How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim in California?

Generally, you have two years from the date of your slip and fall to file a slip and fall claim in California. Speak with a Sacramento slip and fall accident lawyer if you are debating whether to file a claim.

If you decide to move forward, your attorney can submit your compensation request promptly. 

You Have Two Years to File a Slip and Fall Claim in California if You Get Hurt on Private Property

Take legal action immediately if you visit someone else’s property and are injured due to no fault of your own. In this scenario, how long you have to file a slip and fall claim in California is typically two years. The window in which you are allowed to submit your claim may not be extended. Thus, if you do not do anything, you may be liable for your losses. 

A premises liability lawyer takes the guesswork out of the claims process. They can submit your claim before the window in which you are permitted to do so closes.

Your attorney can negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If your lawyer cannot get you a fair settlement, they may recommend taking your case in front of a judge or jury. 

At Triumph Law, we view your triumphs as our triumphs. Our team has more than 20 years of combined experience. We work diligently to help slip and fall accident victims and their families get compensation that serves them well for a long time. For more information, schedule a free case consultation with us. 

The Two-Year Window for Filing a Slip and Fall Claim in California May Apply if Your Injuries Happen at a Business

California’s deadlines to sue someone restrict the time you have to request compensation if you are injured at a business. For example, you shop at a grocery store but slip, fall, and are injured.

You may have two years from the date of this incident to submit a claim. Otherwise, you take responsibility for the costs of treating your injuries and other losses. 

In terms of how long you may have to file a slip and fall claim in California if you are injured while working, the time frame is limited. A Sacramento workers’ compensation lawyer can explain if you are covered under workers’ comp. If so, you may have 30 days from the date of your accident to report it to your employer and one year to file a workers’ comp claim. 

Just because you file a claim against a business right away does not guarantee you will be compensated. A business or its insurer may contest your claim.

If this happens, it pays to have an experienced lawyer on your side. Your attorney will handle your settlement negotiations. Furthermore, they are unafraid to proceed with a personal injury lawsuit. 

You May Have Six Months to Submit a California Slip and Fall Claim if a Government Entity Is Liable

Per the California Tort Claims Act, you may have six months from the day of your slip and fall accident to submit a claim if a government entity is at fault. To understand how the claims process may work, consider an example. 

You walk on a public sidewalk with cracks, holes, and other hazards. In spite of your best efforts to remain safe, you slip, fall, and are injured. If you want money for your medical bills and other losses relating to the incident, you have six months from the date it happened to notify your local government about it. 

A Sacramento personal injury lawyer can share FAQs and other resources about slip and fall claims against government entities. If you are ready to file a claim, ask a personal injury attorney for help. That way, you are well-equipped to secure compensation you can use for your injury costs and other slip and fall accident expenses. 

You Have Two Years to File Your Claim if You Are Partly Responsible for the Accident

Consult with a premises liability attorney if you are in any way responsible for your injuries. You may have two years from the date of your slip and fall accident to seek compensation from a liable party. This is the case even if you share the blame for your accident. 

Your lawyer can provide details about how comparative negligence can affect your personal injury claim. In California, you may get money after a slip and fall if you are 1–99% liable. Your percentage of liability will dictate how much compensation you may receive. 

For instance, you are injured in a slip and fall accident and sue a property owner for damages. A judge or jury finds you were careless or reckless and, as such, says you are 20% at fault. In this scenario, you may receive 80% of the damages you originally sought. 

Have a Lawyer Tell You How Long You Have to File Your California Slip and Fall Claim

Talk with a personal injury attorney with slip and fall case experience when in doubt about the amount of time you have to submit a claim. Your lawyer learns about your slip and fall, how and when it happened, and who is responsible. They can file your claim and represent you throughout your case. 

Ideally, your attorney gets you a settlement offer that lines up with your expectations. On the other hand, they can prepare your case for trial. If a trial is necessary, your lawyer can explain to a judge or jury why damages are warranted. 

No matter what happens in your slip and fall case, your attorney wants you to focus on your recovery. They will encourage you to treat your injuries and track your medical expenses.

Meanwhile, your attorney collects accident scene photos, witness statements, and other proof. They gather a wide range of evidence in the hopes of compelling the court to rule in your favor. 

Get Help with Your California Slip and Fall Claim

At Triumph Law, we are proud to be the Sacramento Area‘s Top Personal Injury Litigators. Our team can represent you throughout your slip and fall case, fighting for financial justice on your behalf. Contact us today to get started.