California Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of serious injury in California.
They often occur without warning and can leave victims facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and time away from work.
Many slip and fall injuries are entirely preventable and happen because property owners fail to keep their premises reasonably safe.

Under California premises liability law, property owners, businesses, landlords, and property managers have a legal duty to inspect their property, repair dangerous conditions, and warn visitors of hazards they cannot immediately fix.
When they fail to do so, they may be held financially responsible for the injuries that result.

The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez represents slip and fall injury victims throughout California.
With nearly 30 years of experience handling premises liability cases, our firm knows how to hold negligent property owners and insurance companies accountable.

The video below provides a clear overview of California slip and fall law, including how liability is determined, what evidence matters most, and why insurance companies often dispute these claims.
If you were injured in a fall, this overview can help you understand your rights before taking the next step.

California Slip and Fall Law Explained

Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of serious injury in California.
These incidents often occur when a property owner, business, landlord, or property manager fails to maintain safe walking conditions or fails to warn visitors of hazards.
Because people are entitled to expect reasonably safe premises, California law allows injured victims to seek compensation when negligence causes harm.

Slip and fall cases fall under California premises liability law.
Property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to inspect their property, correct dangerous conditions, and warn of hazards that cannot be immediately repaired.
When this duty is breached and someone is injured as a result, the responsible party may be held financially accountable.

Why Slip and Fall Accidents Happen

Slip and fall accidents usually occur because unsafe conditions are allowed to exist.
Many of these hazards could have been prevented through routine inspections, proper maintenance, and reasonable safety procedures.
Visitors generally have no reason to anticipate danger in places that are open to the public.

• Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
• Spilled liquids left unattended
• 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

Where Slip and Fall Accidents Commonly Occur

Slip and fall injuries can happen in almost any setting.
Our firm frequently represents clients injured in:

• Grocery stores, retail stores, and shopping centers
• Apartment complexes and condominium properties
• Hotels, motels, and short-term rentals
• Restaurants, cafés, bars, and nightclubs
• Office buildings and commercial plazas
• Parking lots, garages, sidewalks, and walkways
• HOA and gated community common areas

Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents often result in injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods.
Some injuries may worsen over time and lead to permanent limitations, particularly in older adults.

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

What Must Be Proven in a California Slip and Fall Case

To recover compensation in a slip and fall case, it is generally necessary to establish four key elements.
First, the property owner or occupier owed a duty of care.
Second, a dangerous condition existed on the property.
Third, the owner knew or should have known about the hazard through reasonable inspection.
Finally, the dangerous condition caused the injury and resulting damages.

Evidence may include surveillance footage, incident reports, witness statements, maintenance and inspection records, photographs of the hazard, and medical documentation.
Because hazards are often repaired quickly and video footage may be overwritten, early investigation is critical.

How Insurance Companies Try to Deny Slip and Fall Claims

Insurance companies frequently attempt to deny or minimize slip and fall claims.
Common tactics include arguing that the injured person was not paying attention, that the hazard was open and obvious, that improper footwear caused the fall, or that warning signs were 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.
Our firm understands these tactics and knows how to counter them with evidence and California law.

What To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

What you do after a slip and fall accident can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
If you are able to do so safely, taking the right steps can help preserve important evidence:

• Report the incident immediately and request an incident report
• Photograph the hazardous condition, surrounding area, and your footwear
• Document visible injuries as soon as possible
• Collect names and contact information for witnesses
• Seek medical treatment promptly
• Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters
• Contact a slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible

Compensation Available in Slip and Fall Claims

Slip and fall injuries can lead to significant medical bills, missed work, and long-term limitations.
Depending on the severity of the injuries, compensation may include:

• Medical expenses and future medical care
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or impairment
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury

Slip and Fall Questions and Answers

Do I have a case if I did not fall completely?

Yes. Slip and fall injuries often occur when someone slips, twists, or catches themselves.
The key issue is whether an unsafe condition caused an injury.

What if the property owner says they did not know about the hazard?

Property owners 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 law allows injured people to recover compensation even if they share some responsibility, although damages may be reduced.

How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim?

Time limits depend on the facts and who owns the property.
Waiting too long can also result in lost evidence.

Why Choose The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez

For nearly 30 years, attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez has represented slip and fall injury victims throughout California.
Our firm is not a settlement mill.
We provide direct attorney involvement, aggressive litigation, and personalized attention to every case.

• Decades of premises liability experience
• Rapid evidence preservation and investigation
• Willingness to litigate and prepare cases for trial
• No upfront fees — no recovery, no fee
• Statewide representation across California

Get Help From a California Slip and Fall Lawyer Today

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident anywhere in California, do not wait to get legal help.
Evidence disappears quickly, and insurance companies move fast to protect their interests.

Call 800-816-1529 for a free consultation.
You will speak directly with attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez.
There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.