Slip and Fall Lawyer Serving Los Angeles
Uneven Stairs Are a Building Code Issue. And a Legal One.
As a Los Angeles slip and fall attorney and former in-house counsel at Safeco Insurance, I know how property owners and their insurers try to deny notice of a hazard, and I build the proof that holds them accountable.
Dedicated Representation for Slip and Fall Victims
A fall on a store floor in Van Nuys or a poorly lit stairwell in North Hollywood can lead to serious injuries. I handle the legal work so you can focus on treatment. I offer a free consultation and if I accept your case, there is no fee unless I win (on cases done on a contingency fee basis). At The Law Office of Frederick S. Schwartz, you speak directly with me from day one, and I keep you informed while I push for the result you need.
Why You Need a Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall claims are a specific application of premises liability law, and California holds property owners to a higher standard than most people expect. You don't have to prove the owner actually knew about a hazard. Under the constructive notice standard, it's enough to show they should have known about it through reasonable inspection.
That distinction is where most of these cases get won or lost. Property owners and their insurers almost always argue they had no notice, and I counter that with the same evidence courts rely on to apply the reasonable inspection standard:
- Inspection logs and cleaning schedules showing how often the area was actually checked
- Surveillance footage showing how long the hazard existed before you fell
- Maintenance records showing prior complaints or repairs in the same area
- Witness statements about how long the condition had been there
I document medical care, lost income, and how the injury affects daily life, but the notice argument is usually the real fight, and it's the one I know how to win.
Stair Defects Are Where I Have the Deepest Experience
Stairway falls are some of the most provable slip and fall cases I handle, because California building code sets specific, measurable standards for stairs, and a violation isn't a matter of opinion. Riser height inconsistencies, worn or missing nosing, and inadequate handrails are common defects that directly violate code, and when they do, the property owner's "we didn't know" defense gets a lot weaker.
When I review a fall scene, I'm measuring and documenting the same things an expert witness would look for:
- Riser height variation between steps, which California code limits to a small tolerance
- Tread depth and consistency across the full staircase
- Handrail height, graspability, and whether one exists where code requires it
- Lighting levels on the stairway at the time of the fall
- Whether the defect was a recent change or a long-standing condition
After 37 years inside these cases, including years evaluating them from the insurance side, I know which details insurers hope a claimant's attorney won't catch. I make sure they get caught.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Los Angeles
Wet floors without warnings, uneven sidewalks, broken steps, loose handrails, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways are frequent causes. I often see incidents along Ventura Boulevard retail corridors, apartment complexes in Sherman Oaks, and parking lots throughout the Valley.
Property owners tend to raise the same defenses in these cases, and I've spent years countering each one:
- Claiming a warning sign excused the hazard, when the law requires the hazard itself to be corrected or made safe, not just flagged
- Arguing you weren't watching where you were walking, which doesn't erase their duty to maintain safe conditions
- Saying the hazard appeared too recently for them to have caught it, which is exactly what inspection logs and surveillance footage are used to disprove
No matter which defense comes up, I focus on how long the hazard existed and whether the business followed reasonable inspection and cleanup procedures.
Carolyn K.
A five star rating and more for Fred Schwartz is more than deserved. He handled my case in a calm, confident manner, which included a compassionate concern for my well being. Fred investigated the accident in minute detail, gathered evidence, and handled my claim negotiations. While it was a difficult path to physically move through this injury, I was surprised to experience an emotional healing when I received significant compensation for my pain and suffering. I am grateful, I had the best attorney in Fred Schwartz.
What To Do After A Slip and Fall
Seek medical care and keep records. Report the incident to the property owner or manager and request an incident report. Photograph the hazard, lighting, footwear, and your injuries if you can. Get witness contacts. Avoid signing store forms or giving detailed recorded statements to insurers. Send them to me so I can protect your claim.
Slip and Fall Claims in Los Angeles, Answered
What do I need to prove in a slip and fall case in California?
You need to show a dangerous condition existed, that the property owner knew or should have known about it, and that it caused your injury. The "should have known" piece is called constructive notice, and it's often the most contested part of the case. I gather inspection records, surveillance footage, and witness statements to establish each element.
Can I sue a business for a slip and fall in Los Angeles?
Yes, if the business failed to maintain reasonably safe conditions or failed to warn you about a hazard they knew or should have known about. Whether you have a strong case depends on the specific facts, which is why I review the details of every fall before giving you a real answer.
Is a warning sign enough to excuse a property owner in California?
Not necessarily. A warning sign doesn't excuse a business from correcting a hazard or placing it where customers can actually see it in time. I evaluate whether the sign was adequate, visible, and placed reasonably given how the hazard was created.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in California?
Generally two years from the date of the fall, though some situations can shorten or extend that deadline. I can confirm your specific timeline during a free case review.
What compensation can I pursue after a slip and fall?
You may be entitled to medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. I document both the immediate impact and the long-term effects of the injury to make sure the full value of your claim is represented.