Slip-and-fall injuries can change your life in a split second. Some embarrassment and temporary soreness are on the lighter side of consequences. For many, though, slip-and-fall injuries can lead to lasting physical pain, loss of quality of life, and significant financial burdens.
If you or a loved one has suffered a slip-and-fall injury in Auburn, Roseville, or anywhere else in Northern California, Maurer Law is here to help. We understand how these accidents happen, how insurance companies respond, and how to fight for the compensation our clients deserve.
Learn more about slip-and-fall injuries, what to do after an accident, and how an experienced slip-and-fall attorney can help.
A “slip-and-fall” injury refers to a type of premises liability case, where a person is injured due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property. These hazards might include:
Property owners—whether they are individuals, businesses, or municipalities—have a legal responsibility to maintain safe premises. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for injuries that result.
According to the National Safety Council, falls are the leading cause of preventable nonfatal injuries in the United States. About 35% of such injuries are caused by falls, although not all these would be considered “slip-and-fall” cases.
Taking the right steps after a slip-and-fall accident can make a major difference in both your recovery and your legal claim. Here’s what you should do:
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get checked out. Some injuries such as concussions or internal bleeding may not be obvious right away. Prompt medical treatment not only protects your health but also documents the injury for your legal case.
We highly recommend seeing a doctor after any type of personal injury accident, including car accidents.
Take photos or record videos of the exact area where you fell. Capture any visible hazards like wet floors, broken tiles, or poor lighting. If possible, take pictures right after the accident, before the property owner has time to “fix” the hazard.
If the fall occurred in a store, business, or apartment complex, report it to a manager or property supervisor. Ask for a copy of any incident report. Be factual but avoid giving detailed statements before talking to a lawyer.
Were there any people nearby who saw your fall or noticed the hazard before you slipped? Get their names and contact details. Witnesses can make a huge difference in proving liability.
Hold onto anything that could help your case. This includes:
Track how your injuries affect your daily life. Are you missing work? Struggling to sleep? Unable to drive or care for your children? These details can help paint a full picture of your suffering and strengthen your compensation claim.
Sometimes, the wrong move can hurt your case. Here’s what you should avoid:
Even if you’re tempted to tough it out, delaying treatment can worsen your injury and give the insurance company a reason to doubt your claim.
You might feel embarrassed or flustered, but don’t apologize or say things like “I should’ve watched where I was going.” These statements could be used to argue that the fall was your fault.
In some cases, a property owner might try to get you to sign a waiver of some sort. You do not have to sign anything until you have spoken with a slip-and-fall attorney.
Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their job is to minimize payouts. Don’t give recorded statements to the property owner’s insurance company without consulting a slip-and-fall attorney first.
Anything you post online can be taken out of context and used against you. Keep your recovery off social media until your case is resolved.
Slip-and-fall cases may seem straightforward, but they can be legally complex. Property owners and insurance companies often deny responsibility or claim the injured person was at fault.
At Maurer Law, we have extensive experience handling premises liability cases across Auburn, Truckee, and the greater Northern California area. Here’s what our slip-and-fall attorneys do for our clients:
We visit the scene, review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and consult experts. We gather the evidence needed to show exactly how the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment.
Under California law, we must prove that the property owner knew—or should have known—about the hazardous condition and failed to fix it or warn visitors. Our team knows how to prove this with strong documentation and legal strategy.
We make sure all your losses are considered, including:
We handle communication with the insurance companies so you don’t have to. If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we’re prepared to take your case to court.
We don’t just fight your legal battle. We support your overall recovery and can help you access the care and resources you need. Our team is known for compassion, honesty, and treating clients with the dignity they deserve.
In most cases, California gives you two years from the date of your slip-and-fall injury to file a lawsuit in California. However, if the fall occurred on government property, you may have as little as six months to file an administrative claim. This is one reason why it’s critical to speak with a California slip-and-fall attorney right away.
Not at all.
Slip-and-fall cases are often portrayed as “frivolous,” largely fueled by unfair depictions of personal injury lawsuits in the media (such as the McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit). In reality, these cases can involve serious, life-changing injuries.
Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. If they fail to do so and someone is injured as a result, they should be held accountable.
Common injuries include:
Even a “simple” fall can cause long-term complications, especially for older adults.
California follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, you can still receive 80% of the damages awarded.
Our slip-and-fall attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything up front. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Your consultation is also completely free, so there’s no risk in reaching out to learn more.
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you may be facing medical bills, time off work, pain, and uncertainty. You don’t have to go through this alone.
At Maurer Law, we’re proud to stand up for injury victims in Auburn, Truckee, and across Northern California. We bring both legal skill and genuine compassion to every case—and we fight for the best possible outcome for each client.
Slip-and-fall injuries can be serious. So is your right to hold negligent property owners accountable. Let us help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.
Call us at (530) 745-6861 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
