2 years from the date of injury (Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1).
Claims against government entities require a notice of claim within 6 months. Medical malpractice: 3 years from injury or 1 year from discovery, whichever is earlier.
How slip and fall claims work in California
California follows a pure fault system. Pure comparative fault — you can recover even if 99% at fault, reduced proportionally. This is why insurance carriers aggressively assign fault at the scene. Every report, photo, and witness statement matters.
No cap on general PI damages. MICRA caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice.
Why California rules matter for slip and fall cases
Because Honest Pillar reviews cases across the Southwest, we see howCalifornia-specific rules change the strategy for slip and fall claims. In California, Claims against government entities require a notice of claim within 6 months. Medical malpractice: 3 years from injury or 1 year from discovery, whichever is earlier.
Factors that affect slip and fall claim value
While every case is unique, slip and fall claims in California typically turn on three factors during the Howard-backed review:
- Medical chronology: ER visits, imaging (MRI/CT), and follow-up care with California providers.
- Insurance limits: The available coverage from the at-fault party and your own UM/UIM or MedPay policies.
- Liability evidence: California police reports, witness statements, and scene photos that push back on pure fault.
What we do in the first 72 hours
- Preserve evidence: send spoliation letters to the at-fault carrier, subpoena traffic-cam and dash-cam footage, and secure the vehicle before repair.
- Medical lien management: coordinate with providers so treatment continues without out-of-pocket cost while the case is pending.
- Liability workup: obtain the official crash or incident report, electronic data, and witness statements.
- Demand package: submit a full liability + damages demand to the adjuster within 30-45 days in most cases.
Where California cases get filed
Most California slip and fall claims settle pre-litigation. When we file, jurisdiction and venue depend on county of accident and defendant residence.
Largest metros we serve in California: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Oakland. Cases statewide welcome.