California Filing Deadline
2 yrs
California's general statute of limitations for personal-injury claims is two years from the date of injury. Miss it and the claim is usually barred.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1
North County San Diego · Slip & Fall
The first 48 hours decide the case.
North County San Diego Slip & Fall Attorney
Slip-and-fall cases are won and lost in the first 48 hours. We move fast on incident reports, surveillance preservation, and witness statements.
33% contingency · no fee and no case costs unless we win · Every new case is reviewed by an attorney personally
What you should know about slip & fall cases in North County San Diego.
We start every new case with the same posture: assume the insurance company will try to close fast and pay light. Our job is to slow it down, build the file properly, and force the carrier to value the claim correctly.
Most slip & fall files have a small handful of issues that decide value: liability evidence, the strength of treatment documentation, lost-wage proof, and the available insurance limits. We handle each of those personally rather than passing them through paralegals.
Why timing matters
The clock starts the day you're hurt.
California's deadlines are strict, and evidence like video and witness memories fades fast.
Calling early lets us preserve evidence and file on time, so the insurer can't use the calendar against you.
Government-Entity Deadline
6 mo
Claims against a city, county, Caltrans, NCTD, or any other public entity must be filed within six months, far shorter than the standard two years.
Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2
Property Damage
3 yrs
Claims for damage to your car or other property have a three-year deadline, but injury claims run on the shorter two-year clock.
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 338(c)
Slip & Fall · FAQ
Common questions about slip & fall cases.
What do I need to prove in a California slip-and-fall case?
Four elements: (1) the property owner owed you a duty of care, (2) a dangerous condition existed, (3) the owner knew or should have known about it, and (4) the condition caused your injury. Notice — actual or constructive — is the most contested element.
How long after a fall do I have to file?
Two years from the date of the fall for most premises-liability claims in California. Government property — sidewalks, parks, public buildings — requires a tort claim filed within six months.
What if the store says I should have seen the spill?
Open-and-obvious is a defense, not a bar. California courts weigh whether a reasonable person would have noticed and avoided the hazard. Even if the condition was visible, the owner may still be liable if they should have remediated it.
Are medical bills paid out of my settlement?
Typically yes. Outstanding medical bills, health-insurance liens, and Medi-Cal liens are paid from the settlement before you receive your net recovery. Your attorney negotiates these liens down — often substantially — to maximize your take-home.