Slip and Fall Lawyers
San Jose Slip and Fall Lawyers
Slip and fall accidents happen when you least expect them and often leave lasting consequences. From slippery grocery store aisles to uneven sidewalks in downtown San Jose, one careless mistake by a property owner can turn your life upside down. Medical bills, lost income, and the pain of recovery quickly follow. That’s where experienced slip and fall lawyers in San Jose step in — to protect your rights and help you pursue the compensation you need.
At the Law Offices of Kenneth Chike Odiwe, we’ve built our reputation on fighting for accident victims throughout San Jose and Santa Clara County. With years of experience handling premises liability cases, our attorneys know how to hold negligent property owners accountable and secure fair settlements for our clients.
What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident occurs when someone slips, trips, or falls due to unsafe conditions on another person’s property. These cases fall under California’s premises liability law, which requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe environments for visitors.
These accidents can happen anywhere — shopping centers, office buildings, apartment complexes, or public sidewalks. Even a single hazard, like a broken stair or wet floor without a warning sign, can lead to serious injuries.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in San Jose
San Jose is a busy city, and with its bustling businesses and growing residential neighborhoods, the risks of falls are everywhere. The most common causes include:
- Wet or slippery floors from spills or cleaning
- Uneven sidewalks or broken pavement
- Poor lighting in stairwells and parking areas
- Loose handrails or broken steps
- Cluttered walkways in stores or offices
- Weather-related hazards like rainwater tracked indoors
These hazards are preventable. When property owners ignore them, victims have the right to seek justice with the help of San Jose slip and fall lawyers who understand the local laws.
Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents
The injuries caused by falls can be severe and life-changing. Victims often suffer:
- Broken bones, especially hips, wrists, and ankles
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries that may lead to paralysis or chronic pain
- Back and neck injuries, such as herniated discs
- Cuts, abrasions, and facial injuries
- Soft tissue damage, including torn ligaments and sprains
These injuries may require long-term treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Our San Jose slip and fall accident lawyers fight to recover compensation that reflects not only your immediate medical costs but also your future needs.
Types of Slip and Fall Cases We Handle
Slip and fall accidents happen in many different settings across San Jose. At the Law Offices of Kenneth Chike Odiwe, we handle all types of cases, including:
- Grocery Store and Retail Falls – Wet floors, spilled products, or cluttered aisles in stores like supermarkets and malls.
- Apartment and Rental Property Accidents – Unsafe stairwells, broken railings, or poorly maintained walkways.
- Workplace Slip and Falls – Falls at offices, warehouses, or construction sites caused by unsafe conditions.
- Parking Lot and Sidewalk Accidents – Uneven pavement, potholes, or poor lighting in outdoor areas.
- Restaurants and Hotels – Spills, slick lobbies, and poorly maintained common areas.
- Falls on Government or Public Property – Accidents on sidewalks, schools, or city-maintained facilities.
No matter where your accident occurred, our San Jose Slip and fall lawyer will investigate the circumstances, identify who is responsible, and pursue the maximum compensation available.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Responsibility in a slip and fall case often extends beyond just the property owner. Depending on the situation, liable parties may include:
- Landlords or tenants
- Property management companies
- Maintenance contractors
- Businesses renting the property
- Government entities responsible for public spaces
We look at every angle to make sure no responsible party escapes accountability.
Proving Negligence in a Slip and Fall Case
To succeed, your lawyer must prove four key elements:
- Duty of Care – The property owner had a responsibility to maintain safe conditions.
- Breach of Duty – They failed to correct or warn about a hazard.
- Causation – Their negligence directly caused your fall.
- Damages – You suffered injuries and financial losses as a result.
Our legal team uses evidence such as photos, witness statements, and maintenance records to build a strong claim.
California Laws for Slip and Fall Cases
Slip and fall cases in San Jose are shaped by California law. Some important rules include:
- Premises liability law requires property owners to regularly inspect and maintain safe spaces.
- Comparative negligence allows you to recover damages even if you share partial fault, though your award may be reduced.
- Statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a claim (six months for government property).
A trusted slip and fall compensation lawyer in San Jose will ensure your case is filed properly and on time.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
Protect your health and strengthen your case by taking these steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the accident to the property owner or manager.
- Document the scene with photos and videos.
- Collect witness contact information.
- Keep the clothes and shoes you wore at the time.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters directly.
- Contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Following these steps gives your lawyer the best foundation to pursue compensation.
Damages You Can Recover
Victims of slip and fall accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage, like broken glasses or phones
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence
Our team ensures your claim reflects the full impact of your injuries — not just the immediate costs.
Wrongful Death in Slip and Fall Cases
Some slip and fall accidents are fatal, especially for older adults. Families who lose a loved one may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional suffering. We handle these cases with compassion while fighting for the justice your family deserves.
Why Choose Our Law Firm For slip and fall accidents ?
- Proven results: Millions recovered for injured clients in San Jose.
- Local experience: We know the courts, judges, and legal processes in Santa Clara County.
- Client-focused approach: Every case receives personalized attention.
- No upfront fees: You only pay if we win.
Our firm is trusted because we fight tirelessly for our clients and treat them with the respect they deserve.
FAQs About Slip and Fall Accidents
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If the fall happened on government property, the timeline is much shorter—just six months. Speaking with an attorney quickly is the safest way to make sure deadlines aren’t missed.
The amount depends on your injuries and how the accident has impacted your life. You may be able to recover medical costs, lost wages, rehabilitation expenses, and compensation for pain and suffering. In some cases, future care or long-term support is also included.
Yes. California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you share some responsibility. Your compensation will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can help limit the blame placed on you.
Even minor injuries can develop into long-term problems. Having an attorney ensures your case is handled correctly from the start and that insurance companies don’t minimize or deny your claim. It gives you peace of mind knowing your rights are protected.
Your health comes first—see a doctor right away. Report the accident to the property owner or manager, ask for a written report, and take photos of the scene and your injuries. Keep any clothing or shoes from that day, and avoid giving statements to insurers before speaking with an attorney.
Contact Our San Jose Slip and Fall Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in a fall, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Contact the Law Offices of Kenneth Chike Odiwe today for a free consultation.
Our experienced slip and fall lawyers in San Jose will listen to your story, explain your options, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. You can visit us at 2880 Zanker Road, Suite 203, San Jose, CA 95134, or call our office to get started. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery.