California premises liability law governs slip and fall cases. Property owners fight these claims aggressively — knowing the rules and acting quickly is essential.
Statute of Limitations
California statute of limitations for slip and fall claims: 2 years from the date of the incident. California has a specific statute (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1) providing 2 years for personal injury claims. Claims against California government entities — Caltrans, city sidewalks, state parks — require a government tort claim within 6 months of the incident. Missing this deadline permanently bars the claim.
California property owners owe a duty of reasonable care to all visitors (Cal. Civ. Code § 1714). California eliminated the traditional invitee/licensee distinction — all lawful visitors are owed the same duty of reasonable care. Trespassers may also recover in some circumstances. California courts focus on whether the property owner acted reasonably under all the circumstances.
California-Specific Tip
California has a specific statute (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1) providing 2 years for personal injury claims. Claims against California government entities — Caltrans, city sidewalks, state parks — require a government tort claim within 6 months of the incident. Missing this deadline permanently bars the claim.
📊 Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of emergency room visits in California.
Report the incident to the property manager immediately and get a written incident report
Photograph the hazard, surrounding conditions, lighting, and signage
Send a written request to preserve all surveillance footage — most businesses overwrite within 24-72 hours
Get witness contact information
Seek medical attention within 24 hours
Do NOT sign anything from the property owner or their insurer
Preserve your footwear and clothing — they are evidence
Contact a California premises liability attorney before speaking with the property's insurance company
2 years from the date of the incident. California has a specific statute (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1) providing 2 years for personal injury claims. Claims against California government entities — Caltrans, city sidewalks, state parks — require a government tort claim within 6 months of the incident. Missing this deadline permanently bars the claim.
You must generally prove the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to fix it or warn you. California property owners owe a duty of reasonable care to all visitors (Cal. Civ. Code § 1714). California eliminated the traditional invitee/licensee distinction — all lawful visitors are owed the same duty of reasonable care. Trespassers may also recover in some circumstances. California courts focus on whether the property owner acted reasonably under all the circumstances.
California slip and fall settlements depend on injury severity and strength of liability. Minor injuries may settle for $10,000-$50,000. Serious injuries including fractures, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries can be worth $100,000 or more.
No upfront cost. Contingency fees — you only pay if you win.
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