Our Riverside slip-and-fall accident lawyers at Bisnar Chase have been winning cases for over 46 years. We have won over $900 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients, with an outstanding 99% success rate.
Fall accidents caused by slips or trips may not seem or sound dangerous. Some people are lucky to get away with a bruise or a scratch when they fall. However, too often, trip and fall accidents have the potential to result in serious or even catastrophic injuries.
Understand your legal rights and options if you have been injured in a slip, trip, or fall accident in the Inland Empire. The Riverside personal injury attorneys of Bisnar Chase can provide a free consultation to discuss your situation.
The Best Slip-and-Fall Attorneys Near You
If you need legal help, don’t wait. Our team has helped countless clients secure the compensation they deserve after a fall accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
- We have a 99% success rate.
- Over $900 million recovered for our clients.
- In business since 1978, with decades of experiecne.
- Offering a free consultation – no win, no fee.
We work on contingency to protect our clients from out-of-pocket costs. Call us at (951) 530-3711 today for a free and risk-free case review with no obligations. You can also send us an email or use our 24/7 website live chat.
Legal Resources for Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Riverside
What is a Slip-and-Fall Accident?
A slip and fall is a type of accident involving the victim losing their footing and falling to the ground. A person can fall for a wide variety of reasons. These include:
- Sliding on a slippery surface. For example, a liquid spill could cause a lack of traction underfoot.
- Broken, loose, or uneven surfaces can cause trip hazards.
- Hidden dangers, such as missing handrails, obstructions, or a lack of lighting.
If a slip or trip results in an injury and is caused by negligence, this may qualify as a personal injury accident case. Injury victims can seek compensation for any damages by taking legal action with a Riverside slip-and-fall attorney. A slip-and-fall case is typically a form of premises liability.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Fall
Falls are a leading cause of injuries in the United States. While some are relatively minor, others can result in serious damage and life-altering injuries. Any fall has the potential to cause lasting damage, leaving victims with significant losses.
Working with the right attorney is the best way to secure the compensation that you deserve after a fall. At Bisnar Chase, we have a track record of securing top results for our clients. But even more importantly, we will provide the support you need during the difficult accident aftermath.
- We will handle every aspect of your case, from the first conversation to the final resolution.
- Our team will file your claim and observe all court deadlines.
- We will identify all potentially negligent parties and collect evidence to prove your case.
- When required, we will conduct depositions and work with experts to strengthen your case.
- Our experts will handle all communications and negotiations with the other side.
- If a settlement cannot be reached, we will go to trial for you.
- We advance all the costs necessary to win your case. Our fees come from the final settlement and if we don’t win, you pay nothing.
- We will keep in contact with you every step of the way so you are never left wondering about the status of your case.
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated injury law firm with an office in Riverside and a track record of helping clients throughout our community.
The best way to maximize your compensation is to work with the best Riverside slip-and-fall lawyers in your area, and you can trust our firm to secure the best possible results for you.
What to Do If You Have Been Injured in a Trip and Fall
If you are injured in a slip/trip and fall accident because of a hazardous condition, take a moment to collect yourself and consider the following steps (when possible) to protect your health and legal rights.
- Try to determine if you have been injured and need medical attention. Call an ambulance if you need urgent treatment, or visit a doctor as soon as you can. Always follow your doctor’s orders and treatment plan.
- Collect as much information as possible from the scene of the incident.
- Report the incident to the property owner and/or person(s) on duty.
- Make sure you obtain a copy of the injury report.
- Obtaining photographic evidence of the accident scene can prove invaluable. If you file a personal injury claim later, physical and visual evidence from the scene can help bolster your case.
- If you have a cell phone, take photos of the dangerous condition that caused your injuries. Take photographs of your injuries as well.
- If anyone witnessed the incident, obtain his or her contact information as well. Eyewitnesses can help validate your account of what occurred.
In addition to any of the steps above, it is so important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. Contact our team at Bisnar Chase, and let us get to work for you.
Choosing the Right Lawyer For Your Slip-and-Fall
Choosing the right attorney for your case is essential. You need a legal team on your side with the skill and experience to secure the best resolution. Your attorney should have handled cases like yours with success, while offering a no win, no fee promise, and top-notch communication.
Questions to Ask Your Lawyer for Slip-and-Fall Injuries
The following is a checklist of key points that you can discuss with your attorney. These are all critical questions to ask the law firm before you hire them to ensure you feel satisfied with the answers and how they handle their slip-and-fall cases.
- How much are most slip-and-fall settlements?
- How long does a slip-and-fall claim take to settle?
- Do you have experience with slip-and-fall lawsuits?
- How is slip and fall compensation calculated?
- What are the attorney’s fees in a fall injury case?
- How long do I have to report a slip and fall in California?
