You weren’t being careless. You weren’t distracted. You were just walking through a store, an office, a parking lot when something unsafe sent you to the ground. A wet floor. A broken step. A cracked sidewalk. Now, you’re hurt, in pain, and facing medical bills that shouldn’t be your problem.
Maybe you thought it was just bad luck. But the truth is, most slip and fall accidents aren’t just accidents they happen because someone didn’t take care of their property the way they should have. And now, you’re the one paying for it.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
At Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we help people hold property owners accountable when their negligence causes serious injuries. As a trusted Burbank slip and fall lawyer, we know how insurance companies try to dodge responsibility and we don’t let them get away with it. You deserve medical care, financial support, and a law firm that’s on your side.
Let’s talk. Your consultation is free, and you don’t pay us unless we win.
Call now to speak with a personal injury attorney in Burbank or schedule a free case review online.
Why You Need a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Burbank
If you slipped and fell, you might be wondering was it just bad luck, or does someone else bear responsibility? In many cases, falls happen because a property owner didn’t take care of their space the way they should have.
Under premises liability law, property owners whether they run a business, manage an apartment complex, or own a public space have a legal duty to keep their property safe. That means fixing broken stairs, cleaning up spills, maintaining proper lighting, and addressing other hazards before someone gets hurt.
But too often, they ignore these dangers until it’s too late. If a store owner knew about a wet floor but didn’t put up a warning sign, or a landlord failed to fix a broken handrail, they can be held liable when someone gets injured.
And that’s where a personal injury law firm like ours comes in. We fight to hold them accountable so that you, the injured party, aren’t left dealing with the consequences alone.
The High Cost of Slip and Fall Accidents
People tend to underestimate slip-and-fall cases until it happens to them. But falls are one of the leading causes of serious injuries in the U.S., and the numbers prove it:
- Falls send over 8 million people to emergency rooms every year making them the top reason for ER visits.
- In 2022 alone, slips and falls led to 15% of all workers' compensation claims and 865 work-related deaths.
- The average slip and fall accident settlement is between $30,000 and $40,000, with some cases reaching much higher when severe injuries are involved.
For some, a fall means a few bruises. For others, it can cause catastrophic injury like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or even permanent paralysis. Some victims never fully recover, and families are left struggling with emotional distress, medical bills, and a lifetime of care.
If your fall was caused by a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, you shouldn’t be the one paying for it. We help you file a personal injury claim and fight for fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Increases Your Chances of Winning
If you’re considering handling your claim alone, here’s what you need to know: insurance companies are not on your side. Their job is to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all.
- They will try to devalue your claim. They might argue that your injuries aren’t serious or that they were pre-existing.
- They will try to blame you. They’ll suggest that you weren’t paying attention, were wearing the wrong shoes, or should have noticed the hazard.
- They want you to settle fast for less than you deserve. Many victims accept lowball offers because they don’t realize what their claim is truly worth.
That’s why hiring a legal representative is critical. We negotiate with insurance companies, gather the necessary medical records to prove your injuries, and make sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Take one of our recent cases, for example. A client slipped on an unmarked wet floor in a grocery store, suffering a severe neck injury and head trauma. The store’s insurance company initially offered a low payout, claiming she wasn’t watching where she was walking. We fought back, proving the store had a history of similar incidents. The result? A six-figure accident settlement that covered her medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
If you’ve been injured, don’t take on the legal process alone. We know how to handle settlement negotiations, and we’ll fight for the fair settlement you deserve.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall cases often come down to negligence someone failing to fix or warn about a dangerous condition. Here’s how it happens:
Slippery Floors
Spilled drinks, leaking refrigerators, or freshly mopped floors without a warning sign can turn a simple trip to the store into a trip to the ER. Businesses are required to clean up spills quickly and warn customers about wet surfaces. When they don’t, people get hurt.
