Slip and Fall Lawyers in Encino

Your Advocate for Justice in a Slip-and-Fall Accident

You and your loved ones should be able to enjoy life without fear of harm. Unfortunately, the negligence of others can trample on this right. A slip and fall accident is one of the most common causes of injuries in America and often causes lasting damage. Even if the injuries are minor, the disruption to your life can be significant. If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall accident, our Encino personal injury lawyer can help you seek justice.

Slip & Fall Accident Claims and Lawsuits in Encino, CA

At V&A Law Firm, our team of California personal injury attorneys fights hard to advocate for our clients. We’ve seen the effects of negligence and know these acts can upend a person’s life. Fortunately, this is not something you have to go through alone. Our law firm can seek compensation on your behalf, including filing a lawsuit to compel financial recovery from responsible parties. And since you can get a free 15-minute case evaluation at V&A Law Firm, there is no risk in contacting us about your case.

Are You Entitled to Compensation After a Fall?

Slip and fall accident victims can be burdened by the costs associated with the accident. Lost wages due to being unable to work and medical expenses are much more challenging to pay. Not all accident victims are entitled to compensation. Specific elements must be proven in a successful slip-and-fall claim. If these elements are established, the negligent party’s insurer may be obligated to negotiate a settlement agreement.

These elements are needed to prove a slip and fall accident claim:

Duty of care: Everyone has a duty to avoid actions that could harm others. For instance, if you and other guests are on someone else’s property, the property owner has a duty to provide safe surroundings free of hazards.
Breach of duty: Any successful fall injury claim will show that a breach (violation) of the duty of care occurred. For instance, a homeowner failing to clear snow and ice from their walkway prior to inviting guests has violated the duty of care.
Causation: It must be proven that the breach of duty of care was the main cause of the injuries sustained in a slip and fall accident.
Damages: Damages are the compensation owed to an injured party covering the value of the losses they incurred due to the negligent act of another party. A personal injury claim must be able to prove damages, such as the costs of medical care, lost wages, rehabilitation, and other losses.

Successful slip-and-fall claims and lawsuits must establish each of these elements, but litigation in civil court may not be necessary. If you have an experienced legal professional on your side, insurance companies know the situation is not going to be easy, with an untrained individual accepting a lowball settlement. When you are represented by our Encino slip-and-fall attorney, your chances of recovering full and fair damages are significantly increased.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Establishing liability for slip and fall injuries can be a challenging endeavor. The first step in this process involves identifying the underlying cause of the accident. This action will identify the responsible parties. Liability claims are most successful when all underlying facts of a case are established and supported by evidence. If you or a loved one have found yourself harmed in a slip and fall case, one of the following common causes is likely the culprit:

Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere—from grocery stores and restaurants to office buildings, government offices, and private homes. In Southern California, many falls result from preventable hazards that property owners have failed to address. Common causes include:

Wet and Slippery Floors: Spills, freshly mopped surfaces, or tracked-in rain is hazardous. If visitors, employees, vendors, or guests have no warnings or the area is cleaned up, a dangerous slip and fall can occur, with devastating consequences.
Uneven Flooring or Sidewalks: Cracked pavement, broken tiles, or sudden changes in elevation can trip an unsuspecting visitor.
Loose Rugs and Carpets: Poorly secured mats, curled carpet edges, or worn flooring materials can create serious tripping hazards.
Cluttered Walkways: Boxes, cords, merchandise, or debris left in walkways pose a danger, especially in retail and commercial locations.
Insufficient Lighting: Inadequate lighting in hallways, stairwells, or parking lots can make it challenging to spot obstacles or changes in the walking level.
Missing or Broken Handrails: Staircases without proper railings—or with damaged ones—significantly increase the risk of falling.
Wet Entryways: In areas near building entrances, water tracked by foot traffic can create slick surfaces during rainy weather.
Improper Floor Materials: Surfaces that are highly polished or do not feature slip resistance are dangerous, especially in high-traffic areas.
Construction Site Hazards: A construction site is dangerous at the best of times, but when uneven walking surfaces, obstructions, or unexpected barriers can lead to a trip and fall with a terrible outcome.

At V&A Law Firm, we investigate the exact cause of your fall and work to hold negligent property owners accountable for failing to maintain safe conditions.

