Los Angeles Slip and Fall Lawyer

Were you injured in a slip and fall accident in Los Angeles, CA?

At Cohen Injury Law Group, we are slip and fall lawyers who pursue full recovery for injured clients and their families.

If you slipped on a spill in a grocery aisle, tripped over a raised section of sidewalk, or fell on a broken apartment stairway in Los Angeles, you may be facing a fracture, missed work, and an owner who blames you for the fall. Proof that the owner knew about the hazard can disappear within days.

Cohen Injury Law Group pursues compensation for people hurt by wet floors, broken stairs, uneven sidewalks, and other hazards on Los Angeles properties. Reach out to our office to discuss your fall with a Los Angeles, CA slip and fall lawyer at no charge.

Slip and Fall Lawyer Los Angeles, CA

A slip and fall lawyer represents people injured by unsafe conditions on property owned or managed by someone else. These claims fall under premises liability law and can involve stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, hotels, private homes, and public sidewalks.

The City of Los Angeles received more than 1,700 claims and faced 1,020 lawsuits over sidewalk injuries during a five-year period, according to a City Controller audit. A Los Angeles slip and fall attorney can determine whether a city agency, a business, or a private owner was responsible for the condition that caused a fall.

Types of Slip and Fall Accident Cases We Handle in Los Angeles

Falls happen in shopping aisles, hotel lobbies, rental homes, and care facilities across the city. Our attorneys handle slip and fall claims arising from the following types of property.

• Premises liability. Every property owner in California must use reasonable care to keep the premises safe for visitors. Broken handrails, poor lighting, and loose carpeting can all support a claim.
• Ralphs slip-and-falls. Spilled liquids and fallen produce can leave grocery floors slick for shoppers. Store inspection logs and surveillance footage may show how long a hazard remained in place.
• Target slip-and-falls. Large retail stores stock merchandise on tall shelves and in busy aisles. A shopper can trip over boxes left in a walkway or slip where a product leaked onto the floor.
• Vons slip-and-falls. Rainwater tracked through entrances and leaks from refrigerated cases create slippery surfaces. Missing warning signs or mats can support a claim against the store.
• Trader Joe’s slip-and-falls. Crowded aisles and compact parking lots can make hazards harder to see. Employees who restock shelves during business hours may leave items or spills behind.
• Hotel slip-and-falls. Pool decks, lobby floors, and bathroom tile can become dangerous when wet. Hotels have a duty to inspect common areas and warn guests about known hazards.
• Airbnb injuries. Guests in short-term rentals may fall on unfamiliar stairs, loose decking, or poorly lit walkways. The host’s insurance and the platform’s coverage may both apply to a claim.
• VRBO injuries. Vacation rental owners must repair dangerous conditions they know about or reasonably should discover. Missing railings and broken steps are common causes of injury in these properties.
• Nursing home abuse. Residents who need help walking can be seriously injured when staff fail to provide supervision or assistance. Repeated falls in a care facility can be a sign of neglect.
• Brain injuries. A fall onto concrete or tile can cause a concussion or a more serious traumatic brain injury. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and memory problems may appear hours or days after the fall.

Why Choose Cohen Injury Law Group as My Slip and Fall Lawyer in Los Angeles, CA?

Answers and Support When You Need Them

Nicholas Cohen describes his work as keeping the human element in view, focusing on the injured person who needs answers, support, and results. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, so a person injured in a fall can reach the firm after hours. In a slip and fall case, that support begins with securing surveillance video and incident reports before a property owner can discard them.

A Teacher of Trial Advocacy

Since 1993, Wayne Cohen has taught Trial Skills to law students at The George Washington University, two years after he began practicing law in 1991. He also created an annual mock trial competition at the law school to give students practical courtroom experience. Our firm represents fall victims as part of its work as a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, and each case is prepared with the possibility of trial in mind.

What Is Important to Understand About a Slip and Fall Case?

What Is the Slip and Fall Case Timeline?

A slip and fall claim typically unfolds in five stages.

1. Our attorneys send a preservation letter to the property owner and request video, incident reports, and maintenance records.
2. We photograph the location, identify witnesses, and determine who owns and manages the property.
3. You continue medical treatment while we collect bills and document missed work.
4. Once your condition stabilizes, we send a demand to the owner’s insurer that explains the hazard, the owner’s knowledge of it, and your losses.
5. When negotiations fail, we file suit, question store employees or managers under oath, and get the case ready for mediation or trial.

