Los Angeles Slip and Fall Settlements

How to Prove a Slip and Fall Accident in Los Angeles

Municipal authorities, facility managers, store and property owners have a legal duty to ensure that their premises and surroundings are kept reasonably safe for visitors. When they don’t, a slip and fall accident lawyer can help you establish that the owner acted negligently concerning the safety conditions of their premises.

Slip and fall injuries are a widespread occurrence that has resulted in thousands of claims each year. Many victims suffer serious, life-changing wounds or even death. Falls from wet and slippery floors, poor sidewalks, damaged stairs, uplifted carpets, and unsafe construction sites often have terrible results.

Knowing what to do in the event of a slip and fall accident can go a long way, especially if you consider filing a lawsuit. While we hope you never have to go through an accident, it’s best to reach out to an attorney once you’ve been checked by a doctor. We can determine whether you are owed damages and determine the next course of action if you were fortunate enough to have survived the fall.

What Will Our Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers Do for You?

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common personal injuries. It only takes a small spill or misstep. At The Law Offices of Oscar H Gutierrez, APC, we're familiar with the process of handling slip and fall cases. For over 40 years, our team of vibrant personal injury attorneys has built the most substantial cases possible for clients. We safeguard the rights of our clients by determining who's responsible and holding them accountable.

What Are Slip and Fall Accidents?

"Slip and fall" is a legal term that categorizes any accident involving a slip, trip, or fall resulting in injury. It falls under premises liability claims and lawsuits. Common locations where accidents are likely to happen include:

Stairway
Parking ramps
Grocery stores
Parking lots
Private property
Balconies or terraces

Because these accidents typically happen on someone else's property, owners are likely to be liable if you get hurt. They are responsible for notifying you of hidden hazards, including poor lighting, potholes, or other faulty conditions.

How We Treat Slip and Fall Injury Cases at Gutierrez Law

After you've been treated for injuries, you'll probably have questions about how to proceed before getting billed from the hospital. Having an attorney by your side can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

At our law offices, we treat every slip and fall accident case as a unique one. In the U.S. an average slip and fall settlement is around $50,000. We strive to recover more, especially when you've suffered from a severe injury. While many slip and fall accidents may result in nothing more than slight discomfort, more serious accidents might cause:

Carpal tunnel syndrome
Fractured bones
Spinal cord injuries
Brain injuries
Back injuries
Sprained ankles and wrists
Knee injuries
Lacerations and bruises

Never overlook how the fall impacted your health. Victims may also suffer from sleep disorders, chronic pain symptoms, migraines, internal organ injuries, and bleeding depending on the nature of the incident. For the elderly or disabled, who are particularly vulnerable, falling can further health complications or even death.

Invitees, Licensees, Trespassers

Slip and fall cases involve a lot of pushback from the defendant. Our aggressive personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles will be able to prove that the owner knew of the dangerous condition and failed to address or correct it. When you bring a lawsuit, the court will determine if you were an invitee, licensee, or trespasser to ascertain their degree of responsibility.

Invitees are invited to the property. For example, customers have an implied invitation from the grocery store managers to enter and make a purchase.

Licensees are invited directly (granted entry) to enter the premises for non-commercial business. For example, if you're visiting a friend, that imposes a duty of care on them (the occupier).

Trespassers do not have permission to enter the premises. Property owners aren't obligated to warn them of damages or danger. However, it should be safe enough for children if they accidentally wander over.

A slip and fall case is contingent on who is responsible for the accident. The property owner would be at fault if they failed to keep their guest safe. Guests might share responsibility if they injured themselves in a way the average, reasonable guest would avoid.

California goes by the "pure" comparative negligence doctrine, meaning the settlement will be based on how much a jury believes both parties contributed to the accident. Thus, if a jury finds the claimant is responsible for 40% of the accident, the owner will have to pay 60% of the total damages.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Falls

Are companies liable for covering injuries that happen at work?
Only if you immediately report the incident and file a workers' compensation claim. Taking a spill at work can cause unforeseen injury. If approved, workers' comp. will provide medical coverage and back pay while you're taking time off work.

The process is different for slip and fall accidents caused by third-party organizations. Instead of workers' comp. you can file a lawsuit against the company. These cases are often challenging to handle alone without an attorney.
How can a slip and fall accident lawyer help me?
When you get injured, the last thing on your mind might be to contact a lawyer for assistance! Most clients want to avoid expensive legal fees and lengthy trials.

We've handled a range of unique cases for our clients on a contingency-fee basis. That means you won't have to pay any fees until we win. From the moment you retain our services we will conduct a thorough investigation of the property where you've been injured, conduct interviews, and provide free consultation to build the foundation of your case.
What should I do after I've fallen on someone's property?
- Report the accent to the owner or manager right away
- Dial 911 for emergency treatment, even if your injuries were minor
- Make sure the accident has been thoroughly and accurately documented before you leave. Try to retrieve contact information from upper management and witnesses.
- After a medical professional has tended to your injuries, reach out to an attorney.
What are the common causes of slip and fall accidents?
- Wet, slippery surfaces without proper signs
- Uncleared debris, snow, or ice on sidewalks
- Inadequate lighting
- Uneven floors
- Poorly maintained sidewalks

Why Choose Gutierrez Law?

With a slip and fall injury lawyer solidly behind you, we can help you establish a strong case of negligence against the property owner. Navigating the insurance agencies and legal framework for compensation can be difficult, especially if English is not your first language. Our bilingual lawyers can ensure you are compensated for your pain and suffering.

Don't leave your medical bills and property damage to chance; instead, hire a law firm that can win you the maximum settlement. Contact our office for a free consultation at 323-999-3500 or email us at contact@gutierrez.legal.

Los Angeles Slip and Fall Settlements