Do You Have a Case? Comparative Negligence in a Slip and Fall Case

If you believe you may have been partially responsible for the slip and fall for any reason, it will not stop you from seeking compensation. California adjudicates injury claims on the legal concept of “comparative negligence.” If it is determined you had a percentage of fault, your compensation is reduced by that percentage. Ensure you are protected by a slip-and-fall accident attorney who will help you with all the details, including determining fault. We want you to recover the maximum amount of compensation available.

Our Process: We Vigorously Pursue Fair Compensation in Slip and Fall Cases.

Every slip and fall case is unique, but our approach is always the same—thorough, strategic, and client-focused. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

Free Consultation: We start by listening to your story, reviewing the facts, advising you on your legal options, and starting the process with a free 15-minute initial case evaluation.
In-Depth Investigation: Our team gathers critical evidence—photos, witness statements, maintenance records, and expert input—to build a strong case.
Medical Documentation: We work with your medical team to fully understand the extent of your injuries and estimate the costs of future care.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies: We handle all communications with the insurance company and apply pressure to inspire them to offer a fair settlement that reflects your true losses.
Litigation: If the insurance company refuses to settle, we’re prepared to take your case to court and fight for justice.

What Compensation Is Available to Injury Victims?

There are various forms of compensation available to slip and fall victims. The specifics of a case will dictate the various types of compensation pursued, which include:

Economic damages: These are actual, quantifiable losses, including lost wages, medical expenses, future estimated financial losses, reduced earning capacity, medications, transportation, and other costs.
Non-economic damages: These are non-monetary losses. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, quality of life changes, and other non-quantifiable losses.
Punitive damages: If the courts decide that a liable party’s actions were particularly egregious, they may be forced to pay additional damages as a form of punishment when a lawsuit is resolved in civil court.

Punitive damages are rarely awarded, but they could be possible. Additionally, victims injured on the job may seek compensation through workers’ compensation or a third-party claim. Every case is unique. Don’t make decisions based on what you find online. Contact our slip and fall injury lawyers today to better understand your rights and how to move forward.

Common Slip and Fall Accidents in Encino

Apartment complexes: Uneven surfaces, poorly lit stairwells, or neglected maintenance can contribute to accidents in apartment complexes.
Grocery stores: Spills, wet floors, or cluttered aisles pose hazards in grocery stores, especially during busy hours.
Restaurants: Wet floors, loose rugs, lack of lighting in stairways, or obstructed pathways can lead to slips and falls in restaurants.
Sidewalks and parking lots: Cracks, potholes, or uneven cement on sidewalks and parking lots increase the risk of falls, particularly in rainy weather.
Shopping malls: Crowded areas, escalators, or stairs present dangers in shopping malls or in retail outlets where items could obstruct walking surfaces.

Slip and Falls Accidents in Apartment Complexes

Even if you are careful, accidents can occur in apartment complexes. If you’ve experienced a slip and fall due to negligence in these locations, seeking legal guidance is essential to protect your rights and pursue rightful compensation.

Slip and fall accidents in apartment complexes are, unfortunately, everyday occurrences that can result in serious injuries for tenants and visitors alike. These accidents often stem from various hazards on the premises. Uneven surfaces, such as cracked or poorly maintained walkways and stairs, pose a significant risk, especially in older buildings or those where the owner or manager fails to keep the property safe for tenants or visitors.

Insufficient lighting in common areas, like stairwells and parking lots, can also contribute to accidents, making it difficult for individuals to identify potential hazards. Additionally, failure to promptly address spills or leaks within hallways or entryways can create slippery conditions, further elevating the risk of falls.

Apartment managers and property owners have a legal duty to ensure the safety of their premises, and when they fail to uphold this responsibility, they may be held liable for resulting injuries. Victims of slip and fall accidents in apartments should seek legal counsel to explore their options for pursuing compensation and holding negligent parties accountable.

Slip and Falls Accidents in Restaurants

Slip and fall accidents in restaurants present a unique set of hazards that can lead to serious injuries for patrons and employees alike. One common risk factor is the presence of slippery or wet floors, particularly near kitchen areas or food preparation stations. Spills from food or beverages, if not promptly resolved or protected by warnings, can allow a patron to slip and fall due to slippery surfaces.

Loose rugs, mats, or debris in dining areas can also pose tripping hazards, especially during peak hours when the restaurant is bustling with activity. Inadequate lighting or poorly maintained flooring can exacerbate these risks, making it challenging for individuals to be safe in the environment. Restaurant owners and managers are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for guests and staff, and when they neglect this duty, they may be held liable for injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents.

