Question 1

How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in California?

Accepted Answer

In California, you generally have two years from the date of your slip and fall accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. However, if you were injured on government property — such as a city sidewalk or public building in Los Angeles County — you must file a government tort claim within just six months of the incident. Missing either deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, so it's critical to speak with a slip and fall attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

Question 2

Who is liable if I slipped and fell in a Los Angeles grocery store or supermarket?

Accepted Answer

In California, property owners and businesses owe a legal duty of care to customers under California Civil Code § 1714, which means a grocery store can be held liable if they knew — or should have known — about a dangerous condition like a spilled liquid or slippery floor and failed to fix it or warn you. Liability can also extend to store managers, maintenance contractors, or even product manufacturers depending on what caused your fall. An experienced Los Angeles slip and fall attorney can investigate the store's surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and prior incident reports to identify every responsible party.

Question 3

What happens if I slipped and fell on a wet floor but the store says I wasn't paying attention — can I still recover money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may still recover compensation even if the property owner claims you were partly at fault, because California follows a 'pure comparative negligence' rule under California Civil Code § 1714. This means your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault — for example, if you were found 20% responsible and your total damages are $100,000, you would still recover $80,000. Don't let an insurance company use your own actions to dismiss your claim entirely; a skilled slip and fall lawyer can push back against unfair blame-shifting and fight for your full recovery.

Question 4

What's the first thing I should do after a slip and fall accident in Los Angeles?

Accepted Answer

Your first priority is to seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor at first, because conditions like traumatic brain injuries and soft tissue damage can worsen over time and a prompt medical record ties your injuries directly to the accident. At the scene, report the incident to the property owner or manager, photograph the dangerous condition that caused your fall, and collect contact information from any witnesses. Evidence like surveillance footage is often deleted within 24 to 72 hours, so contacting a Los Angeles slip and fall attorney right away gives your legal team the best chance to preserve the proof you need.

Question 5

How much money can I recover from a slip and fall accident in California?

Accepted Answer

The value of a California slip and fall claim depends on the specific facts of your case, but recoverable damages typically include medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering and emotional distress. Unlike medical malpractice cases, California does not cap non-economic damages in general premises liability slip and fall cases, meaning serious injuries involving broken bones, spinal damage, or head trauma can result in substantial six- or seven-figure settlements. An attorney at our East Los Angeles firm will review your medical records, expenses, and injury prognosis to build the strongest possible damages claim on your behalf.

Question 6

What are the biggest mistakes people make after a slip and fall that hurt their case?

Accepted Answer

One of the most damaging mistakes is giving a recorded statement to the property owner's insurance company before consulting an attorney — adjusters are trained to use your own words to minimize or deny your claim. Another common error is waiting too long to seek medical treatment, which gives insurers grounds to argue your injuries weren't serious or weren't caused by the fall. Finally, many people fail to preserve evidence like photos of the hazard, witness contact information, or the clothing and shoes they wore, all of which can be critical to proving negligence under California premises liability law.

Question 7

Do I really need a lawyer for a slip and fall, or can I just deal with the insurance company myself?

Accepted Answer

While you are legally allowed to negotiate directly with an insurance company, studies consistently show that represented claimants recover significantly higher settlements than those who go it alone — and insurers know this. Property owners and their insurers in California will often dispute liability, argue the hazard was 'open and obvious,' or offer a quick lowball settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries and future costs. At Mendez & Sanchez, we offer free consultations, handle cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win — and are available 24/7 to make sure your rights are protected from day one.

Slip and Fall

Common Cases Our Slip and Fall Attorneys Handle:

Reasons to Hire a Los Angeles Slip and Fall Lawyers for Your Slip and Fall Injuries -

We will gather evidence of liability before it becomes unavailable, which might include:

What Damages Are Recoverable After a Slip and Fall in California?

Frequently Asked Questions