Uneven Sidewalks and Pavement
Cracked sidewalks, potholes, and broken pavement can lead to serious injuries especially in parking lots or outside businesses. If you fell because a property owner neglected basic maintenance, they may be responsible for your compensation claim.
Poor Lighting in Stairwells and Walkways
A dark staircase or poorly lit parking lot makes it impossible to see hazards before it’s too late. If businesses don’t keep their lighting in working order, they put visitors at risk.
Loose Carpeting or Flooring
A lifted rug, a broken tile, or loose flooring can cause someone to trip. Property owners and landlords are responsible for keeping floors safe and fixing known hazards.
Cluttered Walkways or Obstacles
Boxes, electrical cords, or misplaced furniture in stores, offices, or restaurants create trip hazards. If a business leaves clutter in a walkway where customers or employees pass through, they are liable if someone gets hurt.
Lack of Handrails on Stairs
Handrails exist for a reason to prevent falls. If a staircase is missing a handrail or has one that is broken, it becomes a serious hazard. This is especially dangerous for seniors or people with mobility issues. If a property owner fails to install or maintain a proper handrail, they can be held responsible for fall-related injuries.
Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen?
Slip and fall accidents can happen just about anywhere. But when they happen on someone else’s property because of unsafe conditions, the owner may be responsible for your injuries. If they knew about a hazard and failed to fix it or warn people, they can be held accountable.
Here’s where these accidents commonly happen and why property owners should do better.
Supermarkets & Grocery Stores
Stores are busy places, with spills, leaking freezers, and cluttered aisles creating hazards everywhere. Maybe someone knocked over a bottle of juice, and instead of cleaning it up right away, an employee ignored it. You turn the corner, step into the spill, and suddenly find yourself on the floor with a painful back injury.
These accidents shouldn’t happen. Grocery store owners and managers are legally responsible for keeping floors dry, aisles clear, and shoppers safe. If they don’t, and you get hurt, they can be held liable.
Shopping Malls & Retail Stores
You’re browsing a clothing store when your foot catches on a loose rug that wasn’t secured properly. Or maybe you’re in a mall where the escalator suddenly jerks, causing you to fall. Slippery tile floors, poor maintenance, and crowded spaces make retail stores a common place for falls.
If store management knew about the hazard and didn’t take action, they could be responsible for your medical costs and other damages.
Restaurants & Hotels
In restaurants, spills are common but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. If a drink is spilled and staff doesn’t clean it up quickly, guests can slip and suffer serious injuries.
Hotels also pose risks wet bathroom floors, dimly lit stairways, and uneven flooring can all lead to serious falls. If management failed to maintain a safe environment, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
Parking Lots & Sidewalks
Parking lots and sidewalks should be safe for pedestrians. But potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces create major tripping hazards. A simple walk to your car can turn into a painful fall, leading to soft tissue injuries, fractures, or even a head injury.
If the property owner or city was responsible for maintaining the area but let it fall into disrepair, they could be liable for your injuries.
Workplaces & Office Buildings
Falls at work happen more often than you might think. A dimly lit stairwell, loose cables stretched across a hallway, or a slippery breakroom floor can all cause serious injuries. Employers have a duty of care to keep workplaces safe. If they fail to do so, injured employees may have a legal right to compensation.
Residential & Rental Properties
If you fell at an apartment complex or rental property, the landlord or property manager may be responsible. Broken handrails, poorly maintained staircases, and icy sidewalks create serious hazards. Landlords are required to fix unsafe conditions in a reasonable timeframe if they don’t, and you’re injured, they may be held accountable.
Government & Public Property
Falls in parks, government buildings, or transit stations are handled differently from other cases. If your accident happened on city or county property, you may have less time to file a claim due to special legal deadlines. If you think you have a case against a government entity, it’s important to contact a slip and fall lawyer near you as soon as possible.
Do I Have a Valid Slip and Fall Claim?
Not every fall leads to a lawsuit. To have a strong case, you need to prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries.
