Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and Fall Attorney in California

Slipping and falling in a public place is far more common than most people realize—just as common as insurance companies trying to deny or undervalue these claims. Having a skilled slip and fall attorney in California on your side can make the difference between receiving the maximum compensation you deserve or only a small fraction of it.

A slip and fall can cause far more than just a bruise. Victims often suffer painful and serious injuries such as broken bones, internal bleeding, or even a TBI (traumatic brain injury). Your recovery may also force you to miss work—costing you days, weeks, or even months of wages. And that’s without counting the pain, suffering, and emotional distress experienced by you and your family.

A skilled slip and fall accident attorney can evaluate all of these damages, including those that aren’t immediately visible or obvious; determine their true value; and fight for a much higher compensation than what you would likely obtain without legal representation. When you hire Megeredchian Law, you never pay out of pocket—our legal fees are deducted from a small percentage of the settlement we recover for you.

Call us today at (866) 359-0807 for a free consultation. We’ll review your case in just a few minutes and confirm whether you’re eligible for compensation. Don’t wait—there is a strict deadline to file your claim, and delaying could cost you the compensation you are entitled to by law.

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Can I Sue for a Slip and Fall Accident​ in a Public Place?

You can sue for a slip and fall accident in a public place, but only if you can show that someone else is legally responsible for the hazard that caused your injury

In California, this requires proving that the property owner, business operator, public entity, or any person in control of the premises knew or should reasonably have known about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it, block it off, or warn visitors in a timely manner. If they created the hazard themselves and didn’t correct it, liability also applies.

To file a valid claim, you must establish:

  • A dangerous condition existed on the property.
  • The responsible party had notice of the hazard — either actual knowledge or constructive knowledge (meaning it existed long enough that they should have known).
  • They failed to take reasonable steps to make the area safe.
  • You were injured as a direct result of that negligence.

Common hazardous conditions that may justify a lawsuit include:

  • Liquid spills or food debris left on supermarket or restaurant floors
  • Construction zones with no barriers, warnings, or proper signage
  • Loose electrical cords stretched across walkways
  • Cracked, uneven, or unstable flooring
  • Damaged steps
  • Missing or broken handrails on stairways
  • Wet surfaces without caution signs
  • Poor lighting that prevents safe visibility
  • Potholes or unsafe walkways in parking lots

If these conditions exist in a public place—such as a store, government building, sidewalk, park, or transit area—and the responsible party fails to address them, you may have the right to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

A qualified slip and fall attorney in California can investigate the scene, gather evidence, prove liability, and build a strong case to secure full compensation for your injuries.

How Slip and Fall Accident Claims Work in California

California handles slip and fall accident claims by evaluating whether the property owner or business failed to take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe. 

Once the hazardous condition and your injuries are documented, the next stage focuses on proving how the property owner’s negligence directly caused the accident. Strong evidence—such as photos, surveillance footage, witness statements, and medical documentation—is key to establishing the connection between the hazard and your harm.

After liability is supported, the claim moves into the damages stage, where you seek compensation for medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering. Most cases are resolved through negotiations with insurance companies, but an attorney can escalate the matter to court if the insurer undervalues the case. 

Find more information about the exact filing process, steps to take, and required deadlines, in our blog article:

How to File a Slip and Fall Claim in California (2025)

How Much is a Slip and Fall Case Worth?

The value of a slip and fall case in California varies widely depending on the severity of the injuries, medical costs, time off work, and long-term impact on your quality of life. 

Minor injury cases involving soft-tissue damage may settle anywhere between $15,000 and $50,000, while moderate injuries such as fractures often fall in the $50,000 to $200,000 range. Severe injuries—such as spinal damage or traumatic brain injuries—can exceed $250,000 to $1,000,000+, especially when long-term care or permanent disability is involved.

Your compensation may also increase if the fall caused significant wage loss, required surgery, or resulted from clear negligence by the property owner. Every case is unique, which is why a personalized evaluation is crucial to determine an accurate estimate.

Disclaimer: These figures are general estimates based on past settlements and verdicts. They are not a guarantee of outcome and should not be interpreted as legal advice.

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Are Slip and Fall Cases Hard to Prove (and Win)?

In full honesty, slip and fall cases can be challenging to prove and win. 

Even though property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions, injured victims must also show that they were acting responsibly and that the hazard was something the owner should have fixed or warned about.

