Slip & Fall Injury Attorney in Northern California
Business owners and property managers have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises for visitors, customers, and employees. When they fail to address known hazards and someone gets hurt, that is negligence. But not every slip and fall involves negligence, and understanding the difference is critical to building a winning case.
When Negligence Applies
Timing and knowledge are the key factors in slip and fall negligence. If a hazard is brand new, say a drink spilled five minutes ago, the property owner may not have had a reasonable opportunity to discover and address it. But if a hazard has existed long enough that the owner knew about it or should have known about it, and they did nothing, that is negligence. Broken steps that have been reported multiple times, leaking pipes that create wet floors week after week, torn carpeting that management has ignored for months: these are the kinds of conditions that give rise to strong slip and fall claims. The question is always whether the property owner had notice of the hazard and failed to act.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall
If you are injured in a slip and fall, the most important thing you can do is document everything at the scene. Identify what caused you to fall. Was it a wet floor, a broken tile, an uneven surface, or poor lighting? Take photographs of the hazard, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Report the incident to the property owner or manager and make sure it is documented in writing. Seek medical attention even if your injuries seem minor. Some of the most serious consequences of falls, including spinal injuries and concussions, may not be immediately apparent.
Dealing with Insurance
Do not provide a recorded statement to the property owner's insurance company. Adjusters will ask questions designed to establish that the hazard was obvious and you should have avoided it, or that your injuries were pre-existing. They are not looking out for your interests. Let your attorney handle all communications with the insurance company so that nothing you say can be taken out of context and used against your claim.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall
Identify and document the cause of the fall
Photograph the hazard and surrounding area
Photograph any visible injuries
Collect witness names and contact information
Report the incident to the property owner or manager
Seek medical attention immediately
Do not provide a recorded statement to insurance
Results in Slip & Fall Cases
$2,380,000
Slip and Fall
Grocery store fall, settled at trial after an opening offer of just $50,000.
$350,000
Grocery Store Slip
Neck and shoulder injury caused by a hidden hose hazard.
What Our Clients Say
"Jordan Maurer is experienced, knowledgeable, and leaves no stone unturned. Dealing with reluctant defendants, Jordan persevered for a winning conclusion. His demeanor is both professional and friendly."
Our Offices
We handle slip and fall cases from four offices across Northern California.
Injured in a Slip and Fall?
Free consultation. We hold property owners accountable for unsafe conditions.