Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents

Slip, trip, and fall accidents are often dismissed as “minor” incidents—but in reality, they are one of the leading causes of serious injury in California. From grocery stores and apartment buildings to sidewalks and office complexes, these accidents frequently result in broken bones, head injuries, spinal trauma, and long-term disability.

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If you were injured in a slip, trip, or fall accident in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, or anywhere in Southern California, understanding your legal rights is critical to protecting your health and your future. Slip and fall accidents typically occur when a property owner fails to maintain safe conditions. Common causes include:

• Wet or freshly mopped floors with no warning signs

• Uneven pavement or cracked sidewalks

• Loose carpeting or torn flooring

• Poor lighting in stairwells or parking garages

• Spilled liquids in grocery or retail stores

• Broken handrails or unsafe stairs

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Under California law, many of these incidents fall under premises liability, which holds property owners responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions. California premises liability law is based on negligence. To succeed in a slip, trip, and fall claim, an injured person must generally prove:

• The property owner owned, leased, occupied, or controlled the property

• The owner was negligent in maintaining or repairing the property

• The property owner had notice of dangerous condition

• The injured person was harmed

• The owner’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing the injury

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Importantly, property owners are not automatically liable. The key issue is whether they knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn visitors in a reasonable time.

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Slip and fall injuries are often more serious than they appear at first. Many victims experience delayed symptoms. Common injuries include:

• Hip, wrist, and ankle fractures

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions

• Back and spinal cord injuries

• Torn ligaments and soft tissue damage

• Chronic pain and reduced mobility

 

These injuries can result in extensive medical bills, missed work, and long-term rehabilitation, so seeking proper legal guidance essential. 

 

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault—your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you were distracted while walking but the property owner failed to fix a known hazard, you may still have a valid claim.

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Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame onto injured individuals. This is where experienced legal support can make a meaningful difference. In busy areas like Sherman Oaks and Greater Los Angeles Area, slip and fall accidents commonly occur in:

• Shopping centers and grocery stores

• Apartment complexes and condominiums

• Office buildings and medical facilities

• Public sidewalks and parking structures

• Restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues

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Local ordinances, maintenance standards, and government liability rules can all affect these claims—making local experience especially important. Strong evidence can make or break a slip and fall case. Helpful documentation includes:

• Photos or videos of the hazard

• Incident reports filed with the property owner

• Surveillance footage

• Witness statements

• Medical records linking the injury to the fall

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The sooner evidence is preserved, the stronger the claim.

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Yana Di Bella has extensive experience supporting injured individuals and families through complex personal injury claims, including slip, trip, and fall accidents throughout Los Angeles County. Depending on the circumstances, a California slip and fall claim may include compensation for:

• Medical expenses, current and future

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Long-term disability or impairment

 

Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on the facts, evidence, and applicable law. In most California slip and fall cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury. Claims involving government property may have much shorter deadlines. Waiting too long can permanently prevent recovery.

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If you or a loved one was injured in a slip, trip, or fall accident in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, or anywhere in Southern California, you do not have to navigate the process alone. Yana Di Bella offers knowledgeable, client-focused guidance to help injured individuals understand their rights and next steps. Schedule a confidential case review today to learn whether you may have a claim and what options may be available under California law. Your recovery matters—and getting accurate information early can make all the difference.

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