Maison Law’s Fresno premises liability lawyers can help you through the aftermath of a slip-and-fall accident on government property. Slip-and-fall claims on government property in Fresno don’t follow the same rules as claims against private businesses. The timelines are shorter. The notice requirements are stricter. And the city or county isn’t going to reach out and explain what you should do next. Our team will be there to help, though. Set up a free consultation today.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Most slip-and-falls in Fresno don’t feel like a “lawyer situation” at first. A lot of people tell themselves they’ll just see how they feel in a day or two. And sometimes, that works out. But when the government is involved, everything becomes more complicated. Again, you don’t need a lawyer in every situation, but with shorter timelines and other issues, having one can really help. Our team will:
- Explain your options and what the path forward looks like
- Figure out which government agencies are involved—and if there are any private groups involved too
- Help you gather the right evidence and information
- Handle the claims process and the back-and-forth so you don’t have to
Any slip-and-fall accident can bring problems, but again, it’s about what you can do from this point forward. That usually starts with getting information at the scene of the accident itself.
What Kinds of Evidence Should I Try to Look For?
After a fall, most people are focused on one thing: getting up and getting out of there. That’s normal. No one expects to need evidence when they’re just trying to steady themselves and shake off the moment.
But things are different when the fall happens on government property. Things change quickly. Holes get filled, spills are cleaned, or tiles get fixed. The question then becomes, what details should I try to get:
- Start with the ground itself. Was the concrete cracked or lifted? Was there standing water, mud, algae, or loose gravel? Fresno sidewalks and walkways take a beating—from heat, tree roots, irrigation runoff, and age. What looks like a small height difference can be enough to cause a hard fall.
- Photos help, even imperfect ones. A quick snapshot of the area, the lighting, the slope, or the condition of the surface can preserve something that gets patched or repaired days later.
- If anyone stopped to help you—someone else walking in, a security guard, a city employee—try to note who they were. You don’t need a statement on the spot. Just a name or a role can help later.
- Medical care matters too, even if you’re unsure how serious things are. Falls often cause injuries that don’t fully show themselves right away, especially soft-tissue injuries, joint damage, and back problems. Having a medical record that connects your pain to the date of the fall creates a timeline you can’t recreate later.
Remember, you don’t have to get everything perfectly. It’s about showing what caused your fall (as far as you can tell.) You don’t even need to know who’s responsible—yet.
Where Do Slip-and-Falls Usually Happen on Fresno Government Property?
Government property in Fresno isn’t limited to one part of town or one type of building. It’s everywhere people go as part of normal life. Slip-and-falls often happen in places people use without giving them a second thought:
- Public sidewalks downtown and near civic buildings, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic and older pavement. Cracks, uneven slabs, and patched sections are common.
- Walkways and entrances around City Hall, nearby public offices, and surrounding parking structures, where shade, water runoff, and worn concrete can create slick or uneven surfaces.
- Public parking lots tied to government buildings, where faded paint, potholes, poor drainage, or abrupt curbs catch people off guard—especially when they’re focused on getting to an appointment.
- Central Branch Fresno Public Library, neighborhood branches like Woodward Park Regional Library, and city-run community centers scattered throughout town. where people may already be moving slower, carrying items, or going through mobility challenges.
- Woodward Park, picnic areas at Roeding Park, or neighborhood parks, including paved walking paths, restroom entrances, and picnic areas. Morning irrigation, algae buildup, and uneven repairs are frequent issues.
- Fresno Unified School District and nearby districts, where campuses aren’t just used during class hours. Parents attend games, performances, meetings, and weekend events at schools.
These aren’t rare or unusual locations. They’re places people go to handle responsibilities, meet obligations, or spend time with family. That’s why falls in these areas often feel so disruptive—they happen during ordinary moments you didn’t expect to go wrong.
Who Pays For My Damages in a Fresno Government Property Slip-and-Fall?
This is where government property cases start to feel different—and more intimidating. When a fall happens on public property, responsibility usually falls on the:
- City, County, or State public agency.
That doesn’t automatically mean they’re liable. It’s still a premises liability claim, which means the core question is:
- Whether the agency knew—or reasonably should have known—about the dangerous condition and failed to address it within a reasonable amount of time.
That might mean:
- A sidewalk defect that’s been there long enough to be obvious
- A drainage issue that repeatedly leaves walkways slick
- A surface that’s been patched over instead of properly fixed
- A known hazard without adequate warning signs
And there’s also the possibility that somebody else outside of the government is responsible, like:
- A private business or property owner
- Security or maintenance teams
- Construction firms
These cases aren’t about blaming someone for a one-time accident. They’re about whether a known risk was allowed to stay in place, and whether that decision led directly to someone getting hurt.
How Do I Get Damages in a Fresno Government Property Slip-and-Fall Claim?
Most slip and falls on government property in Fresno fall under the California Tort Claims Act (CTCA). This law doesn’t take away your right to seek financial recovery—but it does change how the process works. Under the CTCA:
- You have to file a formal notice of claim within six months of the injury
- Your damages must exceed $10,000
- The government then has 45 days to investigate and respond
This shorter timeline catches many people off guard. They focus on recovery and assume they have time—only to learn later that the window has already closed. If you do everything right and file within six months, though, you can get the same damages as you would in a private injury claim:
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment
- Future care or physical therapy needs
- Lost income or reduced ability to work
- Damage to personal items
- Physical pain and lasting limitations
- Emotional distress and changes to daily life
In some cases, a private company—not the government—is actually responsible, even though the fall happened on public property. Figuring that out early is critical, because the deadlines can be very different. If that’s the case for you, you have to file an insurance claim or lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident.
Free Consultations After a Slip-and-Fall on Government Property in Fresno
A slip-and-fall accident on government property in Fresno can happen just as easily as anywhere else. And while that doesn’t change your rights, it does change the process. At Maison Law, we can help you people through your government property slip and fall claim with clarity and care. Don’t wait—set up a free consultation today to talk through your options.
