The holidays may bring joy, lights, and busy shopping trips — but they also bring an uptick in slip and fall injuries. From bustling malls in Calabasas to local shops in Agoura Hills, crowded aisles, wet floors, and temporary decorations can quickly turn a cheerful outing into an emergency room visit.
If you’re injured while shopping, knowing your rights under California law can make all the difference.
Why Slip and Falls Increase During the Holiday Season
As holiday traffic ramps up, so do the hazards:
- Wet or slippery floors from rain or spilled drinks
- Cluttered aisles and temporary product displays
- Uneven flooring or curled mats near entryways
- Poor lighting in parking lots or stairwells
Retailers often hire seasonal staff who may not be trained to spot hazards or respond quickly — leaving dangerous conditions unattended.
Even a “minor” fall can cause serious injuries such as wrist fractures, torn ligaments, or concussions. For older adults, the risk of long-term complications is even higher.
California Law: Stores Must Keep Customers Safe
Under California Civil Code §1714(a), every property owner has a duty of care to maintain reasonably safe conditions.
That means store owners, mall managers, and even landlords can be held liable if someone is injured due to unsafe premises.
To prove negligence in a premises liability case, you generally need to show that:
- The property owner or staff knew (or should have known) about the dangerous condition.
- They failed to repair, clean, or warn customers in a reasonable time.
- The hazard directly caused your injury.
Common Examples in Calabasas and Agoura Hills
- Slipping on wet tile near the food court at The Commons in Calabasas
- Tripping over uneven pavement in a grocery store parking lot
- Falling near an entrance because of missing warning signs during rainy weather
- Sliding on a floor that was recently mopped but not marked with a caution cone
Each of these situations could point to negligence if the property owner failed to maintain safe conditions or warn customers.
What To Do If You’re Injured in a Store
- Report the incident immediately to the store manager.
- Ask for a written incident report and keep a copy.
- Take photos of the hazard, your shoes, and your injuries.
- Get witness information from anyone who saw the fall.
- Seek medical care right away — even for “minor” pain.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer before speaking to insurance or store representatives.
Many store insurance carriers may offer quick settlements — often far less than what you deserve.
FAQs
Can I sue a store for slipping on a wet floor in California?
Yes — if the store failed to act reasonably to clean, repair, or warn about the hazard. Under California Civil Code §1714(a), businesses must protect lawful visitors from foreseeable risks.
What proof do I need for a slip and fall claim?
Photos, medical records, and witness statements are key. If you can show the store had enough time to notice and fix the hazard, you may have a strong claim.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of injury under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. If the property is government-owned (like a city sidewalk), you may have just six months to file a government claim.
What if there was a “Wet Floor” sign?
A sign helps, but it’s not an automatic defense. If the area was still unreasonably dangerous — for example, excessive water or poor lighting — the store may still be liable.
Resources
- California Civil Code §1714(a) — Duty of Care
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Fall Injury Facts
Get Legal Help Before You Settle
If you’ve suffered a fall while shopping in Calabasas, Agoura Hills, or anywhere in Ventura County, you don’t have to face it alone.
At Borhani Law Group, we help clients recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering — while holding negligent property owners accountable.
📞 Call (888) 711-4197 or visit borhanilawgroup.com/contact-us for a free consultation.