Claims against a public agency follow an additional step, because a written claim must be presented to the agency before a lawsuit can be filed.

Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Slip and Fall Accident Cases

Under Civ. Code section 1714, property owners must use ordinary care in managing their property. An owner may be liable when a dangerous condition existed, the owner created it or knew or should have known about it, and the owner failed to repair it or warn visitors. Public entities are judged under a separate standard in Government Code section 835, which applies to dangerous conditions on public property such as sidewalks.

Damages are measured under Civ. Code section 3333 and may include the following.

• Hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, and future medical care are recoverable as medical expenses.
• Wages lost during recovery and any reduced ability to work can be part of the claim.
• Pain, emotional distress, and limits on daily activities are compensated as non-economic damages.

Property owners often argue that the injured person was not watching where he or she was walking. An injured person who shares some fault can still recover under California’s partial fault rules, although the award is reduced.

What Are Important Aspects of a Slip and Fall Case?

The central question in most slip and fall cases is notice. A property owner is generally responsible only if it created the hazard, knew about it, or should have discovered it through reasonable inspections. Inspection logs, cleaning schedules, and video showing how long a spill remained on the floor are often the most important evidence.

The type of property also matters. Falls on city sidewalks may involve the City of Los Angeles, while falls at apartment buildings may involve both the owner and a property management company. Each defendant may have a separate insurer.

Finally, the injury itself affects the value of the claim. Hip fractures, wrist fractures, and head injuries often require surgery or long recovery periods, particularly for older adults. Documenting negligence and the full extent of the injury together gives the insurer a complete picture of the claim.

What Should You Bring to Your Slip and Fall Consultation?

The following materials help our attorneys evaluate a fall.

• Photographs. Pictures of the hazard, the surrounding area, your shoes, and your injuries show the conditions at the time of the fall.
• Incident report. A copy of the report or the report number from the store, landlord, or hotel confirms that the fall was reported.
• Witness information. Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the fall or the hazard can support your account.
• Medical records. Emergency room records, imaging results, and bills document your injuries.
• Communications. Letters, emails, or voicemails from the property owner or an insurer show who has contacted you.

A Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer will review these materials and explain who may be responsible. If the evidence suggests the owner had no reasonable opportunity to discover the hazard, we will explain how that affects your claim.

Most Dangerous Locations for Slip and Fall Accidents in Los Angeles

Falls in Los Angeles often occur where large numbers of people walk on uneven, crowded, or wet surfaces.

Public walkways and transit hubs:

• City sidewalks stretch more than 9,000 miles, and tree roots have lifted many sections that StreetsLA often repairs with temporary asphalt patches.
• LAX terminals handled about 73.71 million passengers in 2025, according to LAWA aviation data, and its crowded terminal floors, escalators, and curbs present fall risks.
• At Union Station downtown, travelers move between Amtrak, Metrolink, and Metro Rail platforms on stairs, ramps, and escalators.
• Metro rail stations throughout the city require riders to use stairs, escalators, and elevators between the street and the platforms.

Commercial and residential properties:

• Grocery stores face constant spills from produce, frozen foods, and cleaning products.
• In restaurants and bars, grease and spilled drinks can make kitchen entrances and dining areas slick.
• Hotels must maintain pool decks, lobbies, and parking areas that see heavy foot traffic.
• Apartment buildings with older stairways may have loose treads, missing handrails, or poor lighting.
• Parking structures often have uneven ramps, oil stains, and dim stairwells.

Reach Out to Cohen Injury Law Group to Schedule a Consultation

Contact us for a no-cost conversation with a Los Angeles slip and fall attorney about your fall. We can explain how notice, evidence, and the type of property affect your claim, and we can send preservation letters right away. Our fee is paid only from a successful recovery.

Slip and Fall Accident Statistics in Los Angeles

More than one in four older adults fall each year, according to CDC fall data. Falls among older adults lead to about 4.5 million emergency department visits nationwide each year, including 1.4 million hospitalizations.

Locally, Los Angeles County adults age 50 and older had 243,136 fall-related hospitalizations from 2016 to 2022, according to county Public Health researchers. About one in five of those hospitalizations involved patients with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.

