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sidewalk cases

Tripped on a broken or uneven sidewalk? You don’t have to deal with the insurer alone.

Understanding Sidewalk Accident Cases

Sidewalk falls can cause serious injuries—fractures, head injuries, torn ligaments—and the claims can be complex. Responsibility may fall on a city or county, a commercial property owner, a homeowner, or even a contractor that did recent work. Proving fault usually turns on dangerous conditions (broken concrete, height differentials, tree-root uplift, poor lighting, missing warnings) and whether the responsible party knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it.
Two California rules matter right away:

Comparative negligence

If an insurer says you “should’ve watched your step,” they may try to reduce what you recover by assigning you some fault. We push back with evidence—visibility, lighting, sightlines, code standards, and witness accounts.

Deadlines

Most injury cases have a general two-year window to file suit, but cases involving public entities can require special claim steps on a shorter timeline. Speak with a lawyer quickly so we can preserve your rights.

What your claim can cover:

Why us?

Golnoush Goharzad previously defended insurers. She knows their playbook—how they argue visibility, footwear, and “open and obvious” defenses, and now uses that insider perspective to build leverage for you. That experience helps clients throughout Los Angeles and Orange County pursue the compensation they deserve with confidence.

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No Upfront Costs. No Stress. Just Real Legal Help.

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We’re here to fight for Your Rights.

Sidewalk cases are local by nature. Each city has its own sidewalk laws, and public-entity claims have precise procedures. A local firm knows which departments hold maintenance logs, how to secure work orders and repair histories, and how to keep your case moving with judges and opposing counsel here in Los Angeles.

We also work with trusted local experts, accident reconstruction, human factors, orthopedics, and life-care planners, to show what went wrong and what it will cost to make it right. Insurers know which firms accept quick discounts and which prepare for trial; our reputation helps us push for full value.

At Goharzad Law, you’re not a file number. You get direct access to your attorney, plain-English updates, and a clear plan from day one.

Why Hiring a Sidewalk Injury Lawyer Matters

Types of Sidewalk Cases
We Handle

Every sidewalk case is unique, but some of the most common cases we handle include:

Cracked, broken, or uneven sidewalks that create trip-and-fall hazards

Potholes, depressions, or surface defects that lead to falls

Slippery sidewalks caused by water, debris, or other hazardous conditions

Sidewalk uplift caused by tree roots or poor maintenance

Missing, loose, or damaged sidewalk panels

Obstructed sidewalks that create unsafe walking conditions

Our process is clear.
never leave you in the dark.

Free
Consultation

You talk. We listen. We learn what happened and what you need.

We Deal with the Insurance Companies

You don’t have to take their calls. We handle adjusters and defense counsel—and we know the playbook.

We Investigate Everything

Photos, medical records, incident/animal-control reports, vaccination history, prior complaints, witness statements, surveillance, and property records.

We Fight
Until It’s Fair

Strong settlement or trial, we push for maximum compensation, including scarring and future care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding your legal rights shouldn’t be confusing. Here’s what clients like you ask us most—answered simply and directly.

Do I have to pay upfront to hire Goharzad Law?
No. We work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
At our firm, we handle a wide range of personal injury and employment law cases. Our experienced team represents clients in automobile and trucking accidents, product liability claims, wrongful death cases, and complex employment law matters. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals and families, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
You typically have around two years to file a personal injury lawsuit — but this can vary. It’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and avoid missing your deadline.
At our firm, we believe every client deserves personal attention and clear communication. When you contact us, you’ll have the opportunity to speak directly with an experienced attorney who will review your case, answer your questions, and guide you through your legal options. Our team is committed to keeping you informed every step of the way — from your initial consultation to the resolution of your case.

If the insurance company has already made you an offer, you should speak with an attorney before accepting it.
Insurance companies often make early settlement offers to close cases quickly — usually for far less than the full value of your claim. Once you accept their offer, you typically waive your right to pursue additional compensation, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious later.

An experienced attorney can review the offer, evaluate your medical records and damages, and negotiate for a fair settlement that truly reflects your losses — including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.