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A sunny afternoon stroll through Los Angeles’s streets can quickly become painful if you trip and fall on a broken sidewalk. Beyond the immediate physical pain, you may grapple with medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about who’s responsible. As anLA personal injury lawyer, I’ve seen firsthand how these incidents can impact people’s lives. But there’s hope – you may have legal options to pursue compensation for your injuries.

The Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus can help you understand your rights and options. You can contact us online or at (818) 784-8544.

Understanding Your Legal Rights in Premises Liability Cases

In California, sidewalk accidents fall under the umbrella of premises liability law. This area of law holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions. However, determining liability can be tricky when it comes to public sidewalks. In Los Angeles, property owners adjacent to sidewalks are generally responsible for maintenance, but the city may share responsibility in some cases.

Tip: Document the exact location of your fall and take photos of the hazardous condition as soon as possible.

Critical Factors in Sidewalk Accident Claims

  • The size and severity of the sidewalk defect

  • How long the dangerous condition existed

  • Whether the responsible party knew or should have known about the problem

  • Your potential contribution to the accident (e.g., distracted walking)

Steps to Take After a Sidewalk Fall in Los Angeles

Quick action is crucial in building a strong premises liability case. If you’ve been injured on a broken sidewalk in LA, here are the immediate steps you should take:

  1. Seek medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries

  2. Report the incident to the property owner or city authorities

  3. Gather contact information from any witnesses

  4. Take detailed photos of the hazard and your injuries

  5. Keep all medical records and receipts related to your injury

Tip: Don’t give any recorded statements to insurance companies before consulting with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney.

Navigating the Claims Process: How an LA Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Pursuing compensation for a sidewalk accident can be complex, especially when dealing with government entities. A California personal injury lawyer can be invaluable in guiding you through the process. Here’s how a skilled attorney can assist:

  • Thoroughly investigate the accident scene and gather evidence

  • Identify all potentially liable parties

  • Handle communications with insurance companies

  • Ensure all filing deadlines are met (crucial when claims involve government entities)

  • Negotiate for fair compensation or represent you in court if necessary

The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus have extensive experience handling premises liability cases in Los Angeles. Our team understands the unique challenges ofsidewalk accident claims and can fight for the compensation you deserve.

Time Limits for Filing Your Claim

Acting quickly is essential in sidewalk accident cases, especially those involving city property. In California, you generally have six months to file a claim against a government entity. For claims against private property owners, the statute of limitations is typically two years from the date of injury.

Tip: Consult with a California personal injury attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing crucial deadlines.

Common Injuries from Sidewalk Falls in Los Angeles

Sidewalk accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes to life-altering trauma. Some of the most common injuries we see as LA personal injury lawyers include:

  • Fractures and broken bones (particularly wrists and ankles)

  • Soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains

  • Head injuries, including concussions

  • Back and spinal cord injuries

  • Cuts, bruises, and abrasions

If you’ve suffered any of these injuries due to a broken sidewalk in Los Angeles, it’s crucial to document your medical treatment thoroughly.

Proving Negligence in LA Sidewalk Accident Cases

Pursuing a premises liability claim requires demonstrating negligence by the property owner or city. As your Los Angeles personal injury attorney, we’ll work to establish:

  1. The defendant owed you a duty of care (to maintain safe sidewalks)

  2. They breached that duty (by failing to repair a known hazard)

  3. Their breach directly caused your injuries

  4. You suffered damages as a result

This often involves gathering evidence like maintenance records, prior complaints, and expert testimony to build a strong case.

Comparative Negligence in California

It’s important to understand that California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that even if you were partially at fault for your accident (e.g., texting while walking), you can still recover damages. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Tip: Be honest about the circumstances of your fall, but avoid admitting fault before speaking with a personal injury attorney in California.

Potential Compensation for LA Sidewalk Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured due to a broken sidewalk in Los Angeles, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. As experienced LA personal injury lawyers, we’ve helped clients recover damages for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)

  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress

  • Out-of-pocket costs related to your injury

The specific amount you may recover depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, long-term impact, and the strength of your case.

Los Angeles Sidewalk Repair Program: What You Need to Know

The City of Los Angeles has implemented a program to address its aging sidewalk infrastructure. Known as “Safe Sidewalks LA,” this initiative aims to repair damaged sidewalks throughout the city. However, it’s important to note that this program doesn’t absolve the city of responsibility for accidents that occur due to existing hazards.

Suppose you’ve been injured on a broken sidewalk in popular areas like Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Strip, or near the Staples Center. In that case, it’s crucial to document the condition and report it to the city promptly.

Tip: Use the MyLA311 app to report sidewalk hazards and create an official record of the problem.

Working with a Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney: What to Expect

Partnering with an experienced California personal injury lawyer can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome. Here’s what you can expect when working with a firm like the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus:

  • A free initial consultation to evaluate your case

  • Clear communication throughout the legal process

  • Thorough investigation and evidence-gathering

  • Strategic negotiation with insurance companies and opposing counsel

  • Preparation for trial if a fair settlement can’t be reached

Remember, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long must I file a sidewalk accident claim in Los Angeles?

For claims against the city or other government entities, you generally have just 6 months to file. For private property owners, the statute of limitations is typically 2 years from the date of injury.

2. Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for my sidewalk fall?

Yes, California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

3. What should I do if the city offers me a settlement for my sidewalk accident?

Don’t accept settlement offers without consulting a Los Angeles personal injury attorney. Initial offers are often much lower than what your case may be worth.

4. How much does hiring a personal injury lawyer in California cost?

Most California personal injury attorneys, including those at the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay if we win your case.

5. What if my sidewalk accident happened near a business in Los Angeles?

Depending on the specific circumstances, liability may be shared between the business owner and the city. A skilled LA personal injury lawyer can help determine all potentially responsible parties.

Work with a Premises Liability Lawyer in Los Angeles

If you’ve been injured due to a broken sidewalk in Los Angeles, don’t face the legal challenges alone. The experienced team at the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus is here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us use our experience as LA personal injury lawyers to work for you.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a sidewalk accident in Los Angeles? What questions do you have about your legal rights and options? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and we’ll do our best to provide helpful information.

Have you or a loved one experienced a slip and fall accident? The personal injury lawyers at The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus can help you understand your rights and options. You can contact us online or at (818) 784-8544.

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