Our firm can offer the superior representation that you deserve. We have an outstanding team of trial lawyers, offering top-tier resources combined with the compassion and accessibility of a family firm.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
A person who suffers from a slip, trip, or fall accident may sustain a variety of injuries, including:
- Head injuries and concussions
- Neck and back injuries
- Fractured or broken bones
- Soft tissue damage, like strains and sprains in muscles
- Ligaments and tendon damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bruises and cuts
- Dislocations
- In extreme cases, permanent disability or even death
The severity of your injuries and time for recovery often depends on a number of different circumstances. The elderly tend to suffer the most serious injuries in slip, trip, and fall accidents because their bones are often weaker or more brittle than those of younger adults.
The position of your body or how you fall can also determine the nature and severity of your injuries.
For example, if you fall on your wrist, elbow, head, or hip, you could suffer a devastating bone fracture. If you twist your ankle, knee, or wrist, you could suffer a debilitating tendon sprain or muscle strain. You may sustain a traumatic brain injury or lose consciousness if you strike your head as you fall.
What is the Average Settlement in a Slip and Fall Case in California?
Based on our experience handling slip-and-fall injury claims, the average settlement ranges between $7,500 and $65,000, depending on the extent of the property owner’s negligence and the injuries sustained in the accident.
We’ve also secured multi-million dollar settlements in major cases that cause significant damage and injury to the plaintiff. It all comes down to the impact of the accident.
Typical Damages in a Slip-and-Fall Case
- The severity of the injury. Broken bones, head injuries, and major back injuries are typical injuries in a slip and fall and vary in severity.
- Liability of the plaintiff. If you are found partially responsible for your fall, the amount you receive can be reduced because of shared negligence.
- Insurance policy limits. The defendant’s insurance coverage caps compensation, so cases with higher policy limits are paid more.
- Medical bills. Injured plaintiffs are entitled to have their medical expenses paid related to the trip and fall.
- Lost wages. If you lose out on income due to your injuries, or your future earning potential is impacted, these factors could be compensated in a legal claim.
- Pain and suffering. More severe injuries lead to higher pain and suffering payouts.
- Projected future medical costs. If your injuries are likely to cause lasting issues that require further treatment in the future, this should also be compensated.
The greater the impact, the more compensation you should receive. You can trust our team at Bisnar Chase to fight for every dollar you deserve.
Who Is Legally Responsible For Your Injuries?
Negligent property owners and managers can be held accountable for the injuries on their premises. The property owner can be held liable for a Riverside slip-trip-and-fall accident when:
- The owner or an employee caused the dangerous condition.
- The owner of the premises or the employee knew or should have known about the dangerous condition but did nothing to rectify it.
- The negligence resulted in injuries to a tenant, visitor, or guest.
- The injuries caused the victim physical, emotional, and financial losses.
For example, if you slip in a grocery store due to a spillage on the floor that should have been cleaned up, the grocery chain or parent company may be liable for your injuries.
The same concept applies to other spaces. If you trip over broken stairs in an apartment building, the location’s owner or manager may be held responsible, while a hazard in a public place could be an example of government negligence.
Multiple parties can be named in a lawsuit, and our team will carefully examine the facts of your case and hold any negligent parties responsible.
Our knowledgeable slip-and-fall lawyers in Riverside have a long and successful track record of representing plaintiffs and holding negligent property owners and managers accountable.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Slip and Fall in California?
In California, the statute of limitations to file a slip and fall lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident or injury. This means plaintiffs generally have two years from the slip and fall incident to report it and take legal action before the right to sue expires.
Some key things to note about the 2-year statute of limitations for slip and fall cases in California are:
- The clock usually starts running on the date the injury occurred.
- The two years for minors injured in a trip or fall do not begin until they reach age 18.
- If the slip and fall occurred on government property, a governmental claim must first be filed within six months of the accident.
- If the injury worsens over time, the statute of limitations resets to 2 years from the date the plaintiff knew or should have known about the new injury or worsening.
- In cases of wrongful death resulting from a slip and fall, families generally also have two years to file a lawsuit from the date of death.
- The statute of limitations can be “tolled” or paused under certain conditions, like if the defendant leaves the state.
To preserve the right to sue and recover damages, it is important to report slips and falls quickly and seek experienced legal counsel to file a claim within the 2-year window in California.
Letting this deadline pass can destroy any chance of obtaining compensation. Contact a Riverside slip and fall lawyer to see if you have a qualifying case.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a California Slip and Fall Case?
There is no set timeframe for settling a slip and fall case in California. The time it takes to settle can vary considerably based on the unique circumstances of each case.
- Simple, low-value cases with minimal injuries may settle in 6–12 months. These often settle before a lawsuit is even filed.
- Typical cases with moderate injuries often take 12–18 months to settle. Much depends on how long it takes to complete your medical treatment and establish compensation correctly.
- Complex cases involving serious injuries, extensive medical treatment, large losses, and disputed liability can take 2+ years to settle.
- If a slip and fall lawsuit is filed, the case timeline extends by 6–12 months on average. The discovery process and motions drag out the timeline.
- Cases that go to trial can take over two years to resolve when you factor in court scheduling delays.
- The parties’ willingness to negotiate also impacts the timeline. Insurance companies and trained insurance adjusters often drag their feet to avoid a payout and use stall tactics to force a settlement for an injured victim in desperate need of money.
