# California Slip and Fall Claim Deadlines | Omega Law Group ![How Long After a Fall Can You Claim Compensation in California?](https://www.omegalaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/after-a-fall-can-you-claim-compensation-in-california-300x200.jpg) After a fall in California, you generally have two years from the injury date to file a lawsuit seeking compensation, although some deadlines are much shorter. The applicable deadline for a fall injury claim depends on who may be responsible and whether an exception applies. At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we can help you understand how much time you have to file a slip and fall claim in California. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless we obtain compensation on your behalf. To learn more, talk to a [West Hollywood slip and fall lawyer](https://www.omegalaw.com/west-hollywood/slip-and-fall-lawyer/) today and schedule a free consultation. ## What Is the Usual Deadline for a Fall Injury Lawsuit in California? California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 generally gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a slip and fall. For most claims against private property owners or businesses, this slip and fall statute of limitations begins on the date you were injured. This is generally the starting point for evaluating filing deadlines after a fall at a grocery store, restaurant, or apartment building. This is a filing deadline, not a deadline for completing your case or receiving a slip and fall settlement. A lawsuit filed within the applicable period may continue beyond that date while the parties investigate, negotiate, or prepare for trial. If you miss the deadline, the defendant can ask the court to dismiss your case. Even strong evidence of an unsafe condition generally will not overcome an expired statute of limitations. At Omega Law Group, we can help you identify the filing deadlines that may apply to your claim. ## Does Filing an Insurance Claim Stop the Deadline? Opening an insurance claim generally does not pause or extend the deadline for filing a lawsuit. Reporting the accident to a store manager, completing an incident report, or sending a demand letter usually does not stop that clock either. Settlement negotiations with the property owner’s insurance company can continue while the slip and fall lawsuit deadline approaches. You should not assume that an insurance adjuster’s request for more medical records or an ongoing settlement discussion protects your right to sue. At Omega Law Group, we can assess the applicable deadline while pursuing negotiations. If necessary, filing a lawsuit on time can preserve your claim while settlement discussions continue. ### Hurt in an accident? Our personal injury lawyers are here to help. [![Telephone Icon](https://www.omegalaw.com/wp-content/themes/omega-rebuild/assets/app/svg/telephone-white.svg)(310) 526-8383](tel:+13105268383) ## What If You Fell on Government Property? If you fell on a public sidewalk, government building, or other public property in California, special claim-presentation requirements may apply under the Government Claims Act. You generally must present an administrative claim to the responsible public entity within six months of when the claim accrues, usually the date of injury. The administrative claim is separate from a lawsuit. If the public entity issues a qualifying written rejection, you generally have six months from delivery or mailing to sue. Without a qualifying rejection, the deadline is generally two years from accrual, provided you meet the claim-presentation requirements. If you missed the initial six-month deadline, a late-claim application may be available in limited circumstances. It generally must be submitted within a reasonable time, not exceeding one year after accrual, subject to statutory exceptions. Seek legal advice promptly rather than assuming additional time is available. ## Can Exceptions Give You More Time to File? Some circumstances can delay when the limitations period for a fall injury lawsuit starts or temporarily pause it, a process called tolling. These rules are fact-specific, so you should not rely on an exception without having your situation reviewed. - If you were a minor when injured, the ordinary personal injury limitations period is generally paused until you turn 18, although government claim-presentation rules differ. - If you lacked the legal capacity to make decisions when the claim accrued, a tolling rule may apply depending on the circumstances. - If you could not reasonably have discovered the injury and its wrongful cause earlier, the delayed discovery rule may affect when the deadline begins. Pain that worsens later does not automatically restart the clock. Similarly, receiving a diagnosis months after an obvious fall injury does not necessarily give you a new two-year filing period. Keep records of the accident date, the onset of symptoms, and medical evaluations to help an attorney assess the timeline. ### Injured in an accident? Our personal injury lawyers are here to help. [![Telephone Icon](https://www.omegalaw.com/wp-content/themes/omega-rebuild/assets/app/svg/telephone-white.svg)(310) 526-8383](tel:+13105268383) ## What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall? Your health comes first, but preserving information can also help protect your slip and fall claim. Take these steps when you can do so safely: - Get appropriate medical attention and follow your provider’s treatment recommendations. - Report the fall to the property owner, manager, or responsible agency and request a copy of any incident report. - Photograph the hazard, surrounding area, and visible injuries if you are able, including any warning signs or their absence. - Save witness contact information, medical records, medical bills, receipts, and records of missed work. - Speak with an attorney promptly about deadlines and evidence that may need to be preserved, such as security camera footage. Keep your account accurate and avoid guessing about facts you do not know. You do not need to finish treatment before asking us to review your filing deadline. ### How Our Firm Can Help After a Fall Founded in 2016, Omega Law Group brings together the practices and resources of our founding attorneys to provide personalized legal representation. We focus on understanding each client’s circumstances and delivering attentive, client-centered service. We can review the circumstances of your fall, explain potentially applicable deadlines, and discuss evidence that may support your slip and fall injury claim. Bringing incident reports, insurance correspondence, and medical records can help us evaluate your situation. We offer free consultations so you can ask questions about your situation and available legal options. ### Have you been involved in an accident? [![Telephone Icon](https://www.omegalaw.com/wp-content/themes/omega-rebuild/assets/app/svg/telephone-white.svg)(310) 526-8383](tel:+13105268383) ## Learn More About the Deadline for Filing a Slip and Fall Claim in California Contact [Omega Law Group](https://www.omegalaw.com/our-attorneys/) to discuss how long you have to pursue compensation after a slip and fall in California. We can review the circumstances of your fall, identify applicable deadlines, and explain the legal options available to you. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call and discuss how we may be able to help with your injury claim. Do not assume an insurance claim protects your lawsuit deadline or that every fall allows two years to act. Reach out promptly so we can help you understand your next steps. --- Source: https://www.omegalaw.com/faqs/how-long-after-a-fall-can-you-claim-compensation-in-california/