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At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, our team is committed to protecting the rights of injured clients across San Bernardino. We understand what you’re going through, and we know how to hold negligent property owners accountable. If you’ve been hurt in a fall, we’re here to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 844-844-9119 today for a free consultation.
A slip and fall accident can happen in a matter of seconds, but the effects can last a lifetime. Whether it occurs in a grocery store on Hospitality Lane, on the cracked sidewalk outside a San Bernardino apartment complex, or in a dimly lit stairwell at a downtown office building, the consequences can be painful, costly, and emotionally overwhelming. These incidents are more than just embarrassing; they are also damaging. They often result in serious injuries that require emergency care, time off work, and months of rehabilitation.
In San Bernardino, property owners and businesses have a legal obligation to maintain a safe environment for their visitors. When they fail to fix hazards like wet floors, broken tiles, or loose handrails, and someone gets hurt, they can be held responsible. But proving negligence isn’t always easy. Insurance companies and property managers are quick to deflect blame or deny your injury claim altogether.
Slip and fall accidents can occur in virtually any setting, from crowded public areas to private residences, and San Bernardino is no exception. With its blend of commercial zones, residential neighborhoods, and aging infrastructure, the city presents several high-risk areas for such incidents. While many property owners take safety seriously, others neglect maintenance, creating hazardous conditions that put innocent people at risk.
Below are several common causes of slip and fall accidents in San Bernardino, along with the ways they often occur in the local environment.
Spilled beverages, recently mopped floors, and leaking refrigeration units are frequent culprits in grocery stores, fast food chains, and convenience stores around town. Locations like Stater Bros. on E Street or the Food 4 Less near Highland Avenue often have heavy foot traffic and frequent product spills. When staff fail to place visible warning signs or delay cleanup, customers are left vulnerable to serious falls.
Sidewalk disrepair is a common issue in San Bernardino, particularly in older residential areas like Del Rosa and Feldheym. Tree roots, years of weathering, and poor city maintenance can lead to cracks, raised edges, or sunken sections. These walkways can become especially hazardous at night or for those with mobility challenges. Residents and visitors alike risk serious injury when walking on public pathways that have not been properly maintained.
Inadequate lighting is a hidden danger that significantly increases the risk of falling. Apartment complexes near Waterman Avenue and commercial buildings in the downtown business district often have staircases, hallways, and parking areas with low visibility. When bulbs are burnt out or lighting is poorly designed, it’s difficult to detect steps, curbs, or puddles, leading to sudden, avoidable accidents.
Loose or curled-up floor mats can catch a person’s foot and cause them to trip, especially in office buildings, hotels, and banks. Government buildings near the San Bernardino County Courthouse and older professional complexes on Hospitality Lane often have worn carpets or misplaced mats at entrances, creating hazardous conditions. Property managers must inspect and secure these materials to prevent falls from occurring.
San Bernardino has seen a rise in redevelopment projects, including the Carousel Mall site and various road improvements near the 215 and 210 freeways. With construction comes risk. Walkways cluttered with tools, uneven surfaces, and poor signage can easily cause a person to trip and fall. Even temporary hazards, such as misplaced extension cords or unmarked barriers in retail stores, can create liability for property owners.
While San Bernardino doesn't experience heavy rainfall year-round, storms during the winter months can create slick surfaces both indoors and outdoors. Rainwater tracked into stores or office lobbies can lead to slippery entryways if not quickly addressed. Businesses must place anti-slip mats and dry wet surfaces to prevent such accidents.
Handrails are crucial safety features in stairwells, ramps, and walkways. When they are loose, missing, or broken, the risk of falling increases dramatically. Older apartment buildings and public facilities in the city, particularly those that haven’t been updated in decades, may violate local building codes if they fail to maintain these safety structures.
Slip and fall hazards aren't limited to private businesses. Public schools, hospitals, and government facilities in San Bernardino also have a responsibility to maintain safe premises. Poor maintenance policies, understaffing, or lack of inspection routines can lead to conditions that put the public at risk, especially children and the elderly.