- California’s mediation and arbitration programs aim to expedite trip-and-fall settlements within months.
Your legal team at Bisnar Chase will give you a realistic estimate on the timeline of your case and keep you updated regularly.
Can I Claim Compensation If I Fall at Home?
You may be able to claim compensation if you suffer injuries from a fall at home, but your eligibility will depend on the specific circumstances and who is liable for the accident.
- You probably won’t be able to seek compensation from anyone else if the fall resulted from unsafe conditions that you, as the homeowner or tenant, are responsible for, like clutter or a loose carpet. Falls caused by your own negligence are usually not compensable.
- If another negligent party caused the hazard leading to your fall, you may have a case. Examples include a contractor failing to secure railings or a delivery person spilling liquid. In that case, you may be able to claim compensation from them or their insurance. Proving liability is key.
- If you fell due to a dangerous condition in a rented house or apartment that the landlord failed to repair in a reasonable time after being notified, you may have a premises liability claim against the property owner.
- If you fell due to a defective product in the home, like broken stairs or a malfunctioning floor, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, installer, or builder.
- If you fell because of unsafe conditions while lawfully present on someone else’s property, you may have a premises liability lawsuit against the landowner.
- There is probably no one at fault to seek compensation from if your fall was the result of a transient hazard beyond anyone’s control, like a recent spill without warning.
To pursue a slip and fall claim, you’ll need evidence of liability, proof of unsafe conditions, medical records documenting injuries, and evidence of related damages. An experienced slip and fall attorney can best advise you on possible compensation options for your home fall accident.
Slip and Fall Statistics in California
The slip and fall statistics provided here for California are based on research across aggregated data sources, including:
The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI)
The National Safety Council (NSC)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
California Department of Public Health
California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI)
The insurance industry reports on liability claims and settlements
- Around 16,000 hospital emergency room visits annually in California are attributed to slip and fall injuries. (CDC)
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims in CA, accounting for over 15% of all occupational injuries. (CWCI)
- In CA, the rate of fatal slip and fall accidents in older adults over 65 is nearly four times the national average. Falls are a leading cause of injury deaths among seniors. (CDPH)
- The most common locations for slips and falls are public sidewalks and commercial establishments like restaurants and retail stores. (NSC)
- Over 50% of slip and fall injuries occur due to hazards that could have been identified and removed, such as wet floors, cluttered walkways, and poor lighting. (NFSI)
- The average cost of a slip and fall liability claim paid out by insurers in CA is around $17,000. More serious injuries can lead to settlements in the millions. (NII)
- Slip and fall claims against government entities account for around 25% of the premises liability claims against public property in the state. (NSC)
- Southern California sees about 25% more slip and fall injuries on average annually compared to Northern California.
- According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of all traumatic brain injuries in the United States are caused by slips and falls alone. In actuality, falls cause more brain injuries than car accidents. Falls can also result in other injuries, such as broken bones, that can leave a person disabled for an extended period of time.
Falls in Riverside
As one of the most populous counties in California, Riverside likely sees thousands of premises liability claims each year related to slip, trip, and fall accidents in both public and private spaces. As of 2024, the population in Riverside County is about 2.5 million people, with almost 16% being over 65 years old.
With a large senior population, Riverside’s premises liability claim rates are likely higher than state averages for injuries involving older adults. Falls are a leading cause of injury deaths for seniors.
There are also about 114,000 veterans residing in Riverside County. Many are disabled and at risk for falls resulting in head injuries.
Fall Accident Prevention
Property owners and managers have a duty and a legal responsibility to ensure their premises are safe for tenants, visitors, and guests. There are steps property owners can and should take to ensure that their premises are safe.
Wet surfaces are one of the most common causes of slip-and-trip accidents. Property owners should keep their floors clean and dry.
When the floor is wet, warning signs must be placed to warn visitors. All aisles and passageways must be kept clear of debris and other tripping hazards.
Broken stairs, bunched-up carpeting, and elevators not flush with the ground should be repaired. If a dangerous condition is not fixed, warning signs must be posted.
Owners must also provide proper lighting on their properties to prevent these accidents. In the case of shopping centers, escalators must be repaired and maintained to prevent trip-and-fall accidents.
Award-Winning Riverside Slip and Fall Attorneys Near You
If you have fallen and sustained an injury, you may be entitled to compensation if negligence can be proven in terms of the property owner and/or the on-duty staff.
With over 46 years of serving Riverside and the Inland Empire and a 99% win rate for our clients, we are among the best in the business. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay, so you have nothing to lose and so much to gain when you choose Bisnar Chase.
Call our Riverside slip-and-fall lawyers at (951) 530-3711, and let us evaluate your case for free. You can also email us or message us through our 24/7 website live chat. We are here to help and look forward to hearing from you.
Brian Chase
Articles and blogs have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $900M for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
Serving California Since 1978
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated personal injury law firm with a national reputation. The firm has been in business since 1978 and has represented thousands of clients. Based in Newport Beach and with offices across California, Bisnar Chase has recovered nearly $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, emphasizing superior client representation above all.
