A wet floor, an uneven walkway, or an unexpected obstacle can turn an ordinary day into an injury that disrupts your life. If you were hurt in a slip and fall or trip and fall, understanding what caused it is an important first step.
Hamassian Law helps injured people in Sherman Oaks and throughout California explore premises liability claims. Our team can review the condition of the property, who was responsible for it, and how the fall has affected you.
Slip and Fall and Trip and Fall Claims
A slip may involve a loss of traction on a wet or slippery surface. A trip may involve a foot catching on an obstruction or a change in the walking surface. Conditions worth discussing with our team include:
- Spills, leaks, or recently cleaned floors
- Uneven pavement, broken steps, or damaged flooring
- Loose rugs, cords, or objects in walkways
- Poor lighting that makes a hazard difficult to see
- Missing or damaged handrails
A fall alone does not establish that someone else is legally responsible. The condition, the surrounding circumstances, and the available evidence all matter.
When a Property Owner May Be Responsible
A premises liability claim generally requires showing that someone who owned, leased, occupied, or controlled the property was negligent, and that the negligence caused your injuries. See California’s premises liability jury instruction.
For an unsafe condition, important questions include whether the responsible party knew or reasonably should have known about the danger, and whether they failed to repair it, protect visitors, or provide an adequate warning. These issues are addressed in California’s unsafe conditions jury instruction. Claims involving public property can involve different rules.
Evidence to Bring to Your Case Review
If available, the following can help us understand what happened:
- Photos of the exact location and the condition that caused the fall
- The date, time, and details you remember
- An incident report and witness contact information
- Information about cameras near the location
- The shoes you wore and any damaged belongings
- Medical records, expenses, and documentation of missed work
Call even if you do not have all of these items. We can discuss what information may be useful and the next steps in reviewing your claim.
Discuss Your Injuries and Your Options
Depending on the facts and applicable law, compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Tell us about your treatment, any continuing limitations, and the ways your injury has changed daily life.
Call (818) 465-5360 for a free case review with Hamassian Law. We advance case costs: $0 upfront, and no win, no fee.