Sacramento Slip and Fall Attorney

Upholding Premises Liability Laws in Northern California

Property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe. When they fail to adhere to this responsibility, accidents happen, and people get hurt. The consequences of a slip and fall accident can have devastating effects on the injured party, so it’s only fair that the home or business owner faces repercussions for the conditions of their property.

If you are injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, our team at Del Rio & Caraway, P.C. can help. Discuss your case with a seasoned attorney at (916) 229-6755 today.

Common Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can occur almost anywhere, but many are caused by hazards that should have been prevented or corrected. Some of the most common causes include:

• Wet or Slippery Floors: Spilled liquids, mopped floors without warning signs, and tracked-in water from rain can all create slipping hazards. Businesses have a duty to identify and address these conditions promptly.
• Uneven Walkways or Flooring: Cracked pavement, loose floorboards, torn carpeting, and uneven tiles can easily cause someone to trip unexpectedly.
• Poor Lighting: Dim or burned-out lights make it difficult to see obstacles, potholes, or steps—especially in stairwells, parking lots, or hallways.
• Hazardous Stairways: A lack of handrails, broken steps, or poorly maintained staircases frequently results in serious falls.
• Clutter or Debris: Objects left in walkways—such as boxes, cords, merchandise, or tools—create unnecessary tripping hazards.
• Lack of Warning Signs: When property owners know of a temporary hazard, they must warn visitors. Missing caution signs can be a major factor in assigning fault.

If any of these conditions caused your injury, a slip and fall attorney in Sacramento can help determine whether the property owner is legally responsible.

Where Do Slips & Falls Happen?

Slip and fall accidents occur in a wide variety of locations throughout Sacramento, CA. Some of the most common places include:

• Grocery and Retail Stores: Spills, dropped merchandise, and high foot traffic make grocery stores and big-box retailers hotspots for slip and fall injuries.
• Restaurants and Bars: Food and drink spills, crowded walkways, and poorly maintained floors frequently contribute to accidents in dining establishments.
• Apartment Complexes and Rental Properties: Landlords must maintain stairways, hallways, parking lots, and common areas. A failure to repair hazards often leads to tenant or visitor injuries.
• Parking Lots and Garages: Cracked pavement, potholes, oil slicks, and poor lighting are common dangers in parking areas.
• Hotels and Resorts: From lobby floors to pool decks, hotels have a responsibility to keep guests safe from slipping hazards.
• Public Buildings and Sidewalks: Government properties and outdoor areas should be properly maintained. Some claims may involve special rules and shorter deadlines for reporting injuries.

Wherever your slip and fall occurred, Del Rio & Caraway, P.C. can help you determine who is liable and what steps to take next.

Proving Liability in a Slip & Fall Accident

Proving that a property owner is responsible for your injuries requires showing that they were negligent. Your Sacramento slip and fall lawyer will work to establish:

1. A Dangerous Condition Existed

There must have been a hazard on the property, such as a spill, broken staircase, or uneven flooring.

2. The Property Owner Knew or Should Have Known About the Hazard

Liability depends on whether the owner or employee:

• Created the hazard
• Knew about it and failed to fix it
• Should have known about it through regular inspections

3. The Owner Failed to Fix or Warn About the Danger

If they did not take reasonable steps to repair the hazard or warn visitors, they may be considered negligent.

4. The Hazard Caused Your Injury

Medical records, photos, witness statements, and incident reports can help prove this connection.

Our legal team collects evidence, interviews witnesses, and works with experts to build a strong case in your favor.

Compensation You May Be Eligible to Recover

Victims of slip and fall accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (current and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Mobility aids or home modifications
• Emotional distress
• Long-term disability

Severe injuries such as fractures, spinal damage, concussions, and torn ligaments often require extensive treatment—costs that should not fall on you if the accident wasn’t your fault.

Slip & Fall Claim FAQs

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

Most personal injury claims in California must be filed within two years of the date of injury. Claims against government entities require filing a notice within six months.

Do I need a lawyer for a slip and fall case?

While not required, having an attorney significantly increases your chance of recovering compensation. Insurance companies often deny or undervalue claims without legal representation.

What should I do after a slip and fall accident?

You should:

1. Take photos of the hazard
2. Report the accident to the property owner or manager
3. Get medical attention
4. Collect contact information from witnesses
5. Contact a slip and fall lawyer

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. California follows a comparative negligence rule, allowing you to recover compensation even if you were partially responsible, though your compensation may be reduced.

How much is my slip and fall case worth?

The value depends on factors like injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and long-term impact. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and estimate its potential worth.

Find Out What Del Rio & Caraway, P.C. Can Do for You Today

At our firm, we put our clients first. We consider ourselves real people, getting real results for real injuries. That’s just one reason we offer free consultations to new and prospective clients.

Before we take on your lawsuit, we want to understand your goals and make sure you have a reasonable chance of achieving them. We will not collect any compensation if you do not win your case – that’s how confident we are in our abilities, and how dedicated we are to helping you.

Find out how our firm can change your life with a phone call to our 24/7 line: (916) 229-6755. Don’t forget to schedule a free case evaluation at our Sacramento or Roseville office!