Los Angeles Union Station, the city’s largest and busiest transportation hub, serves commuters, tourists, and travelers using Amtrak, Metrolink, Metro Rail lines, and bus services. With thousands of daily visitors, the station’s heavy foot traffic and expansive layout create potential hazards that can lead to slip and fall accidents. Property owners and transportation agencies are responsible for maintaining safe conditions, and when they fail to do so, injured victims may have grounds for a premises liability claim.
Salamati Law Firm is ready to fight for you. Boasting decades of litigation experience, we are uniquely qualified to handle a wide range of premises liability claims and will work diligently on your behalf to secure a favorable settlement or court award. Schedule a free consultation with a Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents at Union Station
As noted, Los Angeles Union Station is a high-traffic transportation hub where thousands of commuters and travelers pass through daily.
Here are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents:
- Wet or Slippery Floors. Drink spills, leaks from ceiling fixtures, and rainwater tracked in from outside can create dangerous conditions for commuters, especially in tile or polished floor areas.
- Uneven or Cracked Flooring. Worn-out tiles, cracked pavement, or uneven floor surfaces inside and outside the station can cause pedestrians to trip and fall unexpectedly.
- Poor Lighting. Dimly lit hallways, staircases, or underground tunnels can make it difficult to see potential hazards, increasing the risk of missteps and falls.
- Escalator and Stairway Hazards. Broken handrails, malfunctioning escalators, and poorly maintained stairs can lead to dangerous falls, particularly for older individuals or those carrying luggage.
- Crowded Walkways and Luggage Obstructions. During peak travel times, overcrowding, misplaced baggage, and harried commuters can create obstacles that increase the likelihood of falls.
- Damaged or Loose Floor Mats. Torn carpets, unsecured mats, or misplaced rugs in entryways and waiting areas can become tripping hazards for unaware travelers.
- Construction or Maintenance Hazards. Temporary repairs, exposed cables, or missing warning signs around maintenance zones can lead to falls for commuters if they are not properly warned of the danger.
- Inadequate Signage for Hazards. A failure to place “wet floor” signs, caution tape, or directional warnings can result in commuters unknowingly walking into hazardous areas.
Property Owners or managers must use reasonable care to maintain their premises. If they are negligent, such as knowing a dangerous condition exists but failing to remedy it or warn others, a person injured on their property may pursue a premises liability lawsuit.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Determining liability in California slip and fall cases is complex. Train stations, including Union Station in Los Angeles, are often managed by a combination of public agencies, private contractors, and transit authorities, each with distinct responsibilities.
The following entities can held liable:
- Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). As the primary operator of Union Station, Metro may be liable if poor station maintenance, unsafe conditions, or lack of hazard warnings contributed to the accident.
- Amtrak. Since Amtrak operates within Union Station, it may be responsible if the fall occurred on Amtrak platforms, waiting areas, or ticketing zones due to negligence in maintaining safe conditions.
- Metrolink. Metrolink, which provides regional rail services, could be held accountable if the hazard existed on its platforms, walkways, or facilities within the station.
- The City of Los Angeles. Since Union Station is a publicly owned transportation hub, the City of Los Angeles could bear liability for structural hazards, such as damaged sidewalks, broken stairways, or inadequate lighting in public areas.
- Private Maintenance or Cleaning Companies. Many train stations, including Union Station, contract third-party maintenance or janitorial services. If a cleaning crew failed to place wet floor signs or neglected routine upkeep, their employer could be liable.
- Retail Stores and Restaurants Inside the Station. If the slip and fall occurred inside a restaurant, coffee shop, or retail store within Union Station due to spills, uneven flooring, or cluttered walkways, the business owner may be responsible.
- Construction or Repair Contractors. If ongoing repairs, renovations, or construction hazards caused the accident, the contractors or subcontractors responsible could be liable for failing to secure dangerous areas.
- Security Companies or Property Management Firms. If security personnel or property managers failed to identify and mitigate safety hazards, their negligence could make them partially responsible for the accident.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall
If you suffer a slip and fall accident at Union Station in Los Angeles, taking immediate steps to protect your health, document the incident, and preserve your legal rights is crucial:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately. Even if you feel fine, injuries like fractures, head trauma, or internal damage may not be immediately apparent. Get checked by a medical professional and keep all medical records as evidence.
- Report the Accident. Notify station authorities, Metro security, or Amtrak/Metrolink staff about the fall. Request that an incident report be filed and ask for a copy.
- Document the Scene. Take photos and videos of the hazards that caused your fall, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, broken stairs, or poor lighting. If relevant, capture signage (or lack thereof), time of day, and weather conditions.
- Get Witness Information. If bystanders saw the accident, collect their names and contact details. Their statements may help support your claim.
- Preserve Your Clothing and Footwear. Keep the shoes and clothing you were wearing at the time of the accident. They may serve as evidence if the defense argues that inappropriate footwear contributed to the fall.
- Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance Adjusters. If an insurance representative from Metro, Amtrak, or another entity contacts you, do not provide a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement without legal advice.
Finally, since multiple parties could be held liable at Union Station, it’s essential to consult an experienced slip and fall lawyer who can help identify who is responsible, gather evidence, and maximize your compensation.
Potential Compensation After a Slip and Fall at Union Station Los Angeles
If you sustain injuries from a slip and fall at Union Station due to negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and related expenses. You can seek economic damages, which cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and future earnings if the injury prevents you from returning to work. Additionally, compensation may include out-of-pocket expenses for transportation to medical appointments or modifications needed due to a disability caused by the fall.
Beyond financial losses, you may also recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. Punitive damages may be awarded to hold the responsible parties accountable if the slip and fall resulted from gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Schedule a Free Consultation at Salamati Law
If you were seriously injured due to negligence at Union Station, you need a skilled and seasoned lawyer with a long history of successful cases. Our track record in premises liability cases speaks for itself. Attorney Sean F. Salamati has been instrumental in obtaining seven-figure recoveries for his clients.
If you would like to explore your legal options, contact Salamati Law to arrange a free, no-obligation case review today. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries. Se habla español.
