Santa Monica Slip and Fall Lawyer

From broken or sprained wrists to permanent damage to the spine or head, the impact of falling on concrete or hard tile is extremely painful. Falls are a leading cause of hospital visits and they need to be taken seriously. Our Santa Monica, CA slip and fall lawyer is here to represent your best interests, hold negligent property owners accountable, and fight for full financial compensation. When you’re ready to talk about your options, reach out to the Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm today for a free consultation.

Slip And Fall Lawyer Santa Monica, CA

Property owners and managers have a duty to keep their premises safe. When they fail to fix hazards such as wet floors, broken stairs, poor lighting, or uneven walkways, innocent people can get seriously hurt.

Our firm represents clients throughout Santa Monica, California, who have been injured in falls at grocery stores, restaurants, boutiques, museums, parks, apartment complexes, hotels, parking lots, and other public or private properties. Our slip and fall clients are often suffering from broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe neck or back trauma, or long-term mobility issues. Beyond the physical harm, many face the costs of long hospital stays, extensive therapy, time away from work, and more.

As your Santa Monica slip and fall lawyer, we will carefully account for all these losses to build a strong claim on your behalf. We will work to prove that the property owner should have realized that there was a slip and fall hazard on their property but failed to take care of it in a timely manner, leading to your fall injuries. We have investigators to collect evidence, review CCTV and security video footage of the fall, and interview witnesses who saw the accident or who worked on the property and can attest to the negligence of the property manager.

Each slip and fall case is different, so we take an individualized approach to yours and counteract every argument the other party’s insurance company makes.

Why Experience Matters In Slip And Fall Cases

Slip and fall claims can be complex. Property owners and their insurers often deny responsibility, argue that the danger was “obvious,” or blame the victim for not being careful enough. To win these cases, you need a legal team experienced in proving negligence, documenting unsafe conditions, and presenting powerful evidence. Our California slip and fall attorneys have the knowledge and insights needed to secure successful outcomes. Here’s what sets our firm apart from others:

• 45+ Years Of Experience. Our team brings over four decades of combined experience handling serious injury cases, including dangerous property conditions.
• History Of Substantial Settlements. We have secured significant settlements and verdicts for clients facing life-changing injuries, demonstrating our ability to advocate effectively for compensation.
• Quality Legal Education. Our founding attorney James V. Choulos earned his J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law, and partner Victor Tsoi earned his J.D. from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, complementing their strong academic foundations with practical courtroom experience.
• Active Legal Leadership. Both of our lead attorneys participate in the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association (SFTLA), with James also active in the Consumer Attorneys of California and the American Association for Justice (AAJ), reflecting their engagement in the broader legal community.
• Client-Focused Representation. Our firm is committed to hands-on, compassionate representation, listening closely to your concerns and developing strategies tailored to your family’s specific needs and circumstances.

Our California injury firm is committed to helping families find a measure of justice and financial security after slips, trips, and falls. We have the knowledge and compassion to handle even the most severe cases with precision and care. You can count on us to advocate on behalf of your best interests.

Don’t Settle For Less Than What You Need

Insurance companies love to diminish the impacts of fall injuries. Our premises liability lawyers are here to illuminate your voice and experience in an effort to maximize your compensation. Our goal is to secure the funds and resources you need to move forward with your life after a painful fall. Call the Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation and explore your legal options for recovery.

Types Of Slip And Fall Cases We Handle

Slip and fall accidents can happen in many different settings, often when property owners fail to keep their premises safe. Our Santa Monica slip and fall lawyer works with clients across a wide range of situations, offering support and legal guidance after a serious fall. Below are some different types of fall cases we take on:

