This page was written and reviewed by Michael J. Cefali, Esq. Attorney Cefali is a founding partner of Cefali & Cefali, APC, based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He holds a Juris Doctor from Chapman University Fowler School of Law and a B.A. in Global Studies & Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy. Widely recognized for his advocacy in personal injury law, he has secured multi-hundred-thousand-dollar settlements in motorcycle accidents, hit-and-runs, and red-light collision cases. He maintains a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Cefali actively supports his community through the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributes to housing and meal programs for those in need, and enjoys fishing and spending time with his rescue dogs.
The date below reflects when this page was last reviewed for accuracy. Please see our Editorial Guidelines.
If you were hurt in a slip and fall in Moreno Valley, you may be able to hold the property owner responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Under California law, property owners must keep their premises reasonably safe, and when they fail to fix or warn about a dangerous condition, they can be liable for the injuries it causes.
Cefali & Cefali represents slip and fall victims throughout Moreno Valley and Riverside County from our Hemet office. Call (949) 325-7790 for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Moreno Valley
Slip and fall accidents happen in grocery stores, shopping centers, apartment complexes, restaurants, parking lots, and the large warehouses along the 60 corridor. The most common hazards include:
Wet or slippery floors from spills, mopping, or leaks with no warning sign.
Uneven or broken walkways, including cracked sidewalks, potholes, and raised pavement in parking lots.
Damaged stairs and missing handrails in apartment buildings and commercial properties.
Poor lighting in stairwells, hallways, and parking areas.
Loose mats, torn carpet, and clutter left in aisles and walkways.
California Premises Liability Law
Slip and fall claims fall under premises liability. California Civil Code § 1714 makes everyone responsible for injuries caused by their failure to use ordinary care in managing their property. In Rowland v. Christian, the California Supreme Court held that this duty applies to anyone lawfully on the property, whether a customer, tenant, or guest.
To win a slip and fall claim, you generally need to show:
A dangerous condition existed on the property.
The owner knew or should have known about it. This is called actual or constructive notice. Constructive notice means the hazard was there long enough that a reasonable inspection would have found it.
The owner failed to fix it or warn you within a reasonable time.
The condition caused your fall and injuries.
Proving notice is often the key battle. Store inspection logs, surveillance video, and employee statements can show how long a hazard was present. Learn more in our guide on how to prove negligence in a slip and fall.
What If You Were Partly at Fault?
Property owners and their insurers often argue that you should have been watching where you were going. California follows pure comparative negligence, so even if you share some blame, you can still recover. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, not eliminated.
Falls on Public Property and at Work
Different rules apply depending on where you fell:
Public property: If you fell on a city sidewalk, in a public building, or on other government property, the claim falls under California Government Code § 835. You must file a written government claim within six months of the injury.
At work: If you fell on the job, workers' compensation is generally your remedy against your employer. You may still have a separate injury claim against a third party, such as a property owner, contractor, or maintenance company whose negligence caused the fall.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall
The steps you take right away can make or break your claim:
Get medical care. Head injuries and fractures are not always obvious at first. Riverside University Health System Medical Center in Moreno Valley treats serious injuries.
Report the fall. Tell the store manager, landlord, or property owner and ask for a copy of the incident report.
Photograph the hazard. Take pictures of what caused your fall before it is cleaned up or repaired, plus your injuries and footwear.
Get witness names. Customers and employees who saw the fall or the hazard can support your claim.
Do not give a recorded statement. Talk to a lawyer before speaking with the property owner's insurance company.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
A fall onto a hard floor or pavement can cause serious injuries, especially for older adults. Common injuries include:
Hip, wrist, and ankle fractures
Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
Back and spinal injuries, such as herniated discs
Knee and shoulder injuries, including torn ligaments
Sprains and soft tissue damage
Compensation You Can Recover
A successful slip and fall claim can cover:
Medical expenses, including surgery, physical therapy, and future care.
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
California does not cap pain and suffering damages in a slip and fall case. Every claim is different, so there is no set value, but you can read about the factors behind slip and fall settlements.
How Long Do You Have to File?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of your fall to file a personal injury lawsuit under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. For falls on public property, the six-month government claim deadline applies first. Surveillance footage is often erased within days, so contact a lawyer as soon as you can.
How a Moreno Valley Slip and Fall Lawyer Helps
When you hire Cefali & Cefali, we:
Send preservation letters so surveillance video and inspection records are not destroyed.
Investigate how long the hazard existed and whether the owner knew about it.
Document your full medical costs and lost income.
Handle all communication with the property owner's insurance company.
Negotiate a fair settlement or file suit in Riverside County Superior Court if needed.
Contact a Moreno Valley Slip and Fall Lawyer
If you were injured in a fall on someone else's property in Moreno Valley, we can help. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no upfront cost. Call (949) 325-7790 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Yes, if the store knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it or warn you. A falling incident alone is not enough. You need to show the store's negligence caused your fall.
What if I was not watching where I was walking?
You can still recover. California follows pure comparative negligence, so your compensation is reduced by your share of fault but not eliminated.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in California?
You generally have two years from the date of the fall to file a lawsuit. If you fell on government property, you must file a government claim within six months.
Can I file a claim if I fell at work?
Workers' compensation is generally the remedy against your employer. You may still have a separate injury claim against a third party, such as a property owner or contractor whose negligence caused the fall.
How much does a slip and fall lawyer cost?
Cefali & Cefali works on a contingency fee basis. There is no upfront cost, and you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Michael Cefali is a dedicated accident attorney based in San Juan Capistrano, California, committed to securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims.
A graduate of Newport Harbor High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy, followed by his Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law.
Deeply invested in his community, Michael is an active member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributing to efforts that provide meals, housing, and support to those in need. Outside of his legal work and volunteer service, he enjoys fishing in Dana Point and spending time with his three rescue dogs—a Chihuahua, a Spaniel mix, and a Shepherd mix.
Driven by his strong belief in justice and fairness, Michael remains steadfast in advocating for individuals harmed by the negligence or inaction of others.