Defense teams and insurance companies often attempt to shift blame onto the victim to reduce or deny compensation. Some of the most common arguments used against slip and fall victims include:

  • The victim was distracted, such as checking a phone, talking to someone, or looking away when the fall happened.
  • The victim entered a restricted or non-public area where hazards were not expected to be addressed.
  • The dangerous condition was supposedly too new for the owner to have discovered it—for example, a spill that “just happened” moments before the fall.
  • The victim’s footwear contributed to the accident, such as unstable heels, sandals, or shoes with worn-out soles.
  • The hazard was “open and obvious,” meaning the defense claims any reasonable person would have noticed and avoided it. 
  • There was no record of prior complaints or accidents, allowing the owner to argue they had no notice of the danger. 

Because these defenses can be effective, victims must gather strong evidence as soon as possible—photos of the hazard, incident reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage. A skilled slip and fall accident attorney plays a fundamental role in collecting this evidence and refuting any arguments made by the property’s insurance company or defense lawyers.

Slip and fall claims are absolutely winnable—but they require prompt action, solid evidence, and knowledgeable legal representation to succeed. Find more information about this topic in our blog post:

Are Slip and Fall Cases Hard to Win? An Honest Insight

Timelines to File and Settle a Slip and Fall Claim

In California, most slip and fall cases must be filed within two years of the date of the accident under the state’s statute of limitations. If the claim involves a government entity—such as a fall on city property—you must file an administrative claim within six months, making the timeline even tighter. Missing these deadlines almost always results in losing your right to pursue compensation, which is why it’s critical to contact a slip and fall attorney as soon as possible to protect your case.

As for settlements, the timeline varies widely depending on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the length of medical treatment, the availability of evidence, and how cooperative the insurance company is. 

Some cases resolve in a few months, while more complex claims may take a year or longer—especially if the insurer disputes liability or undervalues damages. An experienced slip and fall accident attorney can speed up the process by gathering evidence promptly, negotiating aggressively, and filing a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.

Related article: How Long Do Slip And Fall Settlements Take? A 2025 Update

How Megeredchian Law Handles Slip and Fall Accident Claims

Slip and fall cases vary widely, but our approach is built to give you certainty, transparency, and strong legal representation from the first call to the final outcome.

Free Case Review and Initial Assessment

We begin with a no-cost consultation where you can explain what happened, share your concerns, and ask questions. We review the facts of your accident and help you understand your legal options before you make any decisions.

Comprehensive Investigation and Evidence Collection

Our team immediately begins gathering the proof needed to support your claim. This may include surveillance footage, witness accounts, maintenance logs, medical documentation, property reports, and detailed photos of the scene. We identify every factor that contributed to your fall and build a solid evidentiary record.

Crafting a Customized Legal Strategy

No two accidents are alike. We design a case strategy tailored to your injuries, how the fall occurred, and the property owner’s level of negligence. If your situation requires filing a lawsuit, we guide you through the process while protecting your rights at every stage.

Strong Negotiation With Insurance Companies

Insurers routinely attempt to underpay or deny slip and fall claims. Our attorneys understand these tactics and anticipate them before they occur. We negotiate relentlessly to secure the full compensation you are entitled to—without letting the insurance company delay or diminish your claim.

Trial Representation When Needed

While many slip and fall cases settle, some require litigation. If the insurance company refuses to be fair, our trial lawyers are fully prepared to present your case in court and fight for the outcome you deserve.

Clear and Consistent Communication

We stay in direct contact with you throughout the entire process. You will always know what is happening with your case and what to expect next.

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What to Expect During Your First Meeting With a Slip and Fall Attorney at Megeredchian Law

Your first consultation is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and a full understanding of how we can help you.

Meet Your Legal Team

You will be introduced to your attorney, learn about our client-first philosophy, and get a feel for the level of support our firm provides.

Detailed Review of Your Accident and Injuries

We will ask about how the fall happened, the hazards involved, and how your injuries have affected your daily life, income, and health. This helps us understand the full extent of your damages.

Explanation of Your Rights and Legal Options

Your attorney will outline the protections the law gives you and walk you through the different ways you can pursue compensation.

Overview of the Legal Process

We explain each step of a slip and fall claim—from investigation to negotiation and, if necessary, litigation—so you know exactly how your case will move forward.

Setting Practical Expectations

You will receive an honest discussion of potential timelines, challenges, and possible outcomes. We want you to feel informed and prepared from day one.

A Clear Roadmap for What Comes Next

Before your meeting ends, we provide a step-by-step action plan outlining how we will proceed, what information we need from you, and what you can expect as your case develops.

