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As embarrassing (and painful) as it may be, knowing what happens if you slip and fall in a store can give you an advantage if it ever happens to you or a loved one. If you slip and fall due to a hazardous condition, you might have the right to seek compensation from the property owner or business operator under California premises liability law.
To successfully bring a claim, you’ll need to show that the business was negligent in maintaining a reasonably safe environment—for example, by failing to fix or warn about the hazard in a timely manner. If liability is proven, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced California slip and fall accident attorney can make a big difference in your case.
If you slipped and fell at a store in California, act fast! Don’t let time pass, and don’t miss the chance to claim full compensation for all the damages you suffered. Call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 and speak directly with an attorney. We can evaluate your case in a matter of minutes, and build a strong case to pursue maximum compensation.
What Happens if You Slip and Fall in a Store in California?
Slipping and falling in a store can be both painful and overwhelming, especially when it leads to serious injuries. While many people assume such accidents are just unfortunate mishaps, California law may entitle you to compensation if the fall was caused by a hazardous condition the store failed to address.
Understanding your legal options after a slip and fall is essential—not just to protect your rights, but also to ensure you’re not left covering medical bills, lost wages, and other unexpected expenses on your own:
File a Premises Liability Claim
Under California premises liability law, property owners and business operators have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for customers and visitors.
If you slip and fall in a store due to a dangerous condition—such as a wet floor, uneven surface, or poor lighting—you may be able to file a claim against the responsible party. This typically includes the property owner, tenant, store manager, or maintenance company, depending on who had control over the area where the fall occurred.
To begin the process, it’s very important that you document the scene, report the incident to the store, and seek medical attention immediately. Taking these steps early can help support your case if you decide to pursue compensation for your injuries.
If you don’t know how to properly gather that information, or missed any of these steps, premises liability attorneys can help you handle all the proper documentation, meet specific deadlines, and guide you through the whole claim process.
Seek Compensation for Damages
If your slip and fall claim is successful, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages. These typically include medical expenses for treatment related to the fall, such as ER visits, surgery, physical therapy, and medications. You may also claim lost wages if the injury caused you to miss work, as well as compensation for future loss of income if the injury affects your ability to earn a living.
In addition, California law allows victims to seek compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress. Every case is different, and the amount you can recover will depend on the severity of your injuries, how they impact your life, and the degree of negligence involved.
Prove Negligence
To recover damages in a California slip and fall case, you must prove that the store was negligent. This means showing that a hazardous condition existed, that the store knew or should have known about it, and that it failed to take reasonable action to address it. Reasonable actions could include cleaning up a spill, repairing flooring, or placing warning signs to alert customers of the danger.
You also need to prove that the store’s negligence directly caused your injuries. This often involves gathering evidence such as security footage, witness statements, incident reports, and medical records. A delay in reporting the incident or a lack of documentation can weaken your case, so it’s important to act quickly.
File a Lawsuit (If Necessary)
If the store or its insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, you have the option to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. In California, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file. If the claim is against a government entity, such as a city-owned facility, the deadline is even shorter—typically six months from the date of the incident.
A lawsuit may allow you to recover compensation through a court judgment. However, litigation is often more time-consuming and complex than settling out of court. That’s why many claims are resolved through negotiation before a lawsuit becomes necessary, especially when supported by strong evidence of liability.
Hire an Experienced California Slip and Fall Accident Attorney
Hiring an experienced California slip and fall attorney can greatly improve your chances of success. A lawyer can investigate your case, identify all liable parties, preserve key evidence (such as store surveillance footage), and handle negotiations with insurers. They can also help you avoid common mistakes that could reduce your compensation or result in a denied claim.
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. This gives you access to legal representation without upfront costs, making it easier to focus on your recovery while they focus on building your case.If you or a loved one slipped and fell at a California store, let us know what happened! Call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 to schedule a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 and always pick up the phone for our clients. Get quality legal aid at no out-of-pocket cost for you.