In a split second, external conditions beyond your control can alter your entire day, year, or even life, from a slip-and-fall accident.

Slip-and-fall cases, one of the most common types of premises liability, occur with alarming frequency. In 2024, around 480,000 individuals were forced to take time off work due to severe slip-and-fall injuries, which are also a leading cause of death for older adults. As the most populous state in the United States, California leads the country in slip-and-fall cases. 

Below is a general guide for Los Angeles County and Orange County residents to remain prepared if they find themselves in this situation. For further guidance from a slip-and-fall attorney, please call our offices at (213) 252-1070 to set up a free consultation.

What is a Slip-and-Fall Accident?

A slip-and-fall accident is a personal injury claim, occurring when an individual slips on someone else’s property because of a dangerous condition. Understanding what constitutes a slip-and-fall accident and what does not is important. Slip-and-fall accidents are considered premises liability claims, meaning that they depend on other individuals or entities maintaining a safe environment. Therefore, falling on your own kitchen floor would not be considered a slip-and-fall accident.

What Are the Common Causes for a Slip-and-Fall Incident in Los Angeles County and Orange County?  

Slip-and-fall accidents may arise from a variety of hazardous conditions rather than from a single cause. Some of the most common factors contributing to slip-and-fall accidents are: 

• Uneven sidewalks and cracked pavement
• Broken staircases, missing handrails, and defective ramps
• Hidden tripping hazards and poor lighting 
• Wet/mopped floors without signage 
• Cluttered and obstructed walkways

For example, an individual in Beverly Hills may slip on a wet hallway in a residential apartment complex because of inadequate maintenance of the premises. This incident could be subject to a slip-and-fall claim.

Where Can Slip-and-Fall Accidents Occur in Los Angeles County and Orange County? 

Since slip-and-fall accidents can happen under a wide variety of circumstances, they can occur in virtually any location. Such accidents may occur in commercial, public, or residential spaces, including but not limited to the following locations: 

• Commercial Spaces: Restaurants, shopping centers, hotels, bars, grocery stores, office buildings, construction sites, workplaces, cafes 
• Public Spaces: Sidewalks, parking lots, garages, public parks, hospitals, healthcare facilities, government buildings 
• Residential Spaces: Private homes, residential stairways and walkways, apartment complexes, condominium properties

For example, if an Irvine store experienced a water leakage but lacked signage warning of the leak, an individual who slipped and fell under these conditions could potentially file a slip-and-fall case. 

What Kinds of Injuries Do Slip-and-Fall Accidents Typically Cause?

Injuries resulting from slip-and-fall accidents may vary in severity, location, and type depending on the circumstances of the accident. Below are a few common slip-and-fall injuries: 

• Head and brain injury 
• Broken bones
• Sprains and strains
• Joint dislocations
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Cuts, abrasions, and bruises

One example of a slip-and-fall accident injury would be an individual breaking their arm after falling down a restaurant’s stairs in San Juan Capistrano due to a lack of proper railings.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Slip-and-Fall Attorney in Los Angeles County and Orange County

Slip-and-fall accidents can be difficult to navigate and take years to settle. With many moving parts, legal issues, and bills, it is important to have a trusted, skilled attorney by your side. 

John J. Perlstein is a knowledgeable and experienced slip-and-fall attorney with over 25 years of experience, helping individuals in Southern California secure fair and just outcomes in slip-and-fall accidents. For a free consultation involving a slip-and-fall accident, call us today at 213.252.1070 or fill out our contact form.