Types of Slip and Fall Accidents We Handle

Slip and fall incidents occur in countless settings throughout California, but certain hazardous conditions appear again and again. These unsafe environments expose residents, workers, and visitors to preventable injuries when property owners fail to maintain their premises.

  • Slippery Floors in Supermarkets and Restaurants: Fresh spills, tracked-in water, or recently mopped areas often leave floors dangerously slick, creating a high risk of sudden falls.
  • Damaged or Uneven Sidewalks in Downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Surrounding Areas: Lifted slabs, cracks, and poorly maintained walkways are among the most common causes of trip-and-fall accidents in busy pedestrian zones.
  • Broken Pavement and Unsafe Parking Lots in Santa Monica, Inglewood, and Nearby Cities: Deteriorated concrete, loose gravel, and surface gaps can make parking areas especially hazardous for customers and visitors.
  • Potholes and Roadway Hazards in Long Beach, Glendale, and Across Los Angeles County: Deep potholes or irregular street surfaces can cause pedestrians, cyclists, and even scooter users to lose balance and suffer injuries.
  • Defective Flooring and Unsafe Surfaces in Apartment Buildings and Commercial Properties: Loose tiles, torn carpeting, warped wood, and other structural defects frequently lead to serious falls—conditions landlords and business owners are required to fix promptly.
  • Poor Lighting in Stairwells, Corridors, and Commercial Entrances: Insufficient lighting makes hazards nearly impossible to spot, increasing the risk of a fall in both residential and commercial spaces.
  • Unsafe Staircases and Handrails in Retail Stores, Offices, and Multi-Unit Housing: Missing handrails, uneven steps, or worn-down edges often contribute to severe slip, trip, and fall injuries.

slip and fall attorney glendale

Steps to Take Right After a Slip and Fall Accident

Get to a Safe Area

If you can move, step away from the hazard that caused your fall to prevent additional injuries. Do not leave the premises yet—this is crucial for evidence.

Call 911 or Request Medical Help Immediately

Even if injuries don’t seem severe, call emergency services or ask someone to get medical help. Internal injuries, fractures, and TBIs often show delayed symptoms, so immediate medical evaluation is essential.

Report the Incident to the Property Owner or Manager

Notify the store manager, landlord, or supervisor as soon as possible. Request that they create an official incident report and ask for a copy before you leave.

Document the Hazard and the Scene

Take clear photos and videos of the dangerous condition, your injuries, the surrounding area, lighting, flooring, and anything that contributed to the fall. Capture the scene before it is cleaned, repaired, or altered.

Gather Witness Information

If anyone saw the accident, politely request their names and contact information. Witness statements can be vital when the property owner or insurer later disputes your claim.

Preserve the Clothing and Shoes You Were Wearing

Do not wash or alter them. These items may become evidence to show the severity of the fall, the presence of substances on the floor, or lack of traction.

Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly to get a recorded statement or offer a low settlement. Decline to discuss the accident until you’ve consulted an attorney.

Seek Medical Follow-Up and Keep All Records

Attend every recommended appointment and save medical bills, diagnoses, prescriptions, and work-restriction notes. Consistent medical documentation strengthens your claim.

Consult a Slip and Fall Attorney Before Filing a Claim

A lawyer will determine liability, calculate damages, secure evidence, and protect you from insurer tactics designed to underpay or deny your case.

Hire a Lawyer to Represent You

Once you hire an attorney, they will handle communications, gather additional evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and—if necessary—file a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Find a Skilled Slip and Fall Attorney in California

You can hire an experienced slip and fall attorney anywhere in California through Megeredchian Law’s statewide coverage.

Our headquarters are located at: 

350 N Glenoaks Blvd 3rd floor, Burbank, CA 91501

You can also find us in:

Useful Resources and FAQs for Slip and Fall Accident Victims

Speak Directly With a Slip and Fall Attorney in California

Slip and fall accidents can be tricky, complex, and even embarrassing at times. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid filing a claim or bear the financial, physical, and emotional burden of an accident that wasn’t your fault. Partner with a winning slip and fall attorney in California and turn your pain into victory! Call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 to schedule a free consultation.

Results Matter!

We are selective about the volume of cases and the type of cases we undertake. This ensures our client’s case gets the attention it needs so results are achieved. Big firms with big case volumes means your case gets lost with the thousand others. Results matter, experience the difference by retaining our firm and let us exceed your expectations.

Our clients are not just “clients,” we treat everyone like family with compassion and the utmost care.

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