim against a large company or multiple liable parties can be complex. Businesses, property owners, and insurers often have legal teams working to defend against claims. A slip-and-fall lawyer can investigate the circumstances, gather relevant evidence, and help establish liability on your behalf.

What are the damages you may be entitled to?

Compensation in a premises liability case may include economic damages, non-economic damages, and, in limited circumstances, punitive damages. California Civil Code §§ 3281–3294 provides the legal basis for recovering damages caused by another party’s negligence.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover financial losses that can be supported through documentation, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical care
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Other out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address intangible losses from an accident, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Diminished quality of life

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be awarded in limited situations where the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct under California Civil Code § 3294.

The value of a slip-and-fall claim depends on the severity of the injuries, the losses suffered, and the overall impact the accident has had on the victim’s life. Non-economic damages can be particularly difficult to calculate because they do not have a fixed monetary value.

Our Personal Injury Case Results

Our personal injury attorneys have recovered over $2 billion in settlements on behalf of local accident victims in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area. Some of our personal injury case results include:

Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome. Amounts listed are gross recoveries before attorney fees and costs.

What is the deadline for filing a slip-and-fall injury claim?

According to California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, most slip-and-fall injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. However, different deadlines may apply depending on the circumstances of the case.

For example, for claims against government entities, such as the City of Los Angeles or Los Angeles County, an administrative claim must be submitted within six months of the accident.

Pitfall Alert: What if the property owner says the accident was my fault?

The property owner’s version of events is not the final word on who is responsible for the accident. Property owners and insurance companies may argue that the hazardous condition was open and obvious and that a reasonable person would have noticed and avoided it. They may use this argument to dispute liability or reduce the amount of compensation sought.

Whether a condition was truly open and obvious depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Photographs, witness statements, surveillance footage, and other evidence can help establish how the accident occurred and whether the hazard presented an unreasonable risk of harm.

Why do you need a lawyer for slip-and-fall injury cases?

Slip-and-fall lawyers help injured victims prove liability, preserve important evidence, and pursue compensation from property owners and insurance companies. Because these cases often involve disputes over dangerous conditions, surveillance footage, and property maintenance records, legal representation can be valuable throughout the claims process.

Opponent Playbook

Property owners, businesses, and insurance companies often investigate slip-and-fall claims shortly after an accident. Common challenges include:

• Using statements such as “I’m okay” or “I feel fine” to argue that the injuries were minor.
• Claiming the hazardous condition was open and obvious and should have been avoided.
• Repairing, cleaning, or removing the hazardous condition before it can be documented.
• Refusing to voluntarily provide security camera footage or other records related to the incident.
• Pressuring injured victims to accept an early settlement.

How a Lawyer Can Help

An experienced slip-and-fall lawyer can help by:

• Investigating the accident and gathering evidence.
• Obtaining surveillance footage, incident reports, witness statements, and property records when available.
• Identifying potentially liable parties and establishing negligence.
• Communicating and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.
• Evaluating damages and pursuing compensation for your losses.
• Managing legal deadlines, paperwork, and claim requirements.

With a lawyer handling the legal and insurance aspects of the claim, you can focus more on healing. From gathering evidence and assessing damages to communicating with insurers and managing deadlines, we will support you throughout the process.

What does a slip-and-fall accident claim process look like?

A slip-and-fall claim typically involves investigating how the accident occurred, identifying potentially liable parties, documenting damages, negotiating with insurance companies, and, in some cases, pursuing litigation. The timeline may vary depending on the severity of the injuries, the available evidence, and whether liability is disputed.

1. Initial Case Evaluation: Reviewing the circumstances of the accident, injuries, and available evidence to determine whether a claim may exist.
2. Evidence Collection and Investigation: Gathering surveillance footage, witness statements, incident reports, maintenance records, photographs, and other evidence related to the accident.
3. Damage Documentation: Collecting medical records, treatment information, lost wage documentation, and other records that demonstrate the impact of the injury.
4. Insurance Negotiations: Presenting evidence, discussing liability and damages, and attempting to resolve the claim through settlement negotiations.
5. Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed through litigation in the Los Angeles Superior Court and, if necessary, trial.