• Falls In Retail Stores And Supermarkets. One of the most common slip and fall cases occurs in grocery stores, malls, or other retail locations. Wet floors, spilled products, or cluttered aisles can create hazards that put shoppers at risk. When store employees fail to clean up or properly warn customers about dangers, accidents are much more likely to occur. We can help evaluate whether a store’s negligence contributed to your injury.
• Falls In Restaurants And Bars. Restaurants, bars, and cafes must take reasonable steps to keep walkways safe for guests. Spilled drinks, greasy floors, or broken furniture may lead to severe injuries. These businesses have a duty to promptly address hazards and to place proper warnings when needed. If they fail to do so, injured guests may have the right to pursue a claim.
• Falls In Apartment Buildings And Rental Properties. Tenants and visitors also face risks in apartment complexes or rental homes. Broken stairways, loose railings, uneven flooring, and poor lighting can all cause serious falls. Landlords have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions in common areas and repair hazards in a timely manner. Our California slip and fall attorneys are ready to review the details of your case and determine what legal options are available.
• Falls In The Workplace Or At Construction Sites. Some slip and fall accidents happen on the job. Construction workers, delivery drivers, and other employees are especially vulnerable to dangerous conditions such as slick surfaces or unsafe scaffolding. In these cases, injured workers may need to pursue both workers’ compensation and potential third-party claims. We work with clients to sort through these situations and seek the compensation they deserve.
• Falls On Public Property. Government property such as sidewalks, public buildings, or parks must also be maintained in a safe condition. Uneven pavement, cracked walkways, or poor maintenance can create real dangers for pedestrians. Claims involving public property often have special rules and shorter time limits, making it important to act quickly. Our Santa Monica personal injury firm can guide you through this process if your fall happened on city or county property.
• Falls In Parking Lots. Parking lots are a common place for accidents, especially when lighting is inadequate or surfaces are cracked, icy, or uneven. A fall here may cause severe injuries, and the responsibility often falls on the property owner or manager who failed to maintain the area.
• Falls In Nursing Homes. Residents in nursing homes are often at higher risk of falls due to age or health conditions. Facilities must provide proper supervision, safe flooring, and adequate support systems. When nursing home staff neglect these responsibilities, residents can experience severe injuries that could have been prevented.
• Falls In Hotels. Hotels are expected to provide a safe environment for their guests. Wet lobby floors, unsafe staircases, or poorly maintained hallways may all contribute to slip and fall accidents. Guests who are injured in these circumstances may have grounds to pursue a claim for their damages.

Get Legal Help Today

Slip and fall accidents can leave lasting consequences, from physical pain to financial stress. We understand that in the midst of recovering from an injury, it is easy to delay taking action. Our team is happy to step in and help protect your rights. At the Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm, we’re committed to supporting injured clients and holding negligent parties accountable. If you or a loved one has suffered a fall that could have been prevented, contact our team today to learn how we can help.

Frequent Causes Of Slip And Fall Accidents

Slips and falls can happen almost anywhere, typically when you least expect it. Knowing what commonly causes these accidents can help you recognize when a property owner may be responsible, which is important to decipher should you choose to take legal action. If you or a loved one has been hurt, our Santa Monica slip and fall lawyer can review your situation and help you understand your options. Here are some of the most frequent causes of falls we’ve seen in our personal injury experience:

Wet Or Slippery Floors

One of the most frequent causes of slip and fall accidents is a wet floor. This might come from spills in grocery stores, freshly mopped surfaces in restaurants, or tracked-in rainwater near entrances. Businesses have a duty to clean up hazards or warn visitors until the area is safe.

Poor Lighting

Inadequate lighting makes it difficult to see potential hazards like uneven floors, clutter, or steps. Dim or burned-out bulbs in stairwells, parking lots, or hallways often play a role in slip and fall injuries. Property owners need to keep these areas well-lit to protect visitors.

Uneven Surfaces

Broken tiles, loose floorboards, potholes, and cracked sidewalks are all common examples of uneven surfaces that can cause someone to trip. These hazards are particularly dangerous in high-traffic areas where people expect a safe walking surface.

Cluttered Walkways

Objects left in hallways, store aisles, or staircases create unnecessary obstacles. Items like cords, boxes, or equipment left unattended can easily lead to a fall. Property owners and staff should keep walkways clear to reduce the risk of injury.

Weather Hazards

While we don’t get too much of it in California, rain can create dangerous conditions both outdoors and indoors when tracked inside. Slick sidewalks, slippery entryways, and untreated parking lots can all lead to serious accidents. Property owners have a responsibility to take reasonable measures to make these areas safer for visitors.

