Los Angeles Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer

While most people think slips and falls are minor accidents, some injured victims experience severe injuries from them. Whether it happened on a slippery floor, uneven pavement, or poorly maintained property, 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 slip-and-fall lawyer on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we pursue compensation, if the circumstances allow. At Jacoby & Meyers, our fall attorneys have represented injured clients for over 50 years. With a blend of legal expertise and compassion, we’re here to support you and your family every step of the way.

Founded in 1972, our firm has recovered over $2 billion for clients across the state, as proven by several real client testimonials. Client testimonials reflect individual experiences. Results vary depending on the facts of each case.
With 14 locations statewide and a team experienced in California injury law, we’re equipped to evaluate your case and pursue compensation when the facts support it. Our proven results demonstrate our commitment to securing outcomes that truly reflect the impact you’ve experienced. Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.
We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront attorney’s fees. Legal fees are only paid if compensation is recovered.

Experienced California Slip-and-Fall Injury Lawyers

For more than five decades, Jacoby & Meyers has represented individuals across California in serious injury cases, including slip-and-fall accidents. With 14 offices statewide and a strong presence in Los Angeles, we combine local knowledge with the capabilities of a well-established firm.

Slip-and-fall claims often hinge on proving unsafe property conditions and demonstrating how those hazards caused your injuries. Our team conducts thorough investigations, reviews maintenance and inspection records, and works with medical professionals to clearly document the impact of your injuries. When necessary, we are prepared to pursue recovery through formal litigation rather than through settlement discussions alone.

Can I Afford a Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyer?

Slip-and-fall injuries often create financial strain. Medical bills accumulate quickly, and time away from work compounds the problem. Many injured individuals wonder whether hiring a lawyer is financially feasible during an already stressful period.

At Jacoby & Meyers, we remove that barrier. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means:

No upfront attorney costs: You pay nothing to our attorneys to get started
No hourly bills: We only collect our fees at the end of the case if we recover compensation for you
Free consultation: We evaluate your case at no charge and with no obligation

This structure allows you to pursue legal representation without adding financial pressure during recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Los Angeles, contact us for a free case evaluation.

Personal Injury Awards

What To Do After a Slip-and-Fall Accident

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.
Consult a Slip-and-Fall Attorney: Reach out to an experienced lawyer who can help you manage the legal process and build a case.

Legal Tip from Our Attorneys

When reviewing slip-and-fall claims, insurance adjusters focus on three key elements: liability, causation, and damages. They assess if the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and whether you took reasonable precautions for your own safety.

A strong claim depends on solid evidence. Claims are often weakened if you delay reporting the incident, postpone medical treatment, or give a recorded statement without a lawyer. To build a powerful case, you must provide clear photos of the hazard, witness information, and detailed medical records linking your injuries directly to the fall. Without this proof, insurers will likely dispute your claim or offer a low settlement.

Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents occur when property conditions create unreasonable hazards. In Los Angeles, these incidents frequently result from:

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.

Common Injuries in Slip-and-Fall Cases

While many falls may not cause serious harm, they can result in significant injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma, 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
Sprains and strains
Head injuries
Back and spinal cord injuries.
Cuts and bruises
Hip fractures
Shoulder injuries
Knee damage

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. Medical care can help identify injuries and support your recovery.

Who May Be Liable for a Slip-and-Fall Accident?

In California, if you’re injured in a slip-and-fall accident on someone else’s property, your claim is generally governed by premises liability law. This law may hold property owners responsible for accidents on their property if they are found negligent.

In a slip-and-fall accident, property owners have a duty to use reasonable care in maintaining their premises and preventing harm to visitors and customers. They may be considered negligent and held accountable if they fail to:

Maintain their property by addressing hazards or defects within a reasonable time
Notify visitors about unsafe conditions on the premises when appropriate
Ensure their staff maintains a hazard-free environment, especially during adverse weather or other incidents.

For example, a customer spilled milk in a supermarket. Despite being aware of the hazard, an employee did not clean the floor or put up a caution sign. As a result, you fell while checking some items and suffered back injuries.

In this case, the supermarket may be considered negligent if it failed to act reasonably in responding to the hazard. If your injury resulted from that failure, the business could potentially be liable for damages.

When Another Party Is Liable

California law recognizes that multiple parties can contribute to a single accident. Identifying all responsible parties requires a thorough investigation of property records, lease agreements, maintenance logs, and surveillance footage.

The following parties can be liable for a slip-and-fall accident:

Property owners: Residential landlords, commercial property owners, and government entities must maintain their properties and address hazards in a reasonable time.
Property managers: Management companies can be held liable if they fail to inspect, maintain, or repair hazardous conditions on the property they oversee.
Business tenants: Businesses like retail stores and restaurants are responsible for keeping their leased spaces and nearby walkways safe.
Maintenance companies: Third-party contractors may be liable if their work creates a hazard or if they fail to perform required maintenance.
Government entities: Cities and counties can be held liable for accidents on public property, like sidewalks or parks. These claims have special requirements and shorter deadlines.
Construction companies: Contractors may be liable if their work, equipment, or materials create dangerous conditions.