Throughout the process, injured victims may need to continue medical treatment and provide updated information regarding their injuries and recovery.

What should you look for before hiring a slip-and-fall attorney?

Before hiring a slip-and-fall attorney, look into their experience in handling slip-and-fall claims, track record, knowledge of premises liability law, and resources to handle complex cases.

Although slip-and-fall accidents may sound minor, some victims suffer serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and back injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term recovery. Insurance companies may also attempt to blame the victim or downplay the seriousness of the fall.

The right Los Angeles slip-and-fall attorney can help ensure your case is taken seriously and supported by strong evidence from the start.

Here are the key questions to ask:

Does the Lawyer Have Experience With Serious Slip-and-Fall Injuries?

Slip-and-fall cases often involve injuries that require ongoing care and long-term rehabilitation. A skilled attorney knows how to handle claims involving:

• Head injuries and concussions
• Back and spinal injuries
• Hip fractures and broken bones
• Torn ligaments and knee injuries
• Chronic pain and reduced mobility

At Jacoby & Meyers, we’ve represented injured Californians for decades and recovered over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements.

Is the Firm Respected and Trusted?

In high-stakes injury cases, reputation matters. Insurance companies take claims more seriously when the law firm is known for credible and aggressive advocacy.

Jacoby & Meyers attorneys have been recognized by different organizations.

Do They Understand Premises Liability Laws in Los Angeles?

Slip-and-fall cases require proving a property owner failed to fix or warn about a dangerous condition. A qualified attorney should understand:

• Local court procedures and filing rules
• How to prove notice of hazards
• How businesses defend these claims
• Deadlines for government property cases

With over 50 years of experience in Los Angeles and across the state, Jacoby & Meyers has the resources to handle complex slip-and-fall claims.

Are They Prepared to Take the Case to Trial If Necessary?

Property owners and insurers often fight slip-and-fall claims aggressively. Some firms push quick settlements instead of building a strong case.

At Jacoby & Meyers, we prepare every serious slip-and-fall case as if it will be decided by a jury, so your claim is backed by evidence and treated with the urgency it deserves.

Client Testimonials

We foster strong client relationships built on trust and reliability, always supporting them when it matters most.

“Jacob & Meyers is the best, they handled our case immediately. Thank you for caring about us and getting us through this horrible thing that happened to us. Emily and the team are top-notch. If you’re looking for the best lawyers to fight for you, look no further; they will take care of your case.” – Leslie J. from Google Review

Disclaimer: Testimonials reflect the unique experience of specific clients. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Case Results

We consistently deliver exceptional results for our clients.

• $3.75 Million – Traumatic Brain Injury
• $1.95 Million – Premises Liability V. City
• $1 Million – Product Liability / Horseback Riding
• $2 Million – School District / Negligent Supervision

Explore our case studies to see how we protect our clients’ rights.

Disclaimer: Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Areas We Serve

Jacoby & Meyers’ Los Angeles office serves clients throughout Los Angeles and surrounding communities, including:

• Downtown LA
• Hollywood
• Santa Monica
• Long Beach
• Pasadena
• Burbank
• Glendale
• Torrance

We also serve clients throughout California through our additional office locations in:

• Orange County
• San Jose
• San Francisco
• San Diego
• San Bernardino
• Sacramento
• Ontario
• Oakland
• Los Angeles
• Fresno 
• Escondido
• Brea
• Long beach
• Bakersfield

Explore the areas we serve.

Los Angeles Public Resources

The following resources provide emergency medical care, legal services, and public information for Los Angeles residents. This directory is provided for informational purposes only.