Key factors for a strong case:
Duty of care: The property owner had a legal obligation to keep the area safe.
Negligence: They knew (or should have known) about a dangerous condition but failed to fix it or warn people.
Liability: That hazard directly caused your fall and injuries.
For example, if a store had a leaking freezer that created a puddle and didn’t put up warning signs, that’s negligence. If you slipped and suffered a head trauma or soft tissue injuries, that’s liability.
What if I was partially at fault?
In California, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the fall. This is called comparative negligence. For example, if you were looking at your phone when you fell on an unmarked wet floor, the court might find you 20% at fault but you’d still be eligible for 80% of the compensation.
If you’re unsure whether you have a case, our legal team can review your situation and help you understand your options.
What To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
The steps you take after your fall can make or break your case. Insurance companies will look for any excuse to deny your claim, so protecting your rights starts immediately.
1. Seek Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries like soft tissue injuries, neck injuries, or head trauma don’t show symptoms right away. Having medical records is crucial for your claim.
2. Document the Scene
Take pictures of the hazard that caused your fall before it’s cleaned up or fixed. If there were no warning signs, make sure that’s visible in your photos.
3. Gather Witness Information
If anyone saw your fall, get their name and contact information. Their testimony can help prove that the accident wasn’t your fault.
4. Report the Incident
Tell the store manager, landlord, or property owner what happened. Ask for a written report and keep a copy for your records.
5. Do Not Talk to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies will twist your words to minimize your claim. If they call you, don’t give a recorded statement or accept an early settlement.
6. Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer
An experienced slip and fall injury lawyer can handle the legal process, gather evidence, and fight for maximum compensation. The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be.
How Much Is My Slip and Fall Case Worth?
One of the biggest questions after an accident is, “How much compensation can I get?” The answer depends on how serious your injuries are, how much your medical bills cost, and how the fall has affected your life.
Economic Damages: The Financial Impact of Your Injury
If you’ve had to pay out of pocket for anything related to your accident, that’s economic damage and you can recover compensation for it.
- Medical expenses (current & future) – From ER visits to physical therapy, every bill adds up fast. If you need long-term care, surgery, or ongoing treatment, your claim should include future medical costs too.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity – If your injury forced you to miss work, those lost paychecks shouldn’t come out of your pocket. And if your injuries prevent you from doing the same job in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for that lost earning potential.
- Rehabilitation costs – Physical therapy, mobility aids, or home modifications may be necessary depending on the severity of your injuries.
Example: Imagine you slipped on a wet restaurant floor with no warning sign and fractured your hip. You were out of work for months and needed surgery. Between hospital bills and lost income, your financial losses totaled over $75,000 which you’d never have been able to afford on your own. A slip and fall lawyer near you would fight to recover every dollar you lost.
Non-Economic Damages: The Impact on Your Life
Some injuries don’t just hurt physically they affect how you live your life. Non-economic damages cover the personal cost of your injuries:
- Pain and suffering – The physical pain from your injury, including chronic pain that lingers for months or years.
- Emotional distress – Accidents can leave people with anxiety, PTSD, or depression especially if they’ve suffered severe injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – If your injury prevents you from doing things you once loved like hiking, playing with your kids, or even driving this is compensable.
Punitive Damages: Holding Negligent Parties Accountable
Some property owners ignore safety hazards for months or even years until someone gets seriously hurt. If your accident happened because of gross negligence, you may be entitled to punitive damages, which are meant to punish the at-fault party and prevent others from doing the same.
Example: A store had received multiple complaints about a broken step at its entrance. Instead of fixing it, they ignored the problem until a customer fell and suffered a spinal cord injury. In cases like this, a slip & fall lawyer can push for punitive damages to hold the business accountable.
How Insurance Companies Try to Devalue Claims
Insurance companies don’t make money by paying fair settlements they make money by paying you as little as possible. They will look for any excuse to reduce or deny your claim.