Broken Or Missing Handrails

Stairways without secure handrails can be especially hazardous. If a person loses their balance and there’s nothing to grab onto, the chance of serious injury increases. Property managers should make sure handrails are properly installed and maintained.

Unsafe Flooring Materials

Some types of flooring, like polished tile or waxed surfaces, are more prone to becoming slippery. When these materials are used, businesses and property owners should take steps to minimize risks, such as using non-slip mats or warning signs.

Worn Or Torn Carpeting

Carpets that are frayed, torn, or not secured properly can catch a person’s foot and cause a fall. Our Santa Monica injury lawyers have seen this be a common problem in apartment complexes, office buildings, and hotels where carpets see a lot of use over time.

When To Seek Legal Help

In the moments after a bad tumble, it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed and even forget critical things to do to protect your rights. Whether some time has passed or you weren’t able to gather too much evidence at the scene of your fall, our firm can step in and help you move forward. At the Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm, we are committed to standing by your side and pursuing the compensation you need. If you’ve been hurt, reach out to our Santa Monica slip and fall attorneys today to discuss your case and options.

Santa Monica Slip And Fall Infographic

Slip And Fall FAQs

Slip and fall accidents can happen in an instant, often leaving people with painful injuries, unexpected medical bills, and time away from work. If you were hurt in a fall on someone else’s property, you might have questions about your rights and what steps to take next. Our Santa Monica slip and fall lawyer has compiled a list of common questions people ask when dealing with a situation like this.

What Should I Do Immediately After A Slip And Fall Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, your first priority should be your health. Seek medical attention right away, even if the injury doesn’t seem serious at first. Next, try to document the scene. Take photos or videos of the area where you fell, especially if there were hazardous conditions like a wet floor or broken pavement.

If there were any witnesses, get their contact information. Report the incident to the property owner or manager and request a copy of the incident report. The sooner you contact our Santa Monica slip and fall attorney, the better prepared you’ll be to protect your rights.

What Are Common Causes Of Slip And Falls?

Falls often happen because a property owner failed to fix or warn about a dangerous condition. Common causes include wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, broken handrails, or cluttered walkways.

Outdoor areas can become hazardous due to cracked sidewalks or spills that aren’t cleaned up. Many of these issues could have been prevented with proper upkeep. If you’ve experienced an injury because someone failed to fix or address a known hazard, you may have a case worth pursuing with help from our skilled Santa Monica slip and fall lawyer.

How Do Slip And Fall Claims Differ From Other Personal Injury Claims?

While all personal injury cases are based on harm caused by someone else’s actions or negligence, slip and fall claims usually focus on property-related dangers. These cases often involve proving that the property owner knew, or should have known, about the hazard and didn’t take reasonable steps to fix it.

Unlike a car accident where fault is usually more clear-cut, slip and fall claims often rely heavily on documentation, witness accounts, and sometimes surveillance footage. It’s important to work with someone who is familiar with these types of claims so nothing important is overlooked.

Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially At Fault For My Fall?

Yes, you can still pursue compensation in California even if you were partly to blame. California follows a rule called comparative negligence. This means that your recovery might be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you, but you’re not automatically barred from seeking damages.

For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for not noticing a warning sign, you could still recover 80% of your total damages. Our California premises liability lawyer can review the details of your situation and explain how this might apply in your case.

How Can A Personal Injury Lawyer Assist Me After A Slip And Fall Accident?

A personal injury lawyer helps by reviewing your case, collecting evidence, and speaking with the insurance company on your behalf. They can also help calculate the full amount of your losses, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

If your case needs to go to court, your lawyer will represent you during the legal process and work to build a strong case. At the Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm, we take a hands-on approach, keeping you informed and involved throughout your case while focusing on getting you the compensation you deserve.

Address Your Questions With Your Attorney

Slip and fall injuries can be frustrating and disruptive, but you don’t have to handle the legal process alone. If you were hurt in a fall, speaking with our Santa Monica slip and fall lawyer can help you understand your options and take the next step forward. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help you move forward.