Emergency Rooms

• Los Angeles General Medical Center 1200 N State St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
• Harbor-UCLA Medical Center – 1000 W. Carson St., Torrance, CA 90509
• Olive View-UCLA Medical Center -14445 Olive View Dr. Sylmar, CA 91342
• Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center – 1401 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015
• Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center – 1300 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Urgent Care Centers

• Care Fast Urgent Care- Burbank – 353 N Pass Ave Ste D Burbank, CA 91505
• First Aid Urgent Care – 7204 Foothill Blvd Tujunga, CA 91042
• Edward R. Roybal Comprehensive Health Center – 245 S. Fetterly Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90022
• H. Claude Hudson Comprehensive Health Center – 2829 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90007
• Ladera Urgent Care – 5311 W Centinela Ave Los Angeles, CA 90045

Local Courthouses

• Airport Courthouse – 11701 S. La Cienega Los Angeles, CA 90045
• Central Arraignment Courthouse – 429 Bauchet St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center – 210 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Disclaimer: We do not endorse or profit from these organizations. This information is provided as a public service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slip-and-Fall Cases in Los Angeles

What if a government agency were responsible for maintaining the property where I fell?

Claims against government entities follow different procedures from claims against private parties. California’s Government Claims Act requires filing a formal claim with the appropriate government entity within six months of the accident. The claim must include specific information about the incident, injuries, and damages. 

After the claim is officially filed, the government has 45 days to respond. If they deny the claim or don’t respond, you have six months from the denial (or from the 45-day deadline) to file a lawsuit. These shortened deadlines make it critical to consult an attorney immediately after accidents on government property.

How does comparative fault work in California slip-and-fall cases?

California follows a pure comparative negligence system. If you’re found partially responsible for your accident, for example, if you were distracted by your phone or ignored warning signs, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 30% at fault, you can still recover 70% of your total damages. Insurance companies often argue that injured parties share fault to reduce payouts. An attorney can challenge these arguments and work to minimize your attributed fault percentage.

What if my symptoms appeared days or weeks after the fall?

Some injuries, such as concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms right away. If symptoms appear days or weeks later, seek medical attention promptly and let your doctor know about the fall. Document your symptoms and when they began, as this information may help support your claim. 

What if my accident involved public transit like the Metro?

Accidents on Metro buses, trains, or platforms involve the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and are subject to government claim procedures. These cases involve complex insurance coverage issues and may have multiple potentially liable parties. Early legal consultation helps identify all available insurance coverage and ensures claims are filed properly.

Can I still file a claim if the property owner claims there was a warning sign I didn’t see?

Warning signs don’t automatically eliminate a property owner’s liability. We examine whether the warning was adequate, properly placed, and clearly visible. A small caution sign placed in a corner or facing the wrong direction may not satisfy the property owner’s duty to maintain safe conditions. 

We also investigate whether the hazard itself was unreasonable, some conditions are so dangerous that warning signs aren’t sufficient, and the property owner must eliminate the hazard. Your case will be evaluated based on all circumstances, including lighting, sign placement, and whether a reasonable person would have seen and understood the warning.

How much does it cost to hire Jacoby & Meyers for a slip-and-fall case?

We handle slip-and-fall cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. If we recover compensation through a settlement or a trial verdict, our fee is a percentage of that recovery. If we don’t recover compensation, you owe no attorney fees. We provide a free initial consultation to evaluate your case. During that meeting, we will explain our fee structure in detail and answer questions about costs and expenses.

For more information, you can visit our FAQ page.

Take the Next Step Toward Justice

Slip-and-fall accidents can leave you facing medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about the future. You don’t have to go through this process alone. Jacoby & Meyers has spent over 50 years representing injured Californians, building cases through thorough investigation and strategic advocacy.

We offer free case evaluations with no obligation. During this consultation, we’ll review what happened, explain your legal options, and answer your questions. If we take your case, you pay no fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Contact Jacoby & Meyers today. We’re available 24/7 by phone, online form, or live chat.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.

Attorney Review & Office Information

Attorney Review Disclosure
This content has been reviewed by California-licensed attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable California law. Legal services are provided by attorneys licensed to practice in the State of California.

Los Angeles Office
Jacoby & Meyers
2000 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1150S
Los Angeles, CA 90067

24/7 Hotline: (213) 296-0792

Other Cases We Take On

• Car Accidents
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