Setareh Law
May 21, 2026
Every year, millions of people are unexpectedly injured on a business’s property. According to the CDC’s fall injury data, falls send approximately 3 million older adults to emergency departments each year, and they are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. Despite how frequently these accidents occur, many victims are unsure whether their situation gives rise to a legal claim.
If you were hurt after slipping or falling at a store, restaurant, hotel, or another commercial property, you may be entitled to compensation. At Setareh Law, our team brings over 60 years of combined experience pursuing slip-and-fall claims across California, and we have recovered more than $250 million on behalf of our injured clients. Working through a few key questions can help clarify whether your situation warrants legal action.
Was Someone Else Responsible for the Dangerous Condition?
The foundation of any slip-and-fall claim is negligence. To pursue compensation, you must be able to show that a property owner or manager was responsible for the hazardous condition that caused your fall. These conditions can take many forms at commercial establishments, including wet or slippery floors without posted warning signs, over-waxed or polished surfaces, broken furniture, poor lighting, uncovered cables or cords, and loose or torn carpeting.
The key question is not simply whether you fell, but whether someone’s carelessness created the risk that led to your injury. A premises liability attorney can help you evaluate whether the condition at the business was the result of negligence and whether you have a viable path to compensation.
Did the Property Owner Have a Duty to Maintain a Safe Environment?
California law requires property owners and those who legally control a premises to take reasonable steps to keep it safe for guests, customers, and employees. This duty to maintain a safe environment is a core element of premises liability law. In most commercial settings, businesses owe a high duty of care to anyone who enters lawfully.
The exact scope of that duty can vary based on the type of property and the nature of the hazard involved. Your attorney will review the specifics of your case and advise you on whether the party responsible for the location where you fell was legally obligated to correct the dangerous condition or warn you about it.
Did the Property Owner Fail to Fulfill That Duty?
Once you establish that a duty existed, you need to show that the property owner or manager breached it. Common examples of this kind of breach include the following:
- Failure to clean up: A spill, wet surface, or debris left unaddressed for an unreasonable amount of time
- Failure to repair: A dangerous structural condition that was not corrected in a timely manner
- Failure to warn: No signage or barriers placed to alert visitors of a known hazard
These failures represent the type of conduct that can form the core of a successful claim. Even one of these breaches, when connected to your injury, may be enough to establish the negligence needed to pursue compensation.
Were You Injured as a Result of the Fall?
In order to have a valid personal injury claim, you must have suffered actual harm from the accident. Slip-and-fall accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from fractures and sprains to soft tissue damage, neck injuries, concussions, and catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord trauma or traumatic brain injuries. Some of these injuries are immediately apparent, while others may worsen over time without proper treatment.
Seeking medical attention right away is critical, both for your health and for your case. Medical records, diagnosis notes, and treatment invoices all serve as important documentation that can help establish the connection between the accident and your injuries.
Did You Play Any Role in the Accident?
California follows a rule of pure comparative negligence, which means that even if you were partially at fault for your fall, you may still be able to recover compensation. Your total award would simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% responsible for the accident, you could still recover 80% of your total damages.
It is worth honestly evaluating whether anything you did, such as being distracted, wearing inappropriate footwear, or ignoring visible warnings, contributed to what happened. Being candid about this with your attorney helps them build a stronger case on your behalf. You can review our case results to see how we have navigated complex liability situations for our past clients.
Contact Setareh Law to Discuss Your Slip-and-Fall Case
If these questions point toward a valid claim, time matters. California’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, and waiting too long can cost you your right to recover. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner they can begin gathering evidence, documenting conditions, and building your case.
At Setareh Law, we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we get you results. With over 400 five-star Google reviews, eight California office locations, and home visits available, our English- and Spanish-speaking team is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today by calling (310) 659-1826 or filling out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