The City Controller’s 2021 sidewalk audit and CDC data also show the following:

• Residents reported more than 53,000 sidewalk problems through MyLA311 beginning in fiscal year 2016.
• In fiscal year 2021, StreetsLA took an average of 41 days to complete sidewalk repairs with asphalt, compared with three business days for pothole repairs.
• The city paid more than $35 million in settlements for sidewalk injuries over five fiscal years.
• Falls account for 88 percent of emergency visits and hospitalizations for hip fractures among older adults.

Factors That Affect the Outcome of Your Slip and Fall Case

No two falls are alike, and the value of a claim depends on several factors. The following issues often determine whether a case succeeds and how much compensation is available.

• The owner’s knowledge of the hazard. A claim is strongest when evidence shows the owner created the condition, knew about it, or should have found it through regular inspections. A spill that appeared seconds before a fall may be harder to attribute to the owner.
• How long the hazard existed. Surveillance video, employee testimony, and the condition of the spill can show whether a hazard was present long enough for staff to notice it.
• Warnings and safety measures. Wet floor signs, mats, and barriers may reduce an owner’s responsibility. Their absence can strengthen a claim.
• Your own actions. Insurers often argue that the injured person was distracted, wearing unsafe shoes, or walking in a restricted area. Any shared fault reduces the award.
• The type of property. Claims against public agencies follow shorter deadlines and different liability rules than claims against private businesses.
• The severity of the injury. Fractures, head injuries, and injuries requiring surgery generally lead to larger claims than minor sprains. The need for future care also increases a claim’s value.
• The quality of the evidence. Photographs, incident reports, and witness statements gathered soon after a fall carry more weight than accounts assembled months later.
• Available insurance. The owner’s liability policy, a property management company’s coverage, and a tenant’s policy may each provide a source of recovery.
• Prompt medical treatment. Delays in seeing a doctor can lead insurers to question whether the fall caused your injuries.

Los Angeles Slip and Fall Lawyer FAQs

How much does a slip and fall lawyer in Los Angeles cost?

Our firm handles slip and fall cases under a contingency fee arrangement. No retainer is required, and the fee is calculated as a share of any compensation the case produces. That percentage is stated in writing before we begin. A case that ends without compensation costs you nothing in attorney fees. Your first consultation is free, and we will explain how case costs are handled so you understand the arrangement before deciding whether to hire a Los Angeles slip and fall attorney.

What do I need to prove in a slip and fall case?

You generally need to show that a dangerous condition existed, that the owner created it or knew or should have known about it, that the owner failed to fix it or warn you, and that the condition caused your injuries. Evidence of how long the hazard existed is often decisive. A Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer gathers inspection records, video, and witness statements to establish each element and respond to the owner’s defenses, including claims that the hazard was open and obvious.

What should I do if I fell in a store?

Report the fall to a manager and ask that an incident report be completed. Take photographs of the hazard and the surrounding area before it is cleaned up, and get the names of witnesses. Seek medical care promptly, even if your injuries seem minor. Stores often keep surveillance footage for a limited time, so contacting a slip and fall attorney in LA quickly can help preserve the video before it is recorded over. Keep the shoes and clothing you wore, since they may also become evidence.

Can I file a claim if I tripped on a city sidewalk?

Yes, but claims against the City of Los Angeles follow special rules. You generally must present a written claim to the city within six months of the fall before you can file a lawsuit. You must also show that the sidewalk was in a dangerous condition and that the city created the condition or had notice of it. Photographs that show the height of the raised or broken section are especially useful in these claims.

What if I fell at my apartment building?

Landlords and property managers must maintain common areas such as stairways, hallways, parking lots, and walkways. If a broken step, missing handrail, or poor lighting caused your fall, the owner may be responsible. Reporting the condition to the landlord in writing, and to the city’s housing department if repairs are not made, creates a record. A slip and fall lawyer in Los Angeles can identify the owner, the management company, and their insurers, and determine whether earlier tenant complaints show the owner knew about the problem.

Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault?

Yes. California allows an injured person to recover compensation even when he or she shares some responsibility for the fall. The award is reduced by the injured person’s percentage of fault. For example, an insurer may argue that you were looking at your phone or wearing slippery shoes. Our attorneys review the evidence to respond to these arguments and show that the property owner’s failure to address the hazard was the main cause of the fall.