This section provides a comprehensive overview of the various environmental and structural factors that contribute to slip and fall accidents in San Bernardino.
Slip and fall accidents may seem minor at first, but they often result in serious and long-lasting injuries. A simple fall can lead to broken bones, head trauma, or even permanent disability, especially for older adults and individuals with pre-existing conditions. In San Bernardino, hospitals such as Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and Dignity Health – Community Hospital of San Bernardino regularly treat patients with severe injuries resulting from falls on poorly maintained properties.
Below are some of the most common types of injuries we see in slip and fall cases:
In a successful slip and fall claim, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, also known as “damages.” At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we help clients in San Bernardino pursue maximum financial recovery for all aspects of their injury, including:
Every case is different, and the amount of compensation you may receive depends on the facts of your situation. Our team at Countrywide Trial Lawyers carefully evaluates your medical records, financial losses, and the emotional toll of your injuries to build a strong claim.
After a slip and fall accident, you may be dealing with more than just physical pain. You’re likely facing mounting medical bills, missed time at work, and pressure from insurance companies to settle quickly, often for far less than you deserve. At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we step in to protect your rights and take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
Countrywide Trial Lawyers is built on a straightforward mission: put the client first, always. From the moment you contact us, you’ll notice the difference. We take time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and explain your legal options in plain language. Whether your fall happened at a retail store on Kendall Drive or outside an apartment complex in Highland, we give your case the attention and urgency it deserves.
Insurance companies don’t always play fair, especially in premises liability cases. That’s why our team prepares every case as if it’s going to trial. This aggressive, trial-ready approach sends a clear message to the other side: we won’t accept lowball settlements. Our attorneys know how to uncover key evidence, such as surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements, to prove that a property owner was negligent.
Our firm has handled slip and fall claims involving grocery stores, shopping centers, public sidewalks, parking garages, and private residences throughout San Bernardino. We understand the city’s legal landscape and know how to navigate complex liability issues, particularly when multiple parties, such as property managers, cleaning companies, or landlords, may share fault.
You’re not just another case file. At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, you’ll work directly with a legal team that stays in touch, keeps you informed, and truly cares about your recovery. We handle the paperwork, communicate with insurance adjusters, and negotiate on your behalf, all while building a strong foundation for your case.
Hiring a lawyer shouldn't add to your financial stress. That’s why we take slip and fall cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. It’s that simple.
Whether your injuries are minor or severe, you deserve answers and fair compensation. Let our team at Countrywide Trial Lawyers help you take the next step forward.
Imagine this scenario: A 63-year-old San Bernardino resident was shopping at a well-known grocery store on North E Street. While walking through the produce section, she slipped on a puddle of water that had leaked from a refrigeration unit. There were no warning signs or floor mats in place, and surveillance footage later showed that the puddle had been there for more than 30 minutes without being cleaned.
The woman suffered a fractured hip and a concussion, requiring emergency surgery at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and several months of rehabilitation. She was unable to return to work as a home health aide and faced over $80,000 in medical bills.
She contacted Countrywide Trial Lawyers after the store’s insurance company denied responsibility. Our legal team promptly launched an investigation, obtaining video evidence, maintenance logs, and witness statements that revealed the store had previously ignored complaints about the same leaking unit.
We filed a premises liability claim and aggressively negotiated with the store’s legal team. When they refused to offer fair compensation, we moved toward trial, prompting a six-figure settlement that covered her medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
This example reflects how Countrywide Trial Lawyers uses preparation, persistence, and local knowledge to hold negligent property owners accountable. Slip and fall accidents may seem simple, but the path to justice is often anything but. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Filing a slip and fall claim in California involves several key steps, and timing is critical. If you’ve been injured due to unsafe property conditions in San Bernardino, it’s important to understand how the process works and what deadlines apply.
