Can I Sue If I Slip and Fall in a Restaurant in California?

 Posted on July 29, 2025 in Personal Injury

Restaurants can present many potential hazards: wet floors, cluttered walkways, and spilled food, to name a few. If you were injured after slipping and falling in a California restaurant, you might be able to sue the business for compensation. These cases fall under the area of law known as premises liability. This law holds property owners responsible for keeping their premises reasonably safe. A Glendale, CA premises liability lawyer can help you determine whether you have a valid claim.

Understanding Premises Liability in California

Under California Civil Code § 1714, property owners, including restaurant owners, owe a duty of care to customers and guests. They must inspect their premises regularly and repair or warn of any dangerous conditions. This includes things like wet floors, loose carpeting, poor lighting, or spilled drinks. If a restaurant fails to meet this duty and someone gets hurt as a result, the injured person may be entitled to damages to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How Do You Prove That the Restaurant Is Liable for Your Injuries in California?

To succeed in a premises liability case, you must prove the following:

• The restaurant owned, leased, or controlled the property.

• The restaurant was negligent in maintaining the property.

• That negligence caused your injury.

• You suffered actual damages, such as medical bills or lost income.

Negligence can be shown in several ways. For example, if a restaurant employee mopped the floor but did not place a sign warning others that the floor was wet, or if a spill was left uncleaned for a long time, that could support your claim.

A recent example is Perez v. Hibachi Buffet. In this case, a diner slipped on liquid tracked through a hallway. The restaurant tried to argue that it was not responsible, but the court sided with the injured customer, upholding an $850,000 verdict based on strong circumstantial evidence. California Evidence Code § 669 also plays a role by allowing negligence to be presumed when a safety regulation is violated and that violation causes injury.

What Should You Do if You Slip and Fall at a Restaurant in California?

After a slip-and-fall accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim. You can help your case by:

• Reporting the incident to a manager and asking for a written report.

• Taking photos of the scene, including any hazards like spills or broken tiles.

• Getting contact information from any witnesses.

• Seeking medical attention, even if you feel okay initially.

• Avoiding contact with the restaurant’s insurance company until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.

Keep records of all medical treatments, expenses, and missed work. These documents will be important when calculating damages, including non-economic losses like pain and suffering. California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 gives you two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can result in your case being dismissed.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Glendale, CA Slip-and-Fall Attorney Today

If you have been injured in a restaurant due to unsafe conditions, you may have valid compensation claims. At Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C., we have more than 30 years of experience helping clients navigate the legal system after serious injuries. We understand how deeply someone else’s negligence can affect your life and your loved ones. Our attorneys are committed to making sure you understand your rights and guiding you through every step toward justice.

Many of our clients have praised our dedication, professionalism, and responsiveness throughout their cases. Let our experienced Los Angeles County, CA slip-and-fall accident lawyers fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 818-242-8201 today to schedule your free consultation.