While compensation may be available, pursuing a claim against a large company can be complex. They often retain legal teams to defend against claims. A slip-and-fall lawyer can investigate the circumstances, gather relevant evidence, and work to establish liability on your behalf.

Why Slip-and-Fall Accident Cases Are Complicated

Slip-and-fall accident cases often involve complex factors that can make it challenging to determine liability and secure fair compensation. Here are some reasons why these cases can be particularly intricate:

Disputed liability: Property owners or other parties involved may deny responsibility, often arguing that the accident was caused by the victim’s carelessness or other factors beyond their control.
Proving negligence: Demonstrating that a property owner or another party was negligent requires gathering solid evidence, such as photos, witness statements, or maintenance records, which can be difficult to collect.
Varying legal standards: The criteria for proving liability can vary by property type (e.g., private, commercial, or public), creating additional legal hurdles.
Time-sensitive evidence: Crucial evidence, such as surveillance footage, weather conditions, or eyewitness testimony, can degrade or disappear quickly, emphasizing the need for prompt action.
Insurance company tactics: Insurers often prioritize minimizing payouts, which can result in low settlement offers or denials of legitimate claims. Their legal teams are highly experienced in defending against these cases.
Comparative fault rules: Some states apply comparative negligence laws, which may reduce compensation if the victim is found partially responsible for the slip-and-fall incident.

Due to these complexities, having an experienced slip-and-fall accident lawyer can make a significant difference. A skilled attorney can anticipate these challenges, build a strong case, and advocate for your rights every step of the way.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

The compensation you may recover after an accident depends on the specific damages you have experienced, including personal injuries, property damage, lost wages, and other related losses.

For example, a victim with minor lacerations may recover less than an individual with traumatic brain injuries, as more severe injuries often involve greater medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term impact.

Compensation in a slip-and-fall case may include:

Economic Damages

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

Medical expenses
Vehicle repairs (if applicable)
Future care
Lost wages

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.

Non-economic damages can be difficult to calculate. An attorney can help assess these factors and pursue compensation that reflects both the financial and personal impact of your injuries.

California Statute of Limitations for Slip-and-Fall Cases

California law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Missing these deadlines typically results in losing the right to pursue compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be.

General Personal Injury Claims: Most slip-and-fall cases must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. This deadline applies to claims against private property owners, businesses, and individuals.
Government Entity Claims: Claims against city, county, or state government entities must be filed within 6 months of the incident. If the government denies the claim, you then have six months from the denial date to file a lawsuit. These shortened deadlines apply when accidents occur on public property such as sidewalks, parks, government buildings, or public transit facilities.
Discovery of Injury: In limited circumstances, the deadline may be extended if the injury was not immediately apparent. However, this exception is narrow and requires clear evidence that the injury could not have been discovered earlier through reasonable diligence.

Acting promptly protects your legal rights. Early investigation also preserves critical evidence such as surveillance footage (which businesses often delete after 30-90 days), witness memories, and physical conditions at the accident scene. Property owners may repair hazards quickly after an accident, making documentation of the original conditions essential.

Contact an attorney for slip-and-fall cases as soon as possible after your accident to ensure your claim is filed within all applicable deadlines.

Why You Need a Lawyer for Slip-and-Fall Cases

Property owners and their insurers frequently argue they had no knowledge of the hazard or that the condition was “open and obvious,” meaning you should have seen and avoided it. Proving they knew or should have known about the dangerous condition requires investigation, including reviewing maintenance records, incident reports, and prior complaints.

This is why it is crucial to work with an attorney specializing in slip-and-fall cases. They have the expertise, skills, and resources to handle the legal process, despite the complexities of such cases.

Here’s how a lawyer for slip and fall cases can help you in your case:

Proving Negligence: After a slip-and-fall accident, proving that someone else was at fault can be a challenging and complex process. With the help of a fall accident lawyer, you can work to build your case.
Collect the Necessary Evidence: Fall lawyers can gather evidence, including surveillance footage, witness statements, and property records, to demonstrate the circumstances that may have contributed to your injury.
Negotiate with Insurance Providers: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, which can be frustrating and stressful. With fall attorneys on your side, you’ll have someone who can communicate and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Pursue Your Settlement: Slip-and-fall cases can involve medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care. An experienced attorney can help evaluate these aspects as part of pursuing a settlement.
Meeting All Legal Deadlines and Requirements: Filing a slip-and-fall claim involves legal deadlines, paperwork, and procedures. With a lawyer handling these matters, you can focus on recovering from your injury and returning to your life.

At our law firm, we want you to focus on healing while we handle the details of your case. From gathering evidence and assessing damages to communicating with insurers and managing deadlines, we support you throughout the process.

How Jacoby & Meyers Builds Your Slip-and-Fall Case

Our approach to slip-and-fall cases follows a methodical process designed to build strong claims supported by evidence.

