Slip and fall accidents happen fast—but the consequences can last a lifetime. One moment, you’re shopping in a grocery store, big-box retailer, or local pharmacy in Los Angeles.
The next, you’re on the floor, injured, confused, and in pain. Whether it’s a wet floor with no warning sign, a broken tile, or poor lighting, store owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. When they fail, and someone gets hurt, they must be held accountable.
If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall at a Los Angeles store, don’t wait. The decisions you make in the hours and days after the fall can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation.
At The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus, we’ve been fighting—and winning—for injury victims in Southern California since 1987.
This guide explains everything you need to know, step by step, to protect your health, your rights, and your financial future after a fall accident.
Why Slip and Fall Accidents Are So Dangerous
Slip and fall accidents may sound minor—but the injuries they cause are often severe, especially for older adults or those with preexisting health conditions. Common slip and fall injuries include:
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Broken bones – particularly hips, wrists, ankles, and arms
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – including concussions and permanent brain damage
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Spinal cord injuries – which can lead to chronic pain or paralysis
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Back and neck injuries – including herniated discs and nerve damage
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Soft tissue injuries – like torn ligaments, sprains, and muscle damage
The fallout from these injuries isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and financial. Victims often face:
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Emergency room bills and ongoing medical treatment
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Lost income from time away from work
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Pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
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The risk of permanent disability or long-term impairment
That’s why getting legal help from an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Los Angeles is essential.
Who Is Responsible for a Slip and Fall in a Store?
Under California premises liability law, store owners and property managers have a legal obligation to maintain safe conditions for customers, visitors, and guests. If a hazard exists and they knew—or should have known—about it, they can be held liable for any injuries that result.
Some examples of store negligence include:
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Wet floors with no warning signs
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Spilled liquids or produce left unattended
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Cracked or uneven flooring
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Poor lighting in aisles or stairwells
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Torn carpeting or broken tiles
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Missing or broken handrails
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Obstructed walkways
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Leaks or flooding from refrigeration units
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Inadequate maintenance or failure to inspect premises
To win your claim, your Los Angeles injury attorney must prove that the store was negligent and that their negligence directly caused your injuries.
What to Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall in a Store
If you’re reading this after being hurt in a slip and fall, the first thing to know is this: your actions matter. Here’s what you should do immediately after the fall:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel “fine” after the fall, internal injuries like concussions, spinal damage, or internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away. Getting prompt medical treatment not only protects your health—it creates documentation that connects your injuries to the incident.
2. Report the Incident to the Store Manager
Ask to file an official accident report. Be concise and stick to the facts. Don’t admit fault or speculate about what happened. Request a copy of the report for your records.
3. Take Photos and Videos
If you’re able, document the scene thoroughly. Capture:
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The exact location of the fall
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The hazard that caused it (liquid spill, broken tile, etc.)
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Lack of warning signs or barriers
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Your injuries
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The general store environment, lighting, and layout
This evidence can make or break your claim.
4. Get Contact Information from Witnesses
Witnesses who saw your fall or the dangerous condition can provide key testimony. Ask for names, phone numbers, and email addresses.
5. Preserve the Clothes and Shoes You Were Wearing
Don’t wash them. They may become crucial evidence—especially if the defense tries to blame your footwear.
6. Call an Experienced Slip and Fall Attorney in Los Angeles
Before you speak to the store’s insurance company—or sign anything—get legal representation. Insurance companies aren’t your friends. They exist to minimize payouts. At The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus, we handle all communications and fight aggressively for your full compensation.
How Much Is a Slip and Fall Injury Case Worth in Los Angeles?
Every case is unique, but compensation in a Los Angeles slip and fall lawsuit typically includes:
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Medical expenses – ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and future care
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Lost income – including lost earning potential if you can’t return to work
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Pain and suffering – for physical pain and emotional distress
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Loss of enjoyment of life – if your injuries prevent you from doing what you love
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Punitive damages – in rare cases where the store’s conduct was reckless or intentional
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, and the quality of your legal representation.
Common Places Where Slip and Falls Happen in Los Angeles
Some of the most dangerous—and common—places for slip and fall accidents include:
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Grocery stores and supermarkets (Ralphs, Trader Joe’s, Vons, etc.)
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Big-box retailers (Walmart, Target, Costco)
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Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens)
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Department stores (Macy’s, Nordstrom)
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Restaurants and fast-food chains
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Shopping malls and plazas
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Hotels, motels, and Airbnb properties
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Gas stations and convenience stores
Regardless of where your fall occurred, our team is ready to investigate, preserve evidence, and build a powerful case on your behalf.
Time Is Critical: California’s Statute of Limitations
In California, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury claim. However, evidence fades fast. Store surveillance footage may be deleted in a matter of days or weeks. Witnesses forget details. Paperwork gets lost.
Don’t delay. The sooner you contact a Los Angeles slip and fall attorney, the better your chances of winning your case.
How The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus Can Help You
Since 1987, our firm has recovered more than $450 million for injury victims across Southern California.
When you hire us, you get:
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A fierce legal team with decades of experience
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Immediate investigation and evidence preservation
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Access to medical professionals and expert witnesses
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Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
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Trial-tested litigation if needed
We never back down. We don’t settle for less. And you don’t pay unless we win.
Real Results for Slip and Fall Victims
Here are just a few recent examples of our success:
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$3,725,000 settlement for a woman who slipped on a wet floor in a national retail chain
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$6,360,000 verdict for a man injured after tripping over merchandise left in an aisle
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$9,575,000 recovery for a grocery store fall resulting in spinal surgery
We fight for maximum compensation—and we win.
FAQs About Slip and Fall Claims in Los Angeles
Do I Have a Case If There Was No Warning Sign?
Yes. If the store failed to place a visible warning sign after a spill or hazard, that’s negligence. You may be entitled to full compensation.
What If I Didn’t File a Report Right Away?
While it’s better to file immediately, we can still build a strong case using medical records, witness testimony, and store surveillance footage.
Will the Store Try to Blame Me?
Yes. The defense may claim you weren’t paying attention, wore inappropriate footwear, or caused the fall yourself. That’s why having an aggressive attorney matters.
Call Now for a Free Consultation with a Top Slip and Fall Lawyer in Los Angeles
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in a store anywhere in Los Angeles County, you deserve answers, support, and justice. Don’t try to take on powerful corporations or their insurance companies alone. Let us fight for you.
📞 Call The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus now at (818) 784-8544
💻 Or visit www.geraldmarcuslaw.com to schedule your FREE consultation
We’ve been helping injury victims across Los Angeles for nearly four decades.
Now it’s your turn. Get the compensation you deserve—and the legal firepower you need.