Slip and Fall Lawyer in Fresno, California

Slip and fall accidents in Fresno often happen without warning and can leave injured people facing serious physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

Many slip and fall injuries are preventable.

Under California law, property owners, businesses, and managers have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe.

Slip and fall cases usually focus on whether a dangerous condition existed and whether the responsible party failed to fix it or provide an adequate warning.

This page explains what must be proven in a premises liability case.

The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez represents injured individuals in Fresno and throughout Fresno County, including nearby areas such as Clovis, Coalinga, Firebaugh, and Fowler.

Taking action early can help preserve important evidence before hazards are repaired or removed.

The video below explains slip and fall injury claims in clear, practical terms, including what to do after a fall, how liability is evaluated, and why timing matters.

If you were injured on unsafe property in Fresno or elsewhere in Fresno County, this overview can help you understand your options.

Where Slip, Trip, and Fall Injuries Occur in Fresno, California

Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere people are invited or expected to walk safely.
In Fresno and throughout Fresno County, many fall injuries happen at locations where property owners failed to correct known hazards or failed to warn visitors of dangerous conditions.

Common locations for slip and fall accidents include grocery stores, retail businesses, apartment complexes, hotels, restaurants, office buildings, sidewalks, parking lots, and other public or private properties.

Visitors often have no reason to expect danger in these areas, which is why property owners are required to take reasonable safety measures.

• Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
• Spilled liquids left unattended in aisles or walkways
• Uneven pavement, cracked sidewalks, or potholes
• Loose carpeting, torn flooring, or unsecured mats
• Poor lighting in hallways, stairwells, or parking areas
• Broken stairs, missing handrails, or unstable railings

When Property Owners Are Liable for Slip and Fall Injuries

Under California premises liability law, property owners, businesses, landlords, and occupiers have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe.

Liability often depends on whether a dangerous condition existed and whether the responsible party knew or should have known about it through reasonable inspection.

Slip and fall cases frequently focus on how long a hazard was present, whether inspections were conducted, whether repairs were delayed, and whether adequate warnings were provided.

These principles apply to slip and fall injuries occurring in Fresno, throughout Fresno County, and in nearby communities such as Clovis, Coalinga, Firebaugh, and Fowler.

Fall-Related Injuries

Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries, particularly when they involve hard surfaces or stairs.

Some injuries are immediately apparent, while others worsen over time.
Prompt medical treatment is important for both recovery and documentation.

• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Broken or fractured bones, including wrists, ankles, hips, and arms
• Back, neck, and spinal injuries
• Herniated discs and nerve damage
• Shoulder, knee, and joint injuries
• Soft tissue injuries and chronic pain

Insurance Defense Tactics

Insurance companies often look for ways to reduce or deny slip and fall claims.
Common arguments include claims that the injured person was not paying attention, that the hazard was obvious, that improper footwear caused the fall, or that a warning sign was sufficient.

California follows a pure comparative negligence system. This allows insurers to reduce compensation by assigning partial fault to the injured person, even when the property owner’s negligence was the primary cause.

Understanding these tactics can help protect your claim.

Steps That Protect Your Claim

What you do after a slip and fall accident can have a significant impact on your case.
If you are able to do so safely, taking the following steps can help preserve critical evidence:

• Report the incident to the property owner, manager, or staff immediately
• Request an incident report and document when it was created
• Take photographs or video of the hazard, surrounding area, and your footwear
• Collect names and contact information for witnesses
• Seek medical treatment as soon as possible
• Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters before seeking legal guidance

Compensation Available in Slip and Fall Claims

Compensation in a slip and fall case depends on the severity of the injuries and their impact on daily life.

Claims arising in Fresno and surrounding areas of Fresno County may include compensation for:

• Medical expenses and future medical care
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or impairment

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still have a case if I did not fall all the way to the ground?

Yes. Slip and fall injuries often occur when someone twists, stumbles, or catches themselves.

The key issue is whether an unsafe condition caused an injury.

What if the property owner says they were unaware of the hazard?

A property owner may still be responsible if the hazard existed long enough that it should have been discovered through reasonable inspections.

What if I was partially at fault?

California’s comparative fault rules allow injured people to recover compensation even if they share some responsibility, although damages may be reduced.

How long do I have to take legal action?

Deadlines vary depending on the circumstances and who owns the property.
Waiting can result in lost evidence, so seeking legal guidance early is important.

Why Choose The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez?

Slip and fall cases often require prompt investigation and careful evidence preservation.
The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez represents injured individuals in Fresno, throughout Fresno County, and in nearby communities.

There are no upfront fees.

You pay nothing unless compensation is recovered on your behalf.