Initial Case Evaluation: We begin with a detailed consultation to understand what happened, how you were injured, and what losses you’ve experienced. This meeting is free and confidential. We review medical records, incident reports, and any documentation you’ve gathered to assess the viability of your claim.
Evidence Collection and Scene Investigation: Our team investigates the accident location, documenting conditions and identifying hazards. We obtain surveillance footage before it’s deleted, interview witnesses while memories are fresh, and gather maintenance logs, inspection reports, and prior incident records. When necessary, we work with safety experts who can analyze property conditions and explain how they violated safety standards.
Comprehensive Damage Documentation: We work with medical providers to obtain complete records showing the extent of your injuries and the connection between the accident and your medical condition. For serious injuries, we consult with medical experts who can explain your prognosis and future care needs. We also document lost wages through employer records and calculate reduced earning capacity for permanent injuries.
Insurance Negotiations: Armed with evidence and documentation, we present your claim to the insurance company. We handle all communications with adjusters, respond to their arguments, and negotiate toward a settlement that fairly reflects your damages. We’re prepared to counter lowball offers with evidence supporting higher values.
Litigation and Trial Preparation When Necessary: If negotiations don’t result in a fair settlement, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit. We handle all aspects of litigation, including drafting complaints, conducting discovery, taking depositions, and preparing your case for trial. Many cases settle during litigation once insurers see we’re prepared to proceed to trial. When settlement isn’t possible, we present your case to a jury.

Throughout this process, we keep you informed about developments, explain your options at each stage, and make recommendations based on experience. All strategic decisions remain yours to make.

How to Choose the Best Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

A slip-and-fall may sound minor, but the injuries can be life-changing. Broken bones, head trauma, and back injuries often come with long recoveries and expensive medical care. Unfortunately, insurance companies frequently try to blame the victim or downplay the seriousness of the fall.

The right Los Angeles slip-and-fall attorney will make sure your case is taken seriously and supported with 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.

What Not to Say to Insurance Companies After a Slip-and-Fall Injury

After a slip-and-fall, insurance adjusters may sound helpful, but their goal is often to reduce what they pay. Even small comments can be used to downplay your knee injury.

Avoid Saying Things Like:

“I’m fine” or “It’s not that serious.” Knee injuries can worsen and may require surgery or long-term rehab.
“It was just a minor fall.” Even short falls can cause torn ligaments or cartilage damage.
“I’m already feeling better.” Swelling, instability, and long-term pain can appear later.
“I don’t need more treatment.” This can be used to argue your injury wasn’t serious.
Anything that sounds like fault. Even polite comments like “I should’ve watched my step” can hurt your claim.
A recorded statement. You are not required to give one without legal advice.
Agreeing to a quick settlement. Early offers often ignore future treatment costs.

What to Do Instead:

Keep statements short and factual
Follow medical care and referrals
Save medical records and document symptoms
Ask for communication in writing
Speak with a lawyer before signing anything

Slip-and-fall knee injuries can have lasting consequences, and insurance companies often try to minimize them.

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.

Slip-and-Fall Injury Lawyer Near Me

Jacoby & Meyers serves clients throughout Los Angeles County and across California. Our Los Angeles office is located at 2000 Ave of the Stars, Suite 1150S, Los Angeles, CA 90067. We also maintain 13 additional offices statewide, providing local access to experienced personal injury representation.

We handle slip-and-fall cases for clients in all Los Angeles neighborhoods and surrounding communities, including Downtown LA, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Pasadena, Burbank, Glendale, Torrance, and surrounding areas. Our statewide presence means we can represent clients regardless of where their accident occurred.

Our Offices and Service Areas:

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

Explore the areas we serve.

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

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

Claims against government entities follow different procedures than 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. 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, particularly concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage, don’t produce immediate symptoms. Seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear and inform your doctor about the fall. Medical providers can help establish the connection between your delayed symptoms and the accident. Document when symptoms first appeared and how they’ve progressed. The statute of limitations typically runs from the date of the accident, not when symptoms appeared, which makes prompt legal consultation important even if injuries seem minor initially.

What if my accident involved public transit like the Metro or a rideshare vehicle?

Accidents on Metro buses, trains, or platforms involve Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and are subject to government claim procedures. Accidents involving rideshare vehicles like Uber or Lyft may involve the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, or both, depending on whether the driver was actively transporting a passenger. 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 explain our fee structure in detail and answer questions about costs and expenses.

For more information, you can visit our FAQ page.

Los Angeles Public Resources and Directory

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.

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

Michael Akiva is Managing Partner of Pre-Litigation of Jacoby & Meyers. Having started his career as an attorney at Latham & Watkins LLP, a prestigious, global corporate law firm, Michael quickly realized that representing big corporations was not for him. After leaving the firm, Michael dedicated himself to fighting for the rights of the injured. Education J.D. UCLA School of Law, Editor, UCLA Law Review B.S., Finance, University of Southern California, Magna cum laude