San Francisco Slip & Fall Accident Lawyer

We've Recovered $350 Million for Our Clients

The National Floor Safety Institute reports that more than 8 million people are taken to the emergency room for injuries suffered in falls every year, which makes this type of accident the number one cause of such visits. Slip and fall accidents are the most common cause of injury in workers' compensation claims, and they account for half of all accident-related deaths that occur in the home.

While many people who experience a slip and fall or trip and fall accident will be able to get right back up without any serious consequence, others are not so lucky. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the cause of 22 percent of all spinal cord injuries such as paraplegia and quadriplegia, as well as 35.2 percent of all traumatic brain injuries.

Who Is Responsible for a Slip & Fall Accident?

In many cases, the only person who is at fault for a slip and fall is the accident victim, but in other cases, it may be proven that another party was at fault. Slip and fall personal injury or wrongful death claims are usually filed under the legal principle of premises liability, which holds that a property owner may be considered to be responsible for certain accidents occurring on the premises.

If the owner knew, or reasonably should have known, about the conditions that caused the fall and yet did nothing to prevent it, you may have grounds to sue for monetary damages.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can occur in an almost endless variety of circumstances. A common example is when a grocery store customer steps on a spill on the floor. If the store owner or manager was aware of the spill but did not clean it or at least set out a "Wet Floor" sign to warn of the danger, the accident victim is likely entitled to sue for compensation.

Whether the fall was caused by a:

• Spill
• Clutter
• Electrical cords
• A broken stair step
• A cracked sidewalk
• Lack of proper lighting
• Any other hazard

You can find help in pursuing payment for your losses by coming to the Law Offices of Steven A. Fabbro for a free consultation with our San Francisco slip and fall injury lawyer.

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 due to unsafe conditions on another person's property. This can include wet floors, uneven sidewalks, poor lighting, or obstacles that create a tripping hazard. In San Francisco, property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe premises. If they fail to do so and someone is hurt as a result, they may be held liable.

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

Liability typically falls on the property owner, manager, or tenant responsible for maintaining the area where the fall occurred. In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, especially in commercial or multi-unit residential properties. Establishing liability requires showing that the responsible party knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to address it.

What should someone do after a slip and fall accident?

It is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Documentation is also key: take photos of the scene, gather witness information, and report the incident to the property owner or manager. Preserving evidence early on can be crucial for building a strong legal case.

How long is the time limit to file a claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including slip and fall accidents, is two years from the date of the injury. Missing this deadline could forfeit the right to pursue compensation. For incidents involving government property, the timeline is much shorter. It’s important to act quickly to protect one’s legal rights.