How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit?

A lawsuit against a private property owner, such as a store or landlord, generally must be filed within two years of the fall. If a public agency owns the property, a written claim usually must be presented within six months. Evidence also becomes harder to obtain as time passes, especially surveillance video. Contacting a Los Angeles, CA slip and fall attorney soon after a fall protects both the filing deadline and the evidence needed to prove the claim.

Should I give a statement to the property owner’s insurance company?

Declining a recorded statement is your right, and speaking with a lawyer first is usually the safer course. An adjuster’s questions may be aimed at showing that you were careless or that your injuries predate the fall. You can provide basic contact information without discussing fault or your medical condition. Knowing when to hire counsel can help you decide how to respond. Our attorneys can handle communications with the insurer and present your account accurately.

What is my slip and fall claim worth?

Several factors shape the recoverable damages in a fall case, including the severity of your injuries, past and future medical costs, lost income, and the effect on your daily life. A fall that results in surgery or permanent limitations generally leads to a higher recovery than a minor sprain. The strength of the evidence showing the owner’s knowledge of the hazard also affects value. We can provide a realistic assessment once we review your records.

How long does a slip and fall case take to resolve?

Straightforward fall claims often conclude within a year of finishing treatment. Cases involving disputed notice, serious injuries, or a public agency may take longer, particularly if a lawsuit is filed. Waiting for a clear medical prognosis protects you from accepting too little. A typical case timeline includes investigation, treatment, a demand, and negotiation. Our slip and fall lawyers in LA give you an estimated timeline at the first meeting and update you at each stage.

Important Resources for Los Angeles Slip and Fall Accident Cases

What Are Important California Legal Resources for Slip and Fall Accident Cases?

Deadlines and public-entity liability in fall cases come from the three statutes below. All three are posted on the official California Legislative Information website.

• Section 335.1 of CCP gives most injured people two years to sue.
• Government Code 911.2 explains when a claim must be presented to a public entity, which is generally within six months.
• Gov. Code § 835 describes when a public entity is liable for a dangerous condition on its property.

What Are Important Local Resources for Los Angeles Slip and Fall Accident Cases?

People injured in falls may need to report a hazard, request an inspection, or receive trauma care. These offices and one trauma center serve people in Los Angeles.

• LA County Environmental Health: (888) 700-9995. This county division inspects restaurants and rental housing and accepts complaints through its Customer Support Center.
• LADBS Code Enforcement: 311 or (213) 473-3231. The city’s building department investigates code violations at single-family homes and commercial buildings.
• LA Housing Department: 1-866-557-7368. This department investigates unsafe living conditions and code violations at apartment buildings and other multifamily rentals.
• Providence Holy Cross: 818-365-8051. Located in Mission Hills, Providence Holy Cross runs a Level II trauma center for the San Fernando Valley.

Cohen Injury Law Group does not endorse and is not affiliated with any organization listed above. This list is provided for informational purposes only.

About Cohen Injury Law Group

Cohen Injury Law Group represents injured people throughout Los Angeles from its downtown office, with additional offices in Santa Monica and Ventura. The Boston Globe and The Washington Post have quoted Wayne Cohen on legal issues. Nicholas Cohen won his first case at age 24, a small claims lawsuit against his landlord.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“I am sooo grateful I got in touch with Nick! He is a brilliant lawyer and always made me feel like a priority. Really appreciate his attentiveness to all my questions. Would highly recommend!!”

• Drew Schwendiman

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Additional Resources for Los Angeles Slip and Fall Accident Cases

• Hiring a Lawyer vs. Handling Your Own Injury Claim: Real Cost Analysis
• Top Questions for a Personal Injury Lawyer
• Demystifying the True Costs of Personal Injury Beyond Medical Bills
• Dealing with Insurance Adjusters: What Not to Say After an Accident

Contact Cohen Injury Law Group

A serious fall can leave you with medical bills, missed work, and questions about who is responsible. Cohen Injury Law Group represents people injured on unsafe property throughout Los Angeles, and we handle these cases on a contingency basis. A free consultation with a Los Angeles slip and fall attorney is available, so contact us today. We will review the circumstances of your fall, identify the responsible parties, and explain the next steps in your claim.