Tripping on an uneven sidewalk can lead to more than just bruised pride. A fall can cause serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and weeks of missed work. Many Californians wonder whether they can sue the city for a slip and fall on sidewalk. The short answer is yes, but only under specific conditions and within strict legal deadlines.
A slip and fall on sidewalk claim against a city or public agency involves a different process than a regular personal injury case. California law limits when and how you can hold a public entity responsible, which makes timing and documentation extremely important. Knowing your rights early can help protect your health and your financial recovery. Deldar Legal is here to help you figure it out.
What to Know About a Slip and Fall on Sidewalk Accidents
A slip and fall on sidewalk can happen anywhere: outside a business, near a park, or along a neighborhood street. Cities, counties, and local agencies are legally required to keep public walkways in reasonably safe conditions. When they ignore dangerous hazards, they can be held accountable for the injuries that follow.
Common hazards include uneven pavement, cracks from tree roots, loose tiles, missing sections, or slick surfaces after rain. Even a small change in height between sidewalk panels can cause someone to lose balance and fall. These hazards become even more dangerous for older adults or people using canes, strollers, or wheelchairs.
Who is Responsible for a Slip and Fall on Sidewalk?
Responsibility for maintaining sidewalks depends on where the incident occurs and which party controls that section of property.
City and County Governments
Many sidewalks belong to the city or county, which means local government has the duty to inspect and repair them. If the sidewalk became hazardous because of neglect, poor maintenance, or construction issues, the city may be liable for your injuries.
Private Property Owners
Some California cities have local ordinances that make adjacent property owners responsible for keeping the sidewalk in front of their property safe. This rule often applies in residential neighborhoods and business districts. If the owner fails to make timely repairs or warn pedestrians, they could share fault for your injury.
Contractors and Utility Companies
Sometimes, private contractors or utility companies create unsafe conditions when performing maintenance or street work. If they leave behind holes, debris, or loose pavement, they may be held responsible for the hazard that caused your fall.
California Laws That Cover Public Sidewalk Injuries
California law gives injured pedestrians the right to file claims for injuries caused by dangerous public property, but it also protects government agencies from broad liability. Several sections of the California Vehicle Code define sidewalks as areas that protect people on foot:
- Section 21663 – Bars motor vehicles from driving on sidewalks unless they are entering or leaving nearby properties.
- Section 555 – Defines sidewalks as areas meant for people on foot, not for vehicles.
- Section 21952 – Directs drivers to stop and yield to pedestrians whenever crossing a sidewalk.
- Section 21956 – Instructs pedestrians to walk along the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic, when no sidewalk is available.
Another important law is Government Code Section 835, a city or county can be held responsible only if:
- The property was in dangerous condition at the time of the injury.
- The public entity or its employees caused the condition, or the entity knew (or should have known) about it.
- The entity failed to repair or warn the public within a reasonable time.
These laws reinforce the principle that sidewalks exist to protect people on foot and that both drivers and cities must act with reasonable care to keep those spaces safe.
Filing a Claim Against a City or Public Entity
Filing a claim against a government agency in California follows a different process than filing a claim against a private individual or business. Before you can sue a city, county, or other public entity for a slip and fall on sidewalk, you must first submit a formal government claim under the California Government Claims Act. This step is mandatory. Courts will not allow your lawsuit to proceed without it.
You must file your claim within six months of the date of the injury. The claim form should include your contact information, a detailed description of where and how the fall happened, the nature of your injuries, and the amount of compensation you seek. Each city or county has its own submission process, so it is important to send the claim to the correct department or agency office.
Once your claim is filed, the city has 45 days to respond. They can approve your claim, deny it, or fail to respond altogether. If the claim is denied or ignored, you have six months from the date of denial to file a lawsuit in civil court. Because the process is technical and highly time-sensitive, working with a California attorney helps ensure your claim is completed correctly, filed on time, and backed by the right evidence to support your recovery.
Common Sidewalk Injuries
Falls on uneven or broken sidewalks can cause severe and lasting harm. Common injuries include:
- Fractured wrists, ankles, or hips
- Back and neck injuries
- Head trauma or concussion
- Torn ligaments or muscle strains
- Cuts, bruises, and permanent scarring
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 3 million older adults visit U.S. emergency departments each year because of fall-related injuries. Also, the CDC says these falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Many victims face long recovery periods and significant medical expenses that could have been prevented with proper sidewalk maintenance.
Types of Compensation After a Slip and Fall on Sidewalk
If you were hurt in a slip and fall on sidewalk, your injuries might extend far beyond simple bruises. Medical bills, lost income, and long-term pain can add up quickly. When a city, county, or public agency fails to maintain a safe sidewalk, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses. Damages in these types of cases typically fall into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and future care costs.
1. Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the financial losses directly tied to your injury. For sidewalk fall cases, these may include:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital visits
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation costs
- Prescription medications or mobility aids
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity while recovering
- Transportation costs to and from doctor appointments
Your attorney can collect medical records, billing statements, and employment documents to calculate these losses. Every expense helps strengthen your claim and demonstrates how costly a slip and fall on sidewalk can truly be.
2. Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured. These are just as real as financial losses and may include:
- Chronic pain, stiffness, or limited mobility
- Anxiety, fear, or trauma caused by the fall
- Loss of enjoyment in daily life or hobbies
- Sleep disruptions or reduced independence
While these damages are less tangible, they represent the personal impact of your injury. A skilled attorney can use medical notes and personal statements to show how the accident changed your quality of life.
3. Future Care Costs
Some slip and fall on sidewalk injuries, such as fractures or head trauma, may require extended medical treatment and rehabilitation. Future care costs make sure your settlement covers all ongoing needs, including:
- Follow up doctor visits or specialist consultations
- Physical therapy, chiropractic sessions, or home care
- Future surgeries or corrective procedures
- Medical equipment or assistive devices for mobility
Your attorney can collaborate with healthcare professionals to estimate these future expenses and include them in your claim, ensuring your compensation reflects both your current recovery and the care you may need later on.
FAQs – Slip and Fall on Sidewalk
Yes, but you must prove the city knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it.
Photos, witness statements, medical records, and documentation showing the city ignoring prior complaints are key.
California uses comparative fault, meaning your compensation may be reduced but not eliminated if you share some responsibility.
You can file a civil lawsuit within six months of the denial.
No. Injury settlements are separate from income and do not affect government benefits.
Call Deldar Today
At Deldar Legal, we’re more than just attorneys, we’re your partners in recovery. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve a top-rated pedestrian accident lawyer who will fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life. From the moment you contact us, we handle everything, from medical appointments and transportation to insurance negotiations and legal paperwork, so you can focus on healing.
Our experienced team represents clients across a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Slip-and-fall and premises liability claims
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Deldar Legal is here to help. We offer free consultations and work on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no risk in reaching out.
Call us today at (844) 335-3271 or contact us to speak with an experienced California injury lawyer. Let Deldar Legal fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
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Key Takeaways
- You can sue the city for a slip and fall on sidewalk under specific conditions and within strict legal deadlines.
- Cities must maintain sidewalks safely, and common hazards include uneven pavement and slick surfaces.
- To file a claim against a public entity, you must submit a formal government claim within six months of the injury.
- Victims may be entitled to compensation for economic damages, non-economic damages, and future care costs.
- Deldar Legal can help with the claims process and maximize your recovery after a slip and fall on sidewalk.