Maison Law works with people that have been injured in accidents across Chico. There’s a lot of different hazards and risks that lead to an accident, even one that happens on someone else’s property. And by far the most common of these is a slip-and-fall. But despite how common they are, they can leave you with serious injuries and problems. Our team can help you understand your options from there. Set up a free consultation today.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
You don’t always need a lawyer after a slip-and-fall, but having one can make a big difference—especially if your injuries are serious. Minor scrapes or bruises might be manageable on your own, but anything that leads to fractures, hospital visits, or long-term effects is where our team can really be beneficial. Here’s what our team can do for you:
- Explain your rights and the steps available to you
- Gather medical records, incident reports, and other important evidence
- Talk and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Handle paperwork, deadlines, and filings if a lawsuit becomes necessary
- Make the process less stressful so you can focus on recovery
Slips and falls are unpredictable. You can control your actions, but not how property is maintained or how others act. When negligence causes an injury, the law gives you options—but having an experienced team by your side makes navigating those options much easier.
What Do You Need to Do For a Strong Slip-and-Fall Claim?
After a fall, it’s natural to focus on just getting back on your feet. But if you’re thinking about filing a claim, proving the extent of your damages is just as important as showing how the accident happened. Insurance companies won’t take your word for it—you need clear proof of what happened and what it’s put you through. Here are some practical ways to do that:
- Get medical care right away – Your health comes first. Make sure your injuries are checked and documented at a hospital or doctor’s office. Even injuries that don’t seem serious at first can get worse over time, so it’s important to have a medical paper trail.
- Report the accident – If your fall happened at a grocery store on East Avenue or in a Chico apartment complex, tell the property owner or manager immediately. Ask for a copy of their incident report if they make one. If they don’t, jot down your own account of when and where it happened while it’s still fresh.
- Collect evidence at the scene – A spill can be cleaned up or a broken step repaired within hours. That’s why photos and videos are so valuable. If you can, capture the hazard, the surrounding area, and the exact time and date. If someone witnessed the fall, politely ask for their name and contact information.
- Hold onto damaged items – Shoes, clothes, or even a broken phone from the accident may help back up your claim. Don’t throw them away or repair them until your case is resolved.
Not every situation allows you to check every box, and that’s okay. The key is to do what you can—starting with taking care of your health—so there’s a clear record linking your fall to your injuries. And if the process feels overwhelming, our team can step in to gather missing pieces and make sure your side of the story is fully heard.
Who’s Liable For My Damages in a Slip-and-Fall Claim?
After a slip-and-fall accident, one of the first questions is usually: who’s actually responsible for what happened? Liability comes down to whether someone failed to keep the area safe, and whether that failure directly caused your injuries. So, with a slip-and-fall claim, this liability usually falls on people like:
- Property owners or managers – Homeowners, landlords, or businesses may be responsible if they knew—or reasonably should have known—about a hazard and failed to fix it.
- Maintenance companies – If a business hired a cleaning or repair company and that company failed to do their job, they could be held liable for the accident.
- Other people – Sometimes, negligence comes from a neighbor, tenant, or building manager whose careless actions created the dangerous condition.
Sorting out who’s at fault isn’t always straightforward. Multiple parties may share responsibility, and each will have insurance companies trying to limit what they pay.
How Long Do I Have to File a Slip-and-Fall Claim
Timing is critical in slip-and-fall cases. California law sets a deadline, called the statute of limitations, which gives you two years from the date of the fall to file a personal injury lawsuit.
While two years may sound like a long time, it goes by quickly—especially if you’re dealing with doctor’s appointments, lost work, or ongoing recovery. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely bar your case, no matter how strong your claim might be.
What Damages Can I Get in a Slip-and-Fall Injury Claim?
A slip-and-fall can bring more than just bruises or a sore back—it can leave you facing medical bills, missed paychecks, and lasting pain. With that, you have options for getting some of that back. Typically you can either file:
- An insurance claim out of court
- A personal injury lawsuit
No matter which option you choose, it’s all about putting together a strong claim for your particular “damages.” These are usually made up of:
- Medical expenses for everything from emergency room visits and surgery to rehab and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages covering the time you couldn’t work while healing.
- Pain and suffering for the physical pain and emotional toll of the accident.
- Repair/replacement costs for personal items broken in the fall, like a phone or glasses.
Every slip-and-fall case is different, and the value of your claim depends on your injuries and how they’ve affected your daily life. But it all comes down to what actually happened–and why.
Where Do Slip-and-Fall Accidents Happen Most Often in Chico?
Certain locations in Chico see more slip-and-fall accidents simply due to foot traffic or environmental hazards:
- Downtown Chico – Busy streets like Main Street and Broadway have restaurants, shops, and public buildings. Crowds, uneven sidewalks, and weather-related hazards increase risk.
- Chico State University area – Sidewalks around campus, dorms, and parking lots see heavy daily use. Students, staff, and visitors are all at risk of slipping or tripping.
- Grocery stores and retail shops – Areas like Chico Mall or Target on East Avenue see spills and clutter, making slips more likely.
- Parking lots and garages – Poorly maintained or poorly lit areas can lead to serious falls, especially when combined with weather hazards.
- Apartment complexes and rental properties – Broken staircases, uneven pavement, and cluttered walkways often contribute to residential slip-and-fall injuries.
Knowing where accidents commonly happen can help identify potential hazards and determine who might be responsible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after a slip-and-fall?
First, check on yourself and get medical care—even if you think you’re fine. Some injuries don’t show up right away. Once you’re safe, try to take photos of the area, talk to anyone who saw what happened, and let the property owner or manager know.
Can I still bring a claim if I was partly to blame?
Yes. In California, being partly at fault doesn’t shut the door on your claim. It just means whatever you recover could be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. You can still hold the property owner accountable for their share.
How long does a slip-and-fall case usually take?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some cases wrap up in a few months if the insurance company cooperates, while others take longer if a lawsuit is needed. A lawyer can give you a realistic idea once they know the details of your situation.
What if my fall happened outside or on public property?
If the accident was on city, county, or state property, the process is different. There are shorter deadlines and special rules for filing a claim against a government agency. Acting quickly is key, and a lawyer can make sure you don’t miss the window.
Get Help After a Slip-and-Fall in Chico
A slip-and-fall accident isn’t just frustrating, it could probably have been avoided. That doesn’t make what you’re dealing with any easier. Injuries means missed time at work, medical bills, and other losses that you’re facing. Our Chico slip-and-fall accident lawyers at Maison Law understand what you’re going through and know how to help. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.
