Chatsworth Sidewalk Accident Lawyer

Holding Government and Private Property Owners Accountable for Dangerous Sidewalks

A simple walk through your Chatsworth neighborhood should not end in a serious injury. Unfortunately, cracked pavement, uplifted concrete from tree roots, and other hazards on sidewalks can cause dangerous trip and fall accidents. These falls can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage, resulting in significant medical bills and lost income. At Manoukian Law Firm, our Sidewalk Accident Lawyer in Chatsworth helps injury victims throughout the San Fernando Valley recover fair compensation.

When you are injured due to a hazardous sidewalk, determining who is responsible can be complicated. Liability may fall on a government entity like the City of Los Angeles, a private homeowner, or a commercial property owner. At Manoukian Law Firm, P.C., our team has the experience to navigate these complex premises liability claims. We are dedicated to helping injured pedestrians in Chatsworth hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation they need to recover.

Our Attorney carefully investigates each accident, gathering evidence such as photographs, witness statements, and maintenance records. We understand the challenges of pursuing claims against property owners or city entities and are prepared to navigate these complex cases. Victims in Chatsworth and the San Fernando Valley can rely on us for aggressive representation and personalized legal support.

Who is Liable for a Sidewalk Injury in Chatsworth?

Unlike a typical slip and fall case, a sidewalk accident often involves a government entity. However, liability is not always straightforward and can depend on the specific location and local ordinances.

Government Liability: Public entities like the City of Los Angeles are generally responsible for maintaining public sidewalks. To hold a government entity liable, we must prove that they had notice of the dangerous condition (meaning they knew or should have known about it) and failed to take reasonable steps to fix it.
Private Property Owner Liability: In many parts of Los Angeles, including Chatsworth, ordinances place the responsibility for sidewalk maintenance on the adjacent private property owner. This means the homeowner or commercial landlord could be held liable for failing to repair cracks, tree root damage, or other hazards.
Shared Liability: In some situations, both the city and the private property owner may share responsibility for the accident.

Our firm will conduct a thorough investigation, reviewing municipal codes, property records, and maintenance logs to identify every party that can be held responsible for your injuries.

The Challenge of Suing a Government Entity

Filing a claim against a public entity in California involves a strict and unforgiving process. Under the California Tort Claims Act, you must file a formal notice of your claim with the correct government agency within six months of the date of your injury.

Failure to meet this short deadline will almost certainly result in your case being barred forever. This is why it is critical to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Our team will ensure all procedural requirements are met and that your claim is filed correctly and on time.

Common Causes of Sidewalk Accidents

At Manoukian Law Firm, we know the impact a sidewalk accident can have on your life. Based in Chatsworth and serving the San Fernando Valley, our Lawyer combines experience, dedication, and compassionate client service to deliver results for injury victims.

Our team handles injury claims arising from all types of preventable sidewalk hazards, including:

Cracked and Uneven Pavement:

Significant gaps or height differences between concrete slabs.

Debris or Obstructions:

Unremoved trash, fallen branches, or construction materials blocking the path.

Tree Root Damage:

Roots that have pushed up the sidewalk, creating a dangerous uplift.

Poor Drainage:

Water accumulation that can cause slippery moss to grow or hide underlying hazards.

Potholes and Collapsed Sections:

Deteriorated areas of the sidewalk.

Fighting for the Compensation You Deserve

A fall on a hard concrete surface can cause debilitating injuries. Our team is committed to securing a financial recovery that covers the full extent of your damages, including:

All Medical Bills: From the initial emergency room visit to ongoing physical therapy and future medical needs.
Lost Wages: Reimbursement for the income you lost while unable to work.
Future Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries have permanently affected your ability to do your job.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life caused by the accident.

Contact Our Chatsworth Sidewalk Accident Firm Today

If you were injured in a sidewalk accident in Chatsworth or the San Fernando Valley, contact Manoukian Law Firm today to speak directly with an experienced Sidewalk Accident Lawyer. We will investigate your accident and explain your legal options. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.