Victims should seek legal guidance to understand their rights and pursue compensation for all damages.

Slip and Fall Accidents in Government Buildings

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in a government-owned property—such as a city hall, courthouse, public library, or municipal parking lot—the process for filing a claim is different from standard premises liability cases.

Government entities in California are protected by specific legal rules, including the California Tort Claims Act (CTCA). This law sets stricter procedures and shorter deadlines for pursuing compensation for cases involving governmental entities.

Key Differences in Government Slip and Fall Claims

Shorter Time Limit: You must file an administrative claim with the appropriate government agency within six months of the date of the injury. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely.

Six-Month Deadline to File a Written Claim: You must file a formal written claim with the appropriate government agency within six months from the date of the injury. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from the right to compensation.
Administrative Claim Requirement: Before filing a lawsuit, you must submit a detailed claim directly to the government entity responsible for the property. This written claim must include specifics about how the accident happened, the injuries sustained, and the damages you seek.
Government Response Period: The agency has 45 days to accept or reject your claim. If rejected, you then have a limited window—usually six months from the rejection date—to file a lawsuit in civil court.

Government liability cases are procedurally complex and time-sensitive. Any mistake in when you file or to which government agency can result in a valid injury claim being denied. Legal representation is essential in these cases due to the many additional requirements and the limited time available.

At V&A Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges of pursuing injury claims against public entities and are here to ensure your rights are protected from day one. At V&A Law Firm, we have experience handling government liability claims and can guide you through the process—ensuring that all deadlines are met, and your rights are protected.

FAQ: Slip and Fall Accident Claims and Lawsuits

What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident?

Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Then, report the incident to the property owner or manager, take photos of the scene, gather contact info from any witnesses, and avoid making detailed statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney.

How do I prove the property owner was at fault?

You must show that the property owner was negligent—meaning they knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn you. Evidence like incident reports, surveillance footage, photos, and witness statements are key to proving liability.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Under California’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the fall. The compensation will be reduced by what is determined to be your percentage of fault.

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

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If the accident occurred on government property, a written claim must be filed within six months, so it’s important to act quickly.

What types of damages can I recover in a slip and fall case?

You may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, and other associated losses. In some cases, emotional distress or loss of enjoyment of life may also be considered.

Do I really need a lawyer for a slip-and-fall claim?

While not legally required, having a skilled attorney increases your chances of success. Property owners and insurance companies often dispute these claims, and an experienced lawyer can gather evidence, build your case, and negotiate for the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Us? The V&A Law Firm Difference

When you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, being represented by the right legal team can make all the difference in how quickly your case is resolved and at what value. At V&A Law Firm, we’re committed to delivering skilled, personalized representation for clients in Encino and across Southern California. We believe we genuinely offer our clients a superior level of care and support. We offer:

Focused Experience: We have a strong track record of success in resolving premises liability cases, including complex claims involving commercial properties, residential properties, and properties owned by county, state, or federal agencies.
Client-Centered Approach: When our firm takes a case, you are never just a case number. We spend all the time needed to understand what occurred to correctly value your claim or lawsuit.
Hands-On Case Management: From investigating the accident scene to collecting evidence to negotiating with the insurance company and, if needed, taking your case to trial—we are confident at every step of the journey to resolution.
Aggressive Advocacy: Insurance companies may try to minimize or deny slip and fall claims. We know their tactics, and we fight back with solid arguments, along with compelling evidence.
No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Serving Encino in Several Languages: We offer legal representation in English, Spanish, and Farsi.

Your recovery is our priority. Let us focus on the legal battle while you focus on healing.

Contact Our Slip and Fall Lawyers in Encino, CA Today

If you have suffered significant injuries in a slip and fall, you may be facing a long period of healing and are unable to work. You may see medical bills piling up. In some cases, victims suffer lifelong physical or cognitive changes or both. You may have lost a loved one who never recovered from a slip and fall, and legal counsel will help you bring a wrongful death case against the negligent party.

At V&A Law Firm, we’re here to smooth the process and take care of the details. Whether it’s a private party, business owner, or government entity that’s responsible for your injury, we’ll work vigilantly to secure the financial recovery you deserve. In many instances, reaching a fair settlement with an insurance company can be achieved. If litigation is unavoidable, our law firm has experience at trial to present a compelling case in civil court and seek a resolution.

Contact us today by calling 818-369-3270 to schedule your free consultation. Our slip and fall lawyers in Encino are here to assist.