In a record-setting decision, a Los Angeles jury awarded $58.3 million in damages to an electrical technician who was seriously injured in a slip-and-fall accident while working atop a train car in Palmdale, California. The verdict, delivered in May 2024, is now considered the largest slip-and-fall award in U.S. history, and it shines a national spotlight on the legal responsibilities of employers and property owners to maintain safe working environments.
At The Pisanchyn Law Firm, we believe this case serves as a critical reminder that slip-and-fall injuries—often dismissed as minor—can have life-changing consequences. It also reinforces how powerful legal action can be when negligence leads to serious harm.
What Happened in the Case
The victim, an electrical technician, suffered catastrophic injuries after slipping on a patch of ice while performing repairs on top of a train car. The fall resulted in permanent spinal injuries, lifelong medical needs, and the loss of earning capacity. Despite attempts by the defense to shift blame, the jury found that the property owner failed to take adequate steps to prevent ice buildup or ensure a safe work environment—an act of negligence that ultimately caused the technician’s injuries.
Why This Verdict Matters
Slip-and-fall cases are often viewed as “small” claims, but this verdict changes that narrative. It demonstrates that when serious injuries occur due to unsafe conditions, victims have the right to pursue full compensation—not just for medical bills, but for pain, suffering, loss of future income, and long-term care.
This case also highlights how employers and property owners must take reasonable precautions to prevent hazardous conditions, especially when weather and environmental risks are involved.
Premises Liability and Your Rights
Under premises liability law, property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for anyone lawfully on their property. This includes:
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Regular maintenance and inspections
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Prompt removal of snow and ice
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Warning signs for wet or slippery areas
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Ensuring safety for workers in hazardous environments
If a property owner fails to uphold this duty and someone is injured as a result, they may be held financially responsible through a personal injury claim.
How The Pisanchyn Law Firm Can Help
Slip-and-fall accidents can lead to severe injuries—broken bones, head trauma, spinal damage—and often result in long recovery periods or permanent disability. Insurance companies may try to downplay the seriousness of these incidents, but our attorneys know how to push back. We gather evidence, bring in safety experts, and build strong cases to ensure our clients receive every dollar they’re entitled to.
Whether your injury occurred at work, on public property, or in a private business, we can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Injured in a Slip-and-Fall? Contact Us Today
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident caused by unsafe conditions, don’t wait. Contact The Pisanchyn Law Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll help you determine if you have a claim and guide you through every step of the process.
We don’t get paid unless we win—your recovery is our priority.
