Here's What to Do
Slip‑and‑fall accidents are more common than you might think—and when they happen in places like Visalia, Tulare, or around Tulare and Kings Counties, victims often face serious injuries and mounting expenses. The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) reports that over 8 million people visit emergency rooms annually due to slips, trips, and falls. In California workplaces and homes, such incidents result in hospitalizations, lost wages, and even wrongful deaths.
If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property—whether in downtown Hanford, Lemoore, Corcoran, Exeter, or neighboring communities like Orosi, Dinuba, Selma, Reedley, Lindsay, or Kingsburg—here’s what you should do to protect your rights and seek compensation.
1. Get Medical Attention Right Away
Your health comes first. Slip‐and‐fall injuries can lead to fractures, back or neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and hip injuries, especially in older adults. For example, falls account for 60% of fatalities among people over 75, and often require extended recovery.
2. Document the Accident Scene
Take photos or videos of:
- Spills, wet floors, torn carpeting, loose tile, poor lighting, or clutter
- Any lack of warning signage or barriers
- The exact location, timestamp, and surrounding environment
Noticing displacement or flattening of debris, like fruit or produce, could support a finding that the hazard had been present long enough for the property owner to notice.
3. Report the Incident Promptly
If injured at a business in Porterville, Strathmore, Tipton, Pixley, or Lettuce outlying towns like Eaglewood, Poplar, Sunland, Terra Bella, or Reedley, inform the manager or property representative as soon as possible. Capture the incident details in a formal report if offered. Get names and contact info of any witnesses.
4. Preserve Evidence
Save the clothing and shoes you wore, which may hold stains or residues from the spill or hazard. Preserve videos from security cameras by requesting the property owner or manager to retain relevant footage (this is time-sensitive).
5. Understand California Premises Liability Rules
In California, property owners or those in control (including franchisees, landlords, HOA boards, and property managers) owe a duty of care based on your visitor status:
- Invitees (e.g. shoppers, diners) warrant the highest duty: ongoing inspection and hazard remediation.
- Licensees (social guests) must at least receive warnings of any known hazards.
- Trespassers—only intentionally harmful conditions create liability.
The “open and obvious” defense often arises in slip‐and‐fall cases—but may be defeated if the hazard was obscured by distraction, poor signage, or customer displays.
6. Gather Evidence
Helpful evidence includes:
- Photos or video of the hazard and scene
- Records of incident or injury reports
- Medical records and bills
- Witness statements with contact info
- Timeline details: date, time, weather, lighting, foot traffic
7. Keep Track of All Related Costs
Save every medical bill, proof of lost earnings, prescriptions, transportation costs, and records of pain and suffering. These documents support your legal claim.
8. Consult a Local Slip‑and‑Fall Attorney
If your injury occurred in Visalia, Farmersville, Dinuba, Caruthers, Armona, or any city or town throughout Tulare or Kings Counties, Mr. Ryan Nelson and Mr. Clayton Christenson, local liability lawyers, can assess whether you have a valid claim. You may recover compensation even if the property owner tries to invoke defenses.
9. Be Aware of Time Limits
Under California law, deadlines (statutes of limitations) apply to personal injury claims. Acting promptly ensures valuable evidence—like surveillance footage—is preserved.
10. Understand Applicable Compensation
In Central Valley slip‑and‑fall cases, damages may cover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income or diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Possible punitive damages if gross negligence is involved
Why Act Now?
- Every year in California, slip‑and‑fall accidents result in thousands of hospital visits and workplace injuries.
- For older adults, these injuries are particularly dangerous—falls account for the majority of nursing facility admissions and fatalities.
Serving the Heart of California's Central Valley
Nelson, Rozier & Christenson Attorneys at Law are deeply familiar with the communities of:
Tulare County (Visalia, Tulare, Farmersville, Goshen, Exeter, Porterville, Ivanhoe, Orosi, Strathmore, Pixley, Tipton, Terra Bella, Woodlake, Lindsay, Poplar, Sunland, Elderwood, Caruthers, Laton, Armona, Kingsburg, etc.)
Kings County (Hanford, Lemoore, Corcoran, Riverdale, Stratford, Raisin City, etc.)
If you’ve been injured in any of these areas—from Reedley or Dinuba to Conrad or Lemoore—our firm is ready to evaluate your case at no cost.
Your Next Steps:
- Seek medical care.
- Document the scene thoroughly.
- Report the accident and collect evidence.
- Preserve attire and footage.
- Contact our experienced Central Valley injury law team.
Slip‑and‑fall cases can be challenging—especially in California—but by following these steps and securing experienced legal counsel, you can pursue justice and fair compensation for your injuries.
Nelson, Rozier & Christenson
Serving Tulare County, Kings County, and the California Central Valley
If you or a loved one was hurt in a slip‑and‑fall accident in Visalia, Tulare, Hanford, Lemoore, or nearby, contact us today at 559-713-0159 for a free consultation.