- “You weren’t paying attention.” They may argue that you could have avoided the fall if you were looking where you were going.
- “The hazard was obvious.” If you fell on uneven surfaces, they might claim that you should have noticed and avoided them.
- “You were wearing unsafe shoes.” Even if you were wearing regular sneakers, they might argue that your footwear was a factor in the fall.
This is why having a lawyer for slip and fall cases is so important. We push back against these tactics and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim in California?
There’s a time limit on how long you can file a personal injury claim and if you wait too long, you could lose your right to compensation.
General Deadline: 2 Years
In most slip and fall cases, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, meaning you won’t be able to recover anything.
Exceptions That Can Shorten the Time Limit
- Claims against government entities – If you fell on a city sidewalk, a public building, or another government-owned property, you must file a claim within six months of the accident.
- Delayed injuries – Some injuries, like head trauma or soft tissue injuries, don’t show symptoms right away. In some cases, the clock starts when the injury is discovered not when the accident happened.
If you’re unsure whether you still have time to file, talk to a slip and fall injury lawyer as soon as possible. Even a few days can make a difference.
How Our Burbank Slip and Fall Lawyers Can Help
Going up against property owners and insurance companies isn’t easy, but we handle the legal work so you can focus on healing.
We gather security footage, speak to witnesses, and collect evidence to prove negligence. If a property owner ignored a hazard, we’ll find the proof.
Insurance companies often try to downplay injuries. We work with medical experts to show the full impact of your accident, including future medical care and lost income.
Adjusters will try to settle for less than you deserve. We negotiate to ensure you get fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Most cases settle, but if the insurance company won’t offer a fair amount, we’ll take them to court. We know how to fight and win.
One client fell at a shopping mall due to a broken tile that had been reported but never fixed. The mall denied responsibility. After gathering evidence, we secured a six-figure settlement covering her medical costs and lost wages.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, don’t face this alone. Call today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accidents
How do I know if I have a strong slip and fall claim?
If your fall was caused by a hazard that the property owner knew about or should have known about, you likely have a case. For example, if a grocery store ignored a leaking freezer for weeks and you slipped, they could be responsible for your injuries. The key is proving negligence, and a slip and fall attorney can help gather the evidence you need.
What if I was partially at fault?
California follows comparative negligence laws, meaning even if you were partly responsible, you can still recover damages. If you were found to be 20% at fault, your settlement would be reduced by that percentage, but you could still recover 80% of the compensation. A Burbank slip and fall lawyer can fight to reduce any unfair blame placed on you.
Can I sue a business for a slip and fall?
Yes. Stores, malls, and businesses have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. If they fail to clean up spills, fix uneven flooring, or warn customers about slippery conditions, they can be held responsible. If you’ve fallen due to unsafe conditions in a store, you have the right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
What if my accident happened in an Airbnb or rental property?
If your fall happened in a rental property, the landlord or property manager might be liable. They are responsible for keeping stairways, flooring, and other areas safe for tenants and guests. If they failed to fix a broken step, faulty handrail, or other dangerous condition, you may have a case against them.
How long does a slip and fall case take?
Most cases settle in a few months to a year, depending on the severity of the injuries and how willing the insurance company is to offer fair compensation. If they refuse to negotiate, your case may take longer and could go to trial. A slip and fall lawyer near you can help speed up the process while making sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
What if my landlord knew about the hazard but didn’t fix it?
Landlords are legally required to repair dangerous conditions that could harm tenants and guests. If you reported a hazard, such as a broken stair, loose railing, or faulty flooring, and they ignored it, you may have a strong case for negligence. A slip and fall attorney can help prove that they failed in their responsibility.
Contact a Burbank Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, you don’t have to deal with the insurance companies, medical bills, and legal process on your own. We’re here to help you understand your rights, fight for fair compensation, and hold negligent property owners accountable.
Call now for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions, and you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
