Common causes of slip and falls in Fresno revolve around hazardous conditions on someone else’s property. Accidents and resulting damages often lead to premises liability lawsuits filed against the property owner or others responsible for maintenance.

The mix of urban infrastructure, high foot traffic in retail and public spaces, age of sidewalks and buildings, and weather and geological events makes slip and falls common throughout the state. At Dunnion Law, our slip and fall attorneys can help you with your case.

Typical Causes of Slip and Falls

Slip and falls can happen in various settings, both private and commercial. Frequent causes of Fresno slip and fall accidents include:

  • Wet, slippery, and unsafe walking surfaces in grocery stores, restaurants, and other public and private locations
  • Defective or uneven surfaces, such as broken sidewalks, potholes in parking lots, uneven flooring, and unmarked changes in elevation
  • Inadequate lighting in stairwells, parking garages, or outdoor areas, making it challenging to spot potential hazards, especially at night
  • Obstructions or cluttered walkways, such as boxes, loose wiring or cords, debris, or other items in the path of foot traffic in retail stores and warehouses
  • Loose, bulging, or defective flooring, including rugs, carpets, mats, or floorboards
  • Broken, flawed, or hazardous steps, handrails, escalators, or elevators

Weather-related hazardous conditions, such as rain, ice, or fog, particularly at higher elevations, can also create potentially dangerous walking conditions. Furthermore, a lack of warning signs for temporary hazards and rushed cleanups often exacerbate the risks.

Do Slip and Fall Accidents Often Lead to Severe Injuries?

Falls due to common slipping and tripping hazards frequently lead to severe injuries and are particularly dangerous for older adults in Fresno. However, outcomes can vary substantially in severity, and factors such as age, health, and specific circumstances play a significant role. According to studies by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while some incidents result in only minor cuts and bruises, older adults—particularly those over 65 years old—are at the highest risk of serious bodily harm.

The consequences can be catastrophic, including:

Pre-existing conditions, such as balance issues and osteoporosis, and medications can also greatly increase the risks and severity. ​

Filing Your Injury Claim

Filing your suit to obtain a settlement for damages and losses requires an investigation to gather the documentation and strong evidence needed to prove liability. Under California Civil Code § 1714, property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe property conditions for visitors and to warn of any known dangers until they correct the defect. Winning an award for damages requires successfully showing that the person responsible for the premises knew—or should have known through regular inspections—of the hazard, failed to fix the condition, and did not warn visitors entering the property about it to avoid preventable accidents.

According to California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, the statute of limitations is two years in most cases. When government agencies are involved, there are shorter time requirements and additional steps. Our knowledgeable lawyers in Fresno can answer your specific questions about the typical reasons for slip and fall accidents and the injury claims process.

Contact Us in Fresno About Typical Causes of Slip and Falls

No one enters a store or other property expecting to suffer severe harm from hazards or unsafe conditions, but it happens much more than most people know. You have every right to initiate legal action and hold a reckless property owner, manager, or occupier legally and financially accountable. Dunnion Law is a family-run firm with over 50 years of experience serving our community. Call us today to learn more about the common causes of slip and falls in Fresno and the process to obtain compensation.