Most people walk California sidewalks daily without incident. But a single crack, hole, or uneven surface can lead to a serious slip and fall accident, often causing devastating injuries such as hip fractures, head trauma, or damage to the knees, ankles, and spine. These injuries can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one has been hurt after tripping on a broken or defective sidewalk, the attorneys at Hillstone Law can help you determine who may be responsible for your injuries.
Common Causes of Sidewalk Slip and Fall Accidents
Sidewalk accidents can occur for many reasons, including:
- Cracked or uneven pavement
- Protruding tree roots
- Holes or depressions in the sidewalk
- Wet or icy patches
- Poor maintenance or neglect by the responsible party
If a hazardous condition exists and someone allows it to persist without fixing it, they may be legally liable for your injuries.
Who May Be Liable for Sidewalk Injuries?
Determining liability in a sidewalk slip and fall case can be complex. Responsibility often depends on where the accident occurred:
- Private Property Owners – If the defective sidewalk is in front of a private home or business, the property owner may be held liable.
- City, County, or State Agencies – If the sidewalk is public property not connected to a private building, the responsible government entity may be liable.
Claims Against Government Entities
Under the California Tort Claims Act, you may hold a municipality or state agency responsible if negligence in sidewalk maintenance led to your injuries. However:
- You must prove the sidewalk was unsafe.
- You must show the government knew or should have known about the defect.
- A claim must be filed within 6 months of the accident, or you may lose the right to seek compensation.
Recovering Compensation for Your Injuries
A successful claim may provide damages for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability or reduced quality of life
Proving liability can be challenging, especially against a government entity. That’s why having experienced legal representation is critical.
Contact Hillstone Law Today
If you’ve been injured in a sidewalk slip and fall accident, don’t wait. The skilled San Diego slip and fall attorneys at Hillstone Law will investigate your case, identify the responsible parties, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation and let us protect your rights.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
