Slip & Fall Attorney in California

What Is a Slip & Fall Case?

Slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall injuries fall under an area of California law called premises liability. Property owners and occupiers — including stores, restaurants, apartment complexes, and businesses across California — have a legal duty to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors.

The duty of reasonable care

California Civil Code section 1714 establishes the general duty to use reasonable care, and the landmark case Rowland v. Christian (1968) confirmed that property owners owe a duty of care to people who come onto their property. To hold an owner responsible, an injured person generally must show that a dangerous condition existed, that the owner knew or should have known about it, and that the owner failed to fix it or warn about it within a reasonable time.

Comparative fault and deadlines

Because California uses pure comparative negligence, an injured person may recover even if partly at fault, with the award reduced by their percentage of responsibility. The two-year statute of limitations under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 generally applies to slip-and-fall claims. If the property is owned by a public entity — such as a city sidewalk in San Francisco or a county building in Fresno — a shorter six-month government claim deadline may apply.

Proving a premises case

These cases often turn on evidence that can disappear quickly: surveillance video, incident reports, maintenance logs, and photographs of the hazard. Acting promptly helps preserve this proof. Recoverable damages may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Compensation amounts vary based on the specific facts of each case.

Golden State Injury Lawyers helps injured Californians throughout the state, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, and Oakland. Consultations are free and there is no fee unless we recover for you. This page is general information and not legal advice.