How a Los Angeles Sidewalk Trip-and-Fall Lawsuit Works and What It’s Worth

A walk around a Los Angeles neighborhood should be a pleasant experience. You expect the sidewalks to be safe and passable. But all it takes is one cracked slab of concrete, an uplifted tree root, or a poorly maintained walkway to cause a serious trip-and-fall accident. These incidents are not just minor mishaps; they can lead to broken bones, head trauma, and other life-altering injuries.

If you have been injured due to a hazardous sidewalk, you may be facing mounting medical bills, time away from work, and significant pain. You might assume it was just bad luck, but often, someone is legally responsible for maintaining that sidewalk. Holding the negligent party accountable is your right under California law.

At Walch Law, we have helped countless victims of premises liability accidents get the compensation they need to recover. Understanding how a sidewalk trip-and-fall lawsuit works in Los Angeles—and what your claim could be worth—is the first step toward getting justice.

Common Causes of Sidewalk Accidents

Sidewalks can become dangerous for many reasons, but most accidents stem from a lack of maintenance. Common hazards that lead to trip-and-fall injuries include:

• Cracked or uneven concrete slabs
• Uplifted pavement caused by tree roots
• Potholes or large gaps in the walkway
• Debris or obstacles left on the sidewalk
• Poor lighting, which can hide hazards at night
• Broken or missing sections of the walkway

These conditions don’t appear overnight. They are often the result of years of neglect, creating a trap for unsuspecting pedestrians.

Who is Liable for a Sidewalk Accident in Los Angeles?

Determining who is responsible for a dangerous sidewalk is one of the most complex aspects of these cases. Unlike a slip and fall inside a private business, liability for a public walkway can be complicated. In Los Angeles, there are generally two potential parties who can be held responsible: the adjacent property owner or a government entity.

Liability of the Adjacent Property Owner

For many years, it was assumed the city was responsible for all public sidewalks. However, that has changed. Under California state law and the Los Angeles Municipal Code, the owner of the property adjacent to a public sidewalk is responsible for maintaining it in a safe condition.

This means that if you trip on a cracked sidewalk in front of a private home, apartment building, or commercial business, the property owner is likely the liable party. They have a legal duty to repair any damage and keep the sidewalk free of hazards. If they fail to do so and someone is injured, they can be held negligent.

Liability of the City of Los Angeles (or Other Government Entity)

While property owners have the primary duty, there are situations where the city or another government entity can be held responsible. This most often occurs when the damage is caused by something under the city’s control.

For example, if tree roots from a city-owned tree cause the sidewalk to buckle, the city may be liable for the hazard it created. Similarly, if the city was notified of a dangerous condition but failed to take action to either repair it or compel the property owner to do so, it may share in the liability.

Filing a claim against a government entity like the City of Los Angeles involves a much different and stricter process than suing a private citizen. There are very short deadlines and specific procedural rules that must be followed perfectly.

The Steps Involved in a Sidewalk Trip-and-Fall Lawsuit

Filing a lawsuit after a sidewalk accident is a detailed process. Having an experienced attorney to guide you is critical to ensure every step is handled correctly.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Seeking medical care immediately after the fall not only starts your recovery but also creates an official record of your injuries, which is crucial evidence for your claim.
2. Document the Scene: If you are able, take pictures of the exact spot where you fell. Capture the crack, pothole, or tree root that caused your fall from multiple angles. Measure the defect if possible. These photos are powerful evidence that can disappear if the hazard is repaired.
3. Identify and Notify the Responsible Party: The next step is determining whether the adjacent property owner or a government entity is liable. An attorney can help investigate property records to identify the owner. If a government entity is responsible, a formal notice of claim must be filed very quickly—often within six months of the injury.
4. File the Lawsuit: If the responsible party’s insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney will file a personal injury lawsuit. This officially begins the legal process.
5. Discovery Phase: During discovery, both sides exchange information. This includes depositions (sworn testimony), interrogatories (written questions), and requests for documents like maintenance records and medical bills.
6. Negotiation and Settlement: Most personal injury cases are resolved through a settlement before going to trial. Your attorney will negotiate aggressively with the defendant’s insurance company to secure a fair amount that covers all your damages.
7. Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial. Your attorney will present your case to a judge and jury, who will decide liability and the amount of damages.

What Is Your Los Angeles Sidewalk Injury Claim Worth?

There is no “average” settlement amount for a trip-and-fall case, as the value depends entirely on the specific losses you have suffered. The goal is to recover compensation that makes you “whole” again, at least financially.

The value of your claim is calculated based on several types of damages:

Economic Damages (Your Measurable Losses)

These are your tangible, out-of-pocket financial losses. They include:

• All Medical Expenses: Every ambulance ride, hospital stay, surgery, prescription, and physical therapy session related to your injury. This also includes the projected cost of any future medical care you will need.
• Lost Wages: The income you lost from being unable to work while recovering.
• Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injury causes a permanent disability that prevents you from returning to your job or working at all, you can claim damages for the income you will lose over your lifetime.

Non-Economic Damages (Your Intangible Losses)

These damages compensate you for the non-financial impact the injury has had on your life. They are often the largest component of a settlement and include:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress you have endured.
• Emotional Distress: Damages for the anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma resulting from the accident and your injuries.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injury prevents you from participating in hobbies and activities you once enjoyed, you can be compensated for that loss.

The more severe and permanent your injuries, the higher the value of your non-economic damages will be. An experienced attorney knows how to build a compelling case to maximize this portion of your claim.

Contact Walch Law for a Free Consultation

If you have been injured in a sidewalk trip-and-fall accident in Los Angeles, you should not have to bear the financial and physical burden alone. Whether a private property owner or a government entity was negligent, you have the right to seek full and fair compensation.

Navigating premises liability law, especially cases involving government entities, is incredibly complex. Don’t risk your right to compensation by trying to handle it alone. The legal team at Walch Law has the experience and resources to fight for you.

Contact Walch Law today for a free, confidential consultation. We will evaluate your case, identify the liable parties, and explain your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. 1-844-999-5342