A sudden fall can change a person’s life in seconds, leaving them with painful injuries, unexpected medical bills, and time away from work. When negligence causes these accidents, the injured party has the right to seek compensation. Choosing a Burbank slip and fall lawyer can make a significant difference in navigating the legal process and securing fair financial recovery.
At Glotzer & Leib, we guide clients through each stage of their case with clear communication, compassionate service, and determined advocacy.
In Burbank, slip and fall accidents often unfold in the ordinary places we visit, such as grocery stores, restaurants, parking lots, and neighborhood sidewalks. A quick trip to pick up groceries might be interrupted by an uneven slab of sidewalk, a slick spot from a spilled drink, or a rug that slides underfoot near the entrance. Poor lighting in a parking garage can make it nearly impossible to see a hazard in time, and even the rare rainy afternoon can turn a set of stairs into a slippery danger.
Construction clutter, boxes left in aisles, or steps without handrails add to the risks. Even a decorative planter placed in the wrong spot can be enough to send someone tumbling. These hazards can be eliminated with regular upkeep, timely repairs, and clear warnings. Beyond what the law requires, property owners owe a simple human duty to ensure visitors can move through their spaces without fear of a preventable injury.
Slip and fall accidents can cause anything from minor aches to life-changing harm, and they often happen when you least expect them. A sudden misstep can lead to fractures, twisted ankles, or torn ligaments, making even simple tasks painful. In more serious cases, people suffer spinal cord injuries or lose mobility, needing months or years of treatment.
A blow to the head might cause a concussion or a more severe traumatic brain injury, changing how a person thinks, feels, or moves. Cuts, dislocations, and nerve damage can also result, sometimes leaving lasting discomfort. A sore wrist or a bruise can develop into ongoing pain or movement limitations.
Liability in a slip and fall case usually falls on the property owner or occupier responsible for maintaining the premises. This can include private homeowners, commercial property owners, or government entities. To hold someone accountable, the injured party must show that the responsible party knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it.
Multiple parties, such as a landlord and a business tenant, may sometimes share liability. Liability can hinge on the nature of the hazard, the length of time it was present, and the reasonableness of the property owner’s actions.
To succeed in a claim, you must establish that the property owner owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injury. Additionally, you must prove that the dangerous condition directly led to your accident and the resulting damages. Evidence such as photographs, witness statements, surveillance footage, and medical records plays a key role in supporting your case.
Demonstrating the length of time a hazard existed before your accident can strengthen your argument that the owner had a reasonable opportunity to correct it. In some situations, expert testimony can help establish industry safety standards and how they were violated.
Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. In more severe cases, long-term care costs, rehabilitation expenses, and costs for assistive devices may also be included. Emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and future medical treatments can be part of your claim as well.
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, their impact on your daily life, and the strength of your evidence. Keeping thorough records of all medical treatments, expenses, and any changes to your work or personal life is crucial for accurately calculating these damages.
According to the California Courts Self-Help Guide, most personal injury cases involve a person suing an individual, business, or both for causing harm. Slips and falls are included in this category. If the accident occurred at work, it might lead to a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury action.
Filing a claim requires preparing the correct court forms, delivering them to the defendant, and following all procedural steps. Acting quickly helps preserve critical evidence and meet strict deadlines. Working with an attorney from the start can help avoid costly mistakes and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
California law sets a two-year deadline from the date of the injury to file most personal injury claims, as stated in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Missing this deadline generally means losing your right to pursue compensation, so acting promptly is critical.
Some exceptions apply, such as when the injured party is a minor or the defendant is a government entity, which can have much shorter notice periods. Understanding these rules can prevent a missed opportunity to recover damages, and legal guidance can help ensure all requirements are met.
Taking on a slip and fall case alone can be exhausting, especially when recovering. A lawyer can handle the back-and-forth, collect and protect necessary evidence, push for a fair settlement, and prepare for court. They’ll ensure every part of your loss, including medical bills, time away from work, and the disruption to your life, is counted.
At Glotzer & Leib, we advocate for people injured by negligence, building cases on solid facts and pursuing the compensation they deserve. We take the time to hear each person’s story, assess the real-life impact of the injury, and create a plan that fits their goals. You can reach us at 747-241-8288 or visit us at 1023 N Hollywood Way, Suite 202, Burbank, CA 91505.