Personal Injury

Who Is Liable in a Slip and Fall Accident in California

December 7, 2025

Who Is Liable in a Slip and Fall Accident in California

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of emergency room visits in California. From grocery stores to restaurants to apartment complexes, these injuries often occur because property owners fail to keep their premises safe.

Here’s how California law determines fault and liability.

What Is Premises Liability?

Under California law, property owners must maintain reasonably safe conditions. If they fail to do so, they can be held responsible for injuries on their property.

This includes:

- Stores (Target, Walmart, Costco, Ralphs, Vons, etc.)
- Apartment complexes
- Parking lots
- Office buildings
- Construction sites

Common Causes of Slip & Fall Injuries

- Wet or slippery floors
- Spilled liquids
- Uneven or cracked sidewalks
- Torn carpets
- Poor lighting
- Cluttered walkways
- Unsafe staircases

Proving Liability

A property owner may be liable if they:

- Created the hazard
- Knew about the hazard and didn’t fix it
- Should have known about the hazard (negligence)
- Evidence such as photos, video footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements are key.