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San Diego Slip-and-Fall Lawyers

Slip-and-fall accidents lead to personal injuries requiring medical care and financial compensation. The Advocates are fall lawyers with the know-how necessary to help victims with a San Diego slip-and-fall case.

A Slip-and-Fall Attorney Can Help Your Case

A wet floor in a grocery store, an icy walkway, a lack of handrails on some sketchy stairs — all these are dangerous conditions where a slip-and-fall accident can occur. The pain and suffering from the injury are often made worse by the legal action required to get you fair compensation.

It is too much for one person to do alone, so if you have a slip-and-fall accident claim, The Advocates are here for you. Our legal team assists clients with navigating interactions with insurance adjusters, coordinating necessary medical attention, and pursuing a potential verdict that aims to secure the maximum compensation available for your personal injury.

Nothing is certain when it comes to law, but The Advocates guarantee you will receive sound legal advice from our expert San Diego personal injury lawyers.

We are a law firm well-equipped to represent you in the courts. Slip-and-fall claims are usually against property owners prepared to fight any personal injury claims against them. The Advocates’ priority is always your well-being. When faced with the prospect of difficult insurance companies, we will do what is necessary to ensure you get what you deserve.

The Next Steps in Your San Diego Slip-and-Fall Case

Injury

Immediately after your accident, assess your injuries

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery

Treatment

Seek medical attention as soon as you can

Medical Records

Keep track of all treatment you receive during recovery

Completed Treatment

Once you’ve completed treatment, your case can move forward

Completed Treatment

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

You will pay nothing out-of-pocket when you hire an Advocate.

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees.

For more information on how settlements and payment work, please see our contingency fee information page.

If the slip resulted in injuries, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex.

Your attorney will gather evidence, monitor your medical treatment progress, keep an accurate record of all relevant documents and facts to support your claim, negotiate and correspond with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary.

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will zealously pursue your claim through resolution.

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process depends on many factors, including but not limited to the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and much more.

In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to several years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which, if you do not resolve or file a lawsuit within the prescribed time, you will lose your right of action.

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you focus on healing. Generally, once all evidence has been gathered and your medical treatment has been completed or you are back to feeling yourself again, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to secure a settlement on your behalf.

In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a lawsuit in the litigation phase. Your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.

A Team of Slip-and-Fall Professionals Assigned to Your Case

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive fair compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you. 

We can help you:

  • Understand the claims process
  • Investigate your accident
  • Work together with you towards a full resolution of your injuries
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters
  • Obtain a settlement or judgment against the at-fault party

Talking to a Professional

Talk to a professional

Understanding Slip-and-Fall Law

Are slip-and-falls covered by insurance?

Where your accident occurs will determine what insurance covers your damage. Most businesses have general liability insurance covering damages from a slip-and-fall accident.  

If you are at somebody’s house, their homeowner’s insurance should cover damages. 

Before filing a personal injury claim, you usually have to prove the property owner was somehow negligent.

What is the statute of limitations for slip-and-falls in California?

California’s Code of Civil Procedure states personal injury claims should generally be filed “Within two years: An action for assault, battery, or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.”

This includes slip-and-fall accidents. If you do not file a claim before the deadline, the property owner can ask for your lawsuit to be dismissed. As with any aspect of law, there are exceptions. It is always advisable to consult with a personal injury lawyer to get advice tailored to your unique situation.  

Under certain circumstances, the statute of limitations can be extended. For example, if a person slips on someone else’s property and does not feel any injuries until several years after the fact.

Attorneys listens to client

Statute of limitations for slip-and-falls on government property

Government entities in California are generally not liable for personal injuries due to the California Tort Claims Act. 

That does not mean you should not file a personal injury claim if you are injured on government property. You usually have six months to file your claim against a government entity. You can pursue litigation only once they deny your claim or enough time has passed. 

This extra layer of complications when dealing with slip-and-fall injuries caused by government negligence only makes the process more difficult, which is why hiring an experienced fall attorney is essential. 

Premises liability

Premises liability law deals with the responsibility of property owners to ensure individuals are safe on their premises. If you are injured on someone else’s property, the duty owed by the property owner depends on your legal status. 

There are three classifications of visitors: 

  • Invitee: You enter the property for public use or business purposes, such as a customer entering a store. Property owners have the highest duty of care to invitees. They must regularly take reasonable steps to address any slip-and-fall dangers.
  • Licensee: You enter someone’s property for your own purposes with the owner’s consent, such as being a social guest at someone’s house. Owners must warn licensees of known dangers that are not readily apparent.
  • Trespasser: You enter the property without permission. Owners owe no duty except to refrain from willfully causing harm.

