Trip and fall accidents may seem minor at first—but they can lead to serious, life-altering injuries. In a city like Burbank, where busy sidewalks, commercial storefronts, and residential complexes are common, these incidents happen more often than many people realize. Tripping hazards like uneven sidewalks, loose flooring, broken steps, or cluttered walkways can be found in both public and private spaces—and when they aren’t addressed by the property owner, someone gets hurt.
It’s important to understand the distinction between a trip and fall and a slip and fall. While slip and falls are typically caused by slick or wet surfaces, trip and falls are usually due to obstacles or elevation changes that cause someone to lose their footing and fall forward. Both fall under California premises liability law, and both can lead to painful injuries and costly medical treatment.
Victims of trip and fall accidents often suffer fractures, concussions, spinal injuries, or soft tissue damage—injuries that can impact their ability to work, care for their family, or maintain their independence. Recovery can be slow, expensive, and emotionally draining.
Under California law, landowners, business operators, and property managers owe a duty of care to anyone who lawfully enters their premises. This duty includes:
Whether it’s a grocery store, apartment complex, sidewalk, or private residence, property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent injuries. When they fail to do so, they may be held liable for any resulting harm.
To succeed in a trip and fall case, your attorney must prove the following four elements of negligence:
Proving these elements often requires a thorough investigation, documentation of the scene, and expert testimony—especially when the property owner or their insurance company disputes liability.
If you tripped on a hazard located at a store, apartment complex, or private residence, the owner or property manager may be liable for:
Business owners and landlords are required to maintain reasonably safe premises for their customers, guests, and tenants. When they breach this duty, they can be held financially responsible for your injuries.
Trip and fall accidents on sidewalks, curbs, crosswalks, or public parks may involve government liability. For example, the City of Burbank or Los Angeles County may be responsible for:
However, holding a public entity accountable requires following strict procedural rules.
When a government agency is potentially liable for your injuries, you must comply with the California Government Claims Act. This law requires that:
If your claim is rejected—or if they fail to respond—you may then proceed with a lawsuit, but only within a limited time frame.
One of the most critical steps in any trip and fall case is preserving and collecting evidence. This may include:
Witnesses can provide crucial third-party insight into how the accident occurred and whether the hazardous condition had been present for an extended time. Additionally, security or surveillance cameras may capture the incident itself or show how long the hazard was left unaddressed. We work quickly to identify and obtain this footage before it’s overwritten or lost.
In complex cases, we may bring in safety experts, engineers, or human factors professionals to examine the conditions of the premises. These experts can:
To win a premises liability case, we must prove that the property owner had either:
Your health comes first. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s crucial to get evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as concussions, soft tissue damage, or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Medical records also serve as important documentation of your injuries and connect them directly to the accident.
Notify the property owner, store manager, or landlord as soon as possible. If your fall occurred on public property, report it to the City of Burbank or the relevant local authority. Request that an incident report be completed and ask for a copy if available. This step helps create an official record of the event.
Preserving evidence is critical in trip and fall cases. If you are physically able:
Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after the accident. While they may seem friendly, remember that their goal is to minimize the payout. Do not provide a recorded statement, accept a settlement, or sign any documents without first consulting an attorney. Doing so could significantly reduce your compensation.
Time is of the essence. Delays can result in lost evidence, missed deadlines, and reduced compensation. An experienced attorney can:
At Tim Wright Law, we’re ready to step in, protect your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Medical costs often make up the largest portion of a trip and fall claim. These may include:
When an injury prevents you from working, even temporarily, it can place enormous financial strain on your family. You may be entitled to compensation for:
Not all injuries are visible. Many trip and fall victims experience chronic pain, emotional trauma, or reduced enjoyment of life. California law allows compensation for:
In severe cases, a trip and fall can result in:
Trip and fall accidents can lead to serious, long-lasting injuries that affect your health, finances, and daily life. From broken bones and concussions to lost wages and emotional trauma, the consequences are often far greater than people expect. And in many cases, these injuries are completely preventable—the result of property owners failing to maintain safe conditions.
Navigating a personal injury claim alone is risky. Insurance companies may downplay your injuries or deny your claim altogether. That's why it's critical to work with an experienced legal team that knows how to investigate trip and fall incidents, prove negligence, and fight for the compensation you need to recover.
At Tim Wright Law, we’re committed to standing up for injured victims across Burbank and Southern California. We offer personalized legal representation, compassionate service, and no fees unless we win your case.
📍 Office: 1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302, Burbank, CA 91506
📞 Call: (323) 379-9995
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Visit: www.timwrightlaw.com
