Maison Law and our Visalia premises liability lawyers can help you if you’re hurt in a slip-and-fall accident on government property. A slip-and-fall can happen anywhere, even in spots you wouldn’t expect like a courthouse or sidewalk. That means the government is involved, which can complicate things. Our team can make it easier. Reach out today for a free consultation to talk through your options.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
If you’re injured in a slip and fall on government property in or around Visalia, the rules are a little different. Your rights don’t disappear, but the process moves faster and has stricter deadlines. That’s where guidance matters, and we can help you by:
- Walking through what likely caused the fall
- Explaining your rights under California law
- Getting evidence before it’s repaired or removed
- Finding the correct government agency or anyone else who might be responsible
- Handling deadlines that don’t apply in regular injury cases
- Taking pressure off while you focus on getting better
Not every slip-and-fall needs a lawyer, but you have the same rights in a slip-and-fall on government property as you do anywhere else in the city. Again, facing the government makes things more intimidating. On top of that, the ball starts rolling as soon as your fall is reported. That makes getting details early very important.
What Details Can Help After a Slip and Fall on Government Property?
Slip and fall accidents happen quickly. It’s normal to feel shaken or unsure of what to do next. Your health always comes first. Once you’re safe, though, a few key details can help later—especially when the fall happens on government property. Here’s what to focus on tracking down or getting:
- The accident report completed by staff, security, or maintenance. These reports help show when and where the fall happened and that the responsible agency was told about it.
- Medical records that help connect your injuries to the fall and show how serious the impact has been.
- Photos and video of where you fell and what caused it—such as a wet floor, cracked sidewalk, or broken step.
- Notes about what you remember while it’s still fresh: where you were walking, what caused the fall, and how you felt afterward.
- Names and contact information of anyone who saw what happened can be very helpful later.
Like any slip-and-fall, it’s this type of information that’s going to form the foundation of your claim. But unlike a normal slip-and-fall, location is going to play a huge part in what comes next.
Where Can Slip and Fall Accidents Happen on Government Property in Visalia?
In Visalia, slip and fall accidents on government property usually don’t feel dramatic or unusual when they happen. Most of the time, people are just going about their day—heading into an office, walking back to their car, cutting through a park, or crossing a sidewalk they’ve used a hundred times before. That familiarity is part of the problem. Here’s where slip-and-falls usually happen on government property in Visalia:
- Downtown government buildings near Main Street and Mineral King Avenue.
- Tulare County Superior Court buildings and nearby walkways.
- Public sidewalks along Main Street, Garden Street, and Center Avenue.
- The Visalia branch of the Tulare County Library and other buildings.
- Elementary and High Schools in the city, which are overseen by the Visalia Unified School District.
- Mooney Grove Park and other recreation areas.
- City- and county-owned parking lots near government buildings.
Across all of these locations, the underlying issue is usually the same: something that either was known or should have been known about wasn’t fixed or clearly warned about in time. That gives you a clue about who’s responsible.
Who’s Responsible for a Slip and Fall on Government Property?
Even on government property, a slip-and-fall is a “premises liability” claim. That means the standard for legal responsibility is pretty straightforward:
- Did the owner/manager of the property know about the hazard—or should they reasonably have known about it—and failed to fix it?
With that, any of the following groups could be responsible for your injuries:
- A city, county, or state agency
- A school district or public campus system
- A private maintenance or property management company
- Outside contractors handling cleaning or repairs
- Security providers responsible for monitoring conditions
- In limited cases, third parties who created the hazard
Sorting this out isn’t easy. It takes a lot of records and determination. While we can get the right evidence for you, fingers are going to be pointed amongst these groups because nobody wants to take the full hit for not keeping you safe. Ultimately, no matter who’s responsible, you have options.
What Are My Options For Filing a Slip-and-Fall Injury Claim Against the Government?
Any slip-and-fall accident has the potential to leave you facing pretty extensive injuries and other issues. And with the added stress of it happening on government property, the entire process feels overwhelming. Yet, the law recognizes what you’re going through and still gives you options for getting financial help for your injuries. The process is just slightly different with government property:
It’s under the California Tort Claims Act (CTCA), where you have to file:
- A formal notice of claim within six months of the injury. Missing that deadline can bar the claim entirely.
- Additionally, your damages have to be over $10,000.
- The government then has 45 days to investigate and respond
This is where many people lose options without realizing it. They focus on recovery, assume they have time, and don’t learn about the deadline until it’s already passed. When the process is handled correctly, you can still recover damages relating to your:
- Medical expenses, now and in the future
- Lost income or reduced earning ability
- Damaged personal property
- Pain and physical limitations
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
Of course, there’s always the possibility that the accident happens on government property, but a private group or person is responsible. At that point, the claims process looks more familiar, where you have two years to file either an insurance claim or a lawsuit. One way or the other, our team is going to be there to support and guide you.
Talk With Maison Law About a Visalia Government Property Slip and Fall
A slip and fall on government property can feel especially frustrating. You were just walking where the public is expected to walk. When injuries linger or bills start piling up, it helps to understand your options before time runs out.
At Maison Law, we focus on making things easier, not harder. We’ll walk you through the process and make sure you have what you need for a strong claim. Set up a free consultation today.
