San Francisco Slip & Fall Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall injuries often trace back to hazards that should have been repaired, cleaned, blocked off, or clearly marked.

Common causes include:

1. Spills and wet floors without cones or warning signs
2. Clutter, boxes, or merchandise in walkways
3. Electrical cords or unsecured mats
4. Broken steps, loose stair treads, or missing handrails
5. Uneven flooring or sudden height changes
6. Cracked sidewalks or damaged pavement
7. Poor lighting in stairwells, hallways, or parking structures
8. Weather-related hazards that are not addressed within a reasonable time

If a fall happens, early documentation can make a major difference in the strength of a claim.

Where Slip and Fall Accidents Commonly Happen in San Francisco

Slip and fall incidents occur in both public and private spaces throughout the city, including:

Grocery stores and retail aisles

1. Parking garages and lots
2. Apartment buildings and shared stairwells
3. Office lobbies and commercial entryways
4. Restaurants, bars, and hotels
5. Outdoor walkways that are not properly maintained

San Francisco also has conditions that commonly contribute to falls, including older buildings with worn stairways, heavy daily foot traffic, steep walkways and stair paths, and slick entryways during rainy periods. High-traffic properties typically have written inspection routines. When inspections are skipped, hazards are ignored, or repairs are delayed, the property owner may be liable.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

After a fall, taking a few steps can help protect health and preserve evidence:

• Get medical care promptly, even if symptoms seem minor
• Take photos of the hazard, the surrounding area, and the lighting conditions
• Photograph footwear and any visible injuries (when appropriate)
• Report the incident to the property owner/manager and request a copy of any report
• Collect witness names and contact information
• Avoid recorded insurance statements until legal guidance is available
• Save medical records, receipts, and time-off work documentation
• If the property has cameras, ask that the video be preserved right away. Surveillance footage is often overwritten.

Proving Fault in a California Slip and Fall Claim

A strong slip and fall claim typically requires more than showing a surface was slippery. Many cases depend on proving the owner or manager failed to act reasonably under the circumstances.

Evidence that may help prove liability includes:

• Photos of the hazard and the surrounding area
• Surveillance video (often overwritten or deleted quickly)
• Incident reports, inspection logs, and maintenance records
• Witness statements
• Prior complaints about the same hazard
• Prove the hazard existed long enough that staff should have discovered it

Slip and fall investigations often focus on whether the hazard was foreseeable, how long it likely existed, and what safety steps were reasonable for that type of property.

What Compensation May Be Available

Depending on the facts of the case, a slip and fall claim may include compensation for:

• Medical bills and future treatment needs
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket costs related to the injury
• Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life

The value of a claim often depends on injury severity, treatment course, time missed from work, and the strength of liability evidence.

How Our Firm Handles Slip and Fall Claims

When someone contacts our office after a fall, we start by listening to what happened and answering questions about the process. We explain how California premises liability law may apply and outline practical next steps.

Our work may include:

• Preserving key evidence and identifying responsible parties
• Visiting the scene when helpful
• Obtaining photos and available video footage
• Interviewing witnesses
• Requesting maintenance, inspection, and incident records
• Reviewing medical records to document the full impact of the injuries

Once the evidence is developed, we prepare a demand that clearly documents the losses and negotiate with the insurance company. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, we are prepared to file a lawsuit in the appropriate California court and continue advocating through litigation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accidents

What qualifies as a slip and fall accident?

A slip and fall accident occurs when someone is injured because of unsafe conditions on another person’s property, such as wet floors, uneven sidewalks, poor lighting, or obstacles that create a tripping hazard. Property owners in California generally must maintain reasonably safe premises, and they may be held liable when preventable hazards cause injuries.

A strong claim also typically requires proof that the responsible party had notice of the hazard—meaning they knew about it or should have discovered it through reasonable inspections.

Who can be held responsible for a slip and fall injury?

Depending on the location and who controlled the area, liability may involve a property owner, property manager, tenant, or contractor responsible for maintenance. Some cases involve multiple parties, especially in commercial properties or multi-unit buildings.

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

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of injury. Falls involving government-controlled property may involve additional notice requirements and shorter deadlines, so it’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence.

What if the property owner says they didn’t know about the hazard?

Many cases turn on whether they should have known. Evidence like inspection schedules, staffing, prior complaints, and how long a hazard likely existed can be used to evaluate notice and whether reasonable safety steps were taken.

Speak With a San Francisco Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, we can review what happened, explain your options, and discuss what evidence may help support your claim.

The sooner evidence is preserved, the stronger your case can be. Contact the Law Offices of Steven A. Fabbro to discuss your slip and fall accident and protect your right to compensation.