Your legal status in a slip-and-fall claim will affect the outcome of your case. Personal injury attorneys know this, and determining your visitor classification at the location of your fall will be one of the first legal issues you and your attorney work through. 

You must also show that the property owner breached their duty to keep their premises safe by not fixing or marking potential tripping hazards.  

Causation is another critical element to prove. There must be demonstrable evidence that the unsafe conditions of the property caused your injuries. This connection is crucial when determining liability.  

Then, there are the damages from the accident that must be compensated, including medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral expenses if a loved one passes away from a slip-and-fall. 

There are a lot of factors in a slip-and-fall case. It is often challenging to file your claim and get maximum compensation. The Advocates have years of experience in this field of law and are ready to take on that challenge with you. 

Man Trespasses right behind a

Facts on Slip-and-Fall Accidents in California

old man falling down, senior accident

Why slip-and-falls are worse for senior citizens 

Falls are the number one injury for senior citizens. People over 65 face a level of danger from slip-and-fall accidents that younger folks do not. There are many reasons why, such as: 

  • Decreased bone density: Bone density declines with age, making bones more fragile and prone to fractures. Osteoporosis also contributes to weakened bones in older adults.
  • Reduced muscle strength: The younger you are, the faster your reflexes are. With age comes less muscle strength, which reduces your ability to catch yourself during a fall.
  • Balance and coordination problems: Your two feet just do not cut it anymore, and you might need a cane or a walker to get around. Your balance and coordination worsen as you age, leading to higher chances of falls, especially in adverse environments like icy walkways.
  • Longer recovery time: Every injury takes longer to heal past a certain age. Hip fractures, a common injury for senior citizens, could take months to get anywhere near normal, leading to other complications like infections and blood clots.

There is no denying it: Slip-and-fall accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries for senior citizens. All it takes is tripping into a pothole in a parking lot for a slip-and-fall accident to potentially change your life forever.

Anyone who experiences such an incident, whether you are a senior citizen or not, should pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

What to do after a California slip-and-fall accident

The following steps exist to protect your health and legal rights. Immediately after a slip-and-fall accident, everything related to your fall can be used as evidence to make your case.  

The steps are:

  • Seek medical attention: Your health comes before any talk of lawsuits. Get medical help immediately, even if the injuries are minor.
  • Report the incident: You or a loved one must immediately inform the property owner or manager of the accident. Ensure you get a written report and keep a record of it.
  • Document the scene: Take pictures of everything related to the accident. If your injuries demand immediate attention, have someone else take photos—document where you fell, the conditions that led you to fall, and your injuries.
  • Gather witness information: Obtain the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed your accident. Their statements may be helpful in your case.
  • Be cautious with what you say: Do not get into detailed discussions about the accident with the insurance company, insurance adjusters, or anyone who could lose something from your claim. Any statements you make could be used against you.
  • Consult an attorney: Bring your case to an experienced fall lawyer. Give them all the details of your accident. You are likelier to win your case through an attorney-client relationship than attempting to go through the process alone.
Female Patient Being Reassured By Doctor In Hospital Room
Wet floor caution sign.

Common causes of slip-and-fall accidents 

  • Slippery or wet surfaces
  • Poor lighting
  • Damaged or uneven surfaces
  • Obstacles in your way
  • Lack of handrails
  • Weather conditions
  • Improper placement of mats or rugs
  • Inadequate warning signs
  • Negligent maintenance
  • Stairs and steps 

Common slip-and-fall injuries 

A fall can lead to mild bruising or more catastrophic injuries. Some common injuries fall victims experience are: 

  • Bruising and soft tissue injuries
  • Sprains and strains, particularly in the wrists, hands, or ankles
  • Broken bones, especially hips
  • Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Wrongful death of a loved one

When Should I Hire a San Diego Slip-and-Fall Attorney?

We recommend you begin the legal process soon after your slip-and-fall accident. When you call us, we will start with a free case evaluation. Our law office knows how difficult these events are. The stress of pursuing a claim is only matched by the pain of the serious injuries you can get from a slip. 

That is why our accident lawyers will work with you step by step, helping you pay medical bills and handling all legal aspects of your accident case.

The Advocates are experienced San Diego slip-and-fall lawyers. Given our experience, we know that accidents of this nature are usually not as severe as auto accidents or truck accidents, but they equally deserve fair compensation.

Do not think a slip-and-fall, however seemingly minor, is not worth a personal injury lawsuit. You deserve to be recompensed for your pain and suffering. You deserve an Advocate who can make that happen.

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