How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in Glendale?
Most personal injury claims, including those from a slip and fall in Glendale, must be filed within two years from the date of the injury under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If your injury involves a city, county, or other public agency in Glendale, you typically have much less time: a written claim must be presented to the public entity within six months of the injury under California Government Code § 911.2.
These deadlines are strict, and missing them almost always means losing your right to pursue compensation. There are rare exceptions, but you should not assume one applies to your situation without speaking to a legal professional. A slip and fall can happen anywhere, from a grocery store to a public park, and the liable party could be a private business or a government entity.
What should I do after a slip and fall in Glendale?
After a slip and fall accident, your immediate priority should be your health and safety. Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Your medical records will also be critical evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.
- Report the incident. Notify the property owner or manager about your fall as soon as possible. Get their name, contact information, and ask for a written report of the incident.
- Document the scene. If you can, take photos and videos of the exact location where you fell. Include any hazards, such as spills, uneven flooring, poor lighting, or broken handrails, from multiple angles. Also, photograph your injuries and anything you were wearing, like shoes.
- Gather witness information. If anyone saw your fall, ask for their name and contact details. Their testimony can support your account of what happened.
- Avoid making statements. Do not discuss fault or accept blame for the accident. Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters without first consulting an attorney.
- Keep everything. Save receipts for medical treatment, lost wages documentation, and any other expenses related to your injury.
- Contact a lawyer. An attorney can help you understand your rights and the next steps in pursuing a claim.
What kinds of slip and fall cases does Casa Legal Los Angeles handle in Glendale?
A slip and fall case involves proving that a property owner or manager knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn visitors. This area of law is called premises liability. Our firm assists people injured in a variety of Glendale locations and situations.
We represent clients who have been injured due to:
- Slippery surfaces caused by spills, leaks, or recently mopped floors without warning signs.
- Uneven or cracked sidewalks, pavement, or flooring.
- Poor lighting in stairwells, parking lots, or walkways.
- Broken or missing handrails on stairs.
- Obstructed aisles or walkways in stores and businesses.
- Defective stairs, ramps, or other structural issues.
Whether your injury occurred at a local business, a retail store, a shopping mall, or on public property in Glendale, we pursue the full compensation available under California law. To learn more about our broader work, you can visit our personal injury law page.
What is my deadline to file a personal injury claim in Glendale, and what can I recover?
You generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in California under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. However, if your claim is against a public entity like the City of Glendale, a school district, or a public transit agency, you must first present a written claim within six months of the incident as per Government Code § 911.2. The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under Code of Civil Procedure § 352, but that pause does not apply to claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act.
California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm. What a claim is worth depends on the specific facts. Economic damages can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the property owner's conduct was particularly egregious. For specific details on how these laws apply to your unique situation, you should consult with an attorney.
Where does a slip and fall claim from Glendale get filed?
Personal injury cases arising from incidents in Glendale are generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under local court rules, a personal injury case originating in Glendale would be filed in the North Central District and assigned to the Burbank Courthouse. The Burbank Courthouse is located at 300 E Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91502.
Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024, dictate that cases are assigned to the judicial district where the incident occurred and then to that district's Personal Injury Hub department. This means your Glendale slip and fall case will likely be handled at the Burbank Courthouse. It is always wise to confirm the specific filing location with an attorney for your particular case.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, we handle the complexities of your slip and fall claim while you focus on recovery. We start by investigating your accident thoroughly, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts if necessary. This might include reviewing incident reports, security footage, and maintenance logs to establish liability.
We deal directly with insurance companies, protecting you from common tactics used to minimize payouts. We negotiate to secure a fair settlement that covers your losses. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court, advocating for your rights before a judge and jury. Our goal is to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and related damages. We also handle other types of cases in Glendale, such as dog bite injury claims and truck accident claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does California law protect me if I slipped and fell on someone else's property?
Yes, California law generally requires property owners to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition or to warn visitors of hazards. If you were injured due to a dangerous condition the owner knew about or should have known about, and failed to address, you may have a valid personal injury claim.
What if I was partially at fault for my slip and fall in Glendale?
California follows a system of pure comparative negligence (Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 1975). This means even if you were partly responsible for your slip and fall, you can still recover damages. Your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your total damages would be reduced by 20%.
What should I do if an insurance adjuster calls me after my slip and fall?
It's best to avoid giving a recorded statement or signing any documents from an insurance adjuster without first speaking to an attorney. Adjusters work for the insurance company and their goal is often to minimize the payout. They may try to get you to say something that could harm your claim. Direct them to your lawyer instead.
How much does it cost to hire a Glendale slip and fall attorney?
At Casa Legal Los Angeles, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney's fees or case costs unless we win your case. Furthermore, you are not liable for case costs if there is no recovery. This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without upfront financial burden.
If you've suffered a slip and fall injury in Glendale, do not delay. Call Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529 for a free consultation. We offer no attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.