Under California law, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If your claim involves a government entity, such as a fall on city property or in a public school, you must file an administrative claim within six months of the incident. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
That’s why it’s essential to act quickly. At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we begin the legal process promptly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Your health comes first. Seek treatment right away, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Hospitals like Dignity Health – Community Hospital of San Bernardino and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center can provide emergency care and referrals to specialists. Keep all records, discharge summaries, prescriptions, and receipts.
Our team investigates your accident thoroughly. We may obtain:
Suppose you slipped at a business on University Parkway, in a parking garage near Court Street, or outside a residential building in Muscoy. In that case, we’ll determine who is legally responsible and how the hazard occurred.
We prepare and submit a claim to the property owner’s insurance company, outlining the details of your injuries, liability, and the damages you’re seeking. Insurance adjusters will review this documentation and either deny the claim, offer a low settlement, or enter into negotiations.
Countrywide Trial Lawyers presents a clear demand supported by evidence and expert opinions, such as medical evaluations or life-care planners. If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.
When necessary, we file a formal lawsuit with the San Bernardino County Superior Court and begin the litigation process. Our attorneys handle all filings, discovery, depositions, and pre-trial motions. Throughout, we keep you informed and prepared.
Many slip and fall cases are resolved through settlement, but we do not back down from trial if that’s what it takes. If your case proceeds to court, we present a compelling case before a judge or jury, using evidence and witness testimony to show how the property owner’s negligence caused your injuries.
The legal process can be complex, especially when you're dealing with pain, paperwork, and uncooperative insurance companies. Countrywide Trial Lawyers is here to make sure you don’t face it alone.
Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay; some injuries may not surface until later. Take photos of the scene, gather witness information, and report the incident to the property owner or manager. Then contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your options.
Property owners, business operators, landlords, or maintenance companies may be liable if they fail to fix or warn about a hazardous condition. In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries.
Yes, but cases against government agencies have shorter deadlines. You must file a government claim within six months of the accident. These cases are complex, so consult a lawyer quickly to protect your rights.
The value depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, time off work, and the impact on your life. Cases involving serious harm, like broken bones or head injuries, often result in higher settlements or verdicts.
Yes. Evidence like photos, medical records, witness statements, and maintenance logs is crucial. Countrywide Trial Lawyers investigates thoroughly to build a strong case on your behalf.
California follows a comparative fault system. You can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible, though your percentage of fault may reduce your damages.
Many slip and fall claims are resolved within several months, especially if a fair settlement is reached early. If the case goes to trial, it can take a year or more, depending on the court’s schedule.
There are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. This allows you to get top-tier legal representation with no financial risk.
Yes. Property owners and landlords have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions. If you were injured due to a hazard like a wet floor, loose carpet, or broken stairs, you may have a valid claim.
Most slip and fall cases in San Bernardino are filed in the San Bernardino County Superior Court, located downtown on West 3rd Street. Our team handles all court filings and appearances on your behalf.
One bad step. That’s all it takes to change everything. A wet grocery store floor, a cracked sidewalk near your apartment, or a loose stair rail at your office, and suddenly you’re injured, overwhelmed, and wondering who’s going to help make things right.
Meanwhile, the bills don’t stop. You’re missing work. The pain lingers. And the property owner or insurance company may already be shifting the blame or trying to get you to settle for less than you deserve. It’s not fair, and it’s not your fault.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we believe you shouldn’t have to fight this battle alone. We’ve helped people throughout San Bernardino hold negligent property owners accountable, from slips at busy shopping centers on E Street to falls in apartment complexes near Kendall Drive. We know how to uncover the truth, build a strong case, and demand every dollar you’re owed for medical care, lost income, and pain.
You’ve been through enough. Let us carry the legal weight so you can focus on recovery.
Call us today for a free consultation at 844-844-9119. You pay nothing unless we win, and we’re ready to get to work right now. We proudly serve clients across San Bernardino, Rialto, Highland, Colton, and surrounding communities.
Your recovery matters. Let’s take the first step, together.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.
