Who Is Liable if I Slip and Fall on a Sidewalk in California?

Posted on by Naseer Khan
close up view of broken and cracked sidewalk

A simple walk shouldn’t end in an emergency room. But for many Californians, a cracked or uneven sidewalk can turn a peaceful stroll into a painful fall — and a long, expensive recovery.

At NK Law Group, our Fremont slip and fall accident lawyer has helped countless clients injured in sidewalk slip-and-fall accidents get the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been hurt due to a dangerous sidewalk, here’s what you need to know about liability, deadlines, and your next steps.

Why Sidewalk Slip-and-Falls Are More Serious Than You Think

Many people shrug off sidewalk falls as minor accidents — until they happen to them. These incidents can lead to:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

  • Shoulder dislocations

  • Broken wrists or hips

  • Knee injuries requiring surgery

And when those injuries result from negligence, someone should be held accountable.

Who’s Liable for a Sidewalk Injury in California?

Here’s where things get tricky.

While cities and counties usually own public sidewalks, California law (Streets and Highways Code §5610) says property owners must maintain the sidewalk in front of their buildings. That means:

  • Private landowners might be responsible — but only if the city has passed an ordinance enforcing it.

  • Cities or municipalities are usually liable if no such ordinance exists.

  • Construction companies or other third parties could be liable if they disrupted or damaged the sidewalk.

Determining liability takes investigation. That’s why working with a seasoned California personal injury attorney is essential.

Don’t Wait — Time Limits Apply

If you’re thinking of filing a claim, the clock is ticking:

  • Claims against private property owners must be filed within 2 years.

  • Claims against a city or public entity must be filed within 6 months of the incident — and must include specific details, or your claim could be denied.

Filing against a government agency comes with strict rules. One mistake can ruin your case, so speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.

How Do You Prove Fault in a Slip-and-Fall Case?

To win a slip-and-fall claim, you’ll need to prove negligence — which means showing that:

  1. The at-fault party owed you a duty of care

  2. They failed in that duty

  3. Their failure caused your accident

  4. You suffered real damages (medical bills, lost wages, etc.)

Gathering the right evidence — photos, witness statements, medical records — can make or break your case.

Injured on a California Sidewalk? We’re Here to Help

If a cracked, broken, or uneven sidewalk caused your injuries, don’t assume you’re out of luck. You may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

At NK Law Group, we fight for everyday Californians who’ve been hurt due to negligence. We’ll help you:

  • Identify the liable party

  • Navigate complex filing deadlines

  • Build a strong case from day one

Call (510) 519-9497 or contact us here for a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.

Naseer Khan, Esq.

EXPERTLY REVIEWED BY

Naseer Khan, Esq.

May 21 2025

Top-rated personal injury attorney Naseer Khan, Esq. has over a decade of experience advocating for injury victims in California. As an award-winning attorney and a member of the American Association for Justice, Khan has a stellar track record of success and devotion to justice for his clients.

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