TL;DR: If you’ve suffered slip and fall injuries, you may be entitled to compensation—especially if negligence was involved. This blog explains when to call a slip and fall accident lawyer and how they can help you build a strong personal injury claim under California slip and fall law.
- Call a slip and fall attorney if you have serious injuries, were injured at work, or the property owner denies responsibility.
- A lawyer can help you navigate insurance companies and prove negligence.
- California’s statute of limitations generally gives you 2 years to file a slip and fall claim.
- You may recover damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Even if you’re partially at fault, California allows reduced compensation under comparative negligence rules.
Need help? A Los Angeles slip and fall accident lawyer can guide you every step of the way.
Slip and fall accidents can happen when you least expect them—on a slick grocery store floor, a broken stairway, or even at work. While some falls may result in nothing more than bruises and embarrassment, others can lead to serious, life-altering injuries. But what should you do after one of these accidents? And more importantly, should you call a lawyer?
If you’ve suffered from slip and fall injuries, especially in California, the answer is often yes. Here’s why working with a slip and fall accident lawyer can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.
Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents Under California Law
California premises liability law holds property owners and managers responsible for maintaining safe conditions. If someone is injured due to a preventable hazard, the property owner may be held liable under California slip and fall law.
These types of incidents are categorized under personal injury claims, and they can involve hazards such as:
- Wet or uneven surfaces
- Broken stairs or loose handrails
- Poor lighting
- Spills or debris left unattended
Whether it’s a retail store, private residence, or office building, you have the right to pursue compensation if the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the accident.
When Should You Call a Slip and Fall Lawyer?
Not every minor fall requires legal representation. But in many cases, especially when injuries are involved, contacting a slip and fall lawyer early can be crucial.
Here are common scenarios where you should call a slip and fall attorney:
1. You Suffered Serious Injuries
Slip & fall injuries can include broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, or even long-term disabilities. These can lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
A lawyer can help you calculate the full extent of your losses—not just your immediate bills, but also future expenses and pain and suffering.
2. The Property Owner or Insurance Company Denies Responsibility
Insurance companies are notorious for denying or minimizing personal injury claims. They may try to shift the blame to you or argue that the hazard wasn’t dangerous enough.
An experienced slip and fall accident lawyer will know how to gather evidence, bring in expert witnesses, and push back against weak defenses.
3. You’re Facing a Workplace Fall
If you experienced a slip and fall at work, your case may involve both workers’ compensation and third-party liability claims. A slip and fall at work lawyer can guide you through this complex legal terrain, ensuring you don’t leave compensation on the table.
What a Slip and Fall Attorney Can Do for You
Partnering with a Los Angeles slip and fall accident lawyer or another California-based injury attorney offers several benefits:
Investigating the Scene
An attorney will work to preserve evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, maintenance records, and photos of the hazardous condition that caused your fall.
Proving Negligence
To win a slip and fall case, you must prove that:
- The property owner or manager was aware of the dangerous condition
- They had a reasonable opportunity to fix or warn about it
- Their failure to act caused your injuries
Your attorney will know how to construct a compelling case under California slip and fall law standards.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to settle for the lowest amount possible—or deny claims altogether. An experienced slip and fall lawyer will handle negotiations and ensure the offer accounts for all current and future losses.
Filing Within the Statute of Limitations
In California, the statute of limitations for a slip and fall claim is generally two years from the date of injury. If you miss this deadline, you may forfeit your right to compensation. A lawyer will make sure all documents and filings are handled on time.
What Damages Can You Recover?
When you file a personal injury claim after a slip and fall, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Property damage (e.g., if glasses, phones, or valuables were broken in the fall)
Each case is unique, and a skilled slip and fall attorney can help you understand what your case may be worth.
Common Slip and Fall Accident Locations
Falls can happen anywhere, but certain locations are more common:
- Grocery stores and retail outlets
- Office buildings and workplaces
- Apartment complexes
- Sidewalks and parking lots
- Public transportation hubs
- Restaurants and bars
If your fall happened in one of these places, you likely have a viable claim—especially if the hazard was visible or documented by others.
What About Shared Fault?
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means even if you were partially responsible for your fall (e.g., you weren’t watching where you were going), you can still recover damages—just reduced by your percentage of fault.
A slip and fall accident lawyer can help you fight exaggerated claims of fault by the defense.
Should You Settle or Go to Trial?
Most slip and fall cases settle outside of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney will be ready to take your case to trial. At The May Firm, we are always trial-ready if that’s what it takes to get justice for our clients.
Speak With a California Slip and Fall Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t leave your future to chance. Navigating California slip and fall law can be overwhelming without help—and insurance companies are not on your side.
Whether you need a Los Angeles slip and fall accident lawyer, a slip and fall at work lawyer, or representation for another location in California, The May Firm is here to help.
With a proven record of success and a compassionate approach, we’ll fight for the compensation you deserve—so you can focus on healing.
Contact A Slip And Fall Accident Lawyer Today
You pay nothing unless we win your case.
