Property owners in California have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. When they fail to fix a dangerous condition — a wet floor, broken staircase, poor lighting, or uneven pavement — and someone gets hurt as a result, they can be held responsible.

To win a slip and fall case, you must prove four things: the property owner owed you a duty of care, they breached that duty by allowing a dangerous condition to exist, that condition directly caused your fall, and you suffered real damages as a result. An attorney can help compile the evidence that makes or breaks your case, including photos, incident reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements.

California follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault — but not eliminated. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your total damages.

In most cases, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. If the accident happened on government property such as a public sidewalk, school, or city building, that window can shrink to as little as six months. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your case, so the sooner you speak with an attorney, the better.