A simple walk down the street in Ontario, CA can unexpectedly turn into a painful, life-changing experience. Sidewalk trip and fall accidents are more common than most people realize—and they often result in serious injuries like broken bones, concussions, and long-term mobility issues. While many of these accidents are caused by uneven pavement, cracked sidewalks, or poorly maintained walkways, proving fault isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.
In California, sidewalk falls often involve complex legal issues, including questions about who is responsible for maintaining the property, whether the hazard was known or should have been addressed, and how long it was present before the fall occurred. If the sidewalk is owned or maintained by the city or a commercial entity, there may be strict deadlines and procedures for filing a claim. Without experienced legal guidance, victims can easily miss their opportunity to recover compensation.
If your fall occurred on a public sidewalk, the City of Ontario or another municipal agency may be responsible. California law requires cities to maintain public walkways in reasonably safe condition. However, claims against government entities are more complex—they must be filed within 6 months under the California Tort Claims Act, and they require a special administrative process before a lawsuit can proceed.
If the hazardous sidewalk is adjacent to a business or commercial property, the business or property owner may be held responsible. Under California’s premises liability laws, owners have a legal duty to inspect and maintain walkways accessible to the public, especially if the sidewalk serves as part of their customer access.
In some cases, residential property owners may be responsible for maintaining the sidewalk in front of their homes—especially if local ordinances in Ontario or San Bernardino County assign that duty. If a homeowner failed to repair cracked concrete or other hazards, they could be held liable for resulting injuries.
If the sidewalk is part of a managed residential or commercial complex, the property management company may share responsibility. These companies often contract for repairs and inspections and could be liable for negligence if they failed to address known hazards.
If the sidewalk defect was created by ongoing construction, landscaping work, or renovations, the contractor or service provider may be liable. For example, if a contractor left debris, failed to install warning signs, or caused damage to the sidewalk without fixing it, their negligence could be the root cause of your injury.
Under California Civil Code Section 1714, property owners and those in control of land have a legal duty of care to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. That includes identifying hazards—like cracked sidewalks, uplifted concrete, or poor lighting—and repairing them within a reasonable time frame.
If the hazard cannot be fixed right away, owners are expected to warn the public (e.g., with caution tape or signage) or restrict access to prevent injuries.
Failing to uphold this duty can make the property owner—or public entity—legally liable for injuries resulting from a preventable trip and fall.
California law imposes strict timelines for filing personal injury claims, and missing a deadline could mean losing your right to compensation.
California follows the rule of comparative negligence, which means more than one party—including you—can share responsibility for an accident.
For example, if a court finds that you were 20% at fault for not noticing the hazard, and the property owner was 80% at fault for failing to fix it, your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault.
This makes it even more important to work with an experienced lawyer who can:
Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional. Conditions like concussions, internal injuries, or soft tissue damage may not show symptoms right away. A prompt medical evaluation also creates an official record that links your injuries directly to the fall—an important piece of evidence in any claim.
If you're physically able, use your phone to take clear, detailed photos of:
If anyone saw your fall or the dangerous sidewalk condition, politely ask for their name and contact information. Eyewitnesses can help support your version of events, especially if the property owner denies liability later.
If your fall occurred on commercial property—such as outside a store or shopping center—ask to file a written incident report with the business or property manager. Be sure to request a copy. For falls on public sidewalks, you may need to submit a formal notice to the City of Ontario, which is a required step in government claims.
Insurance representatives may reach out quickly after your accident, but remember: they do not represent your best interests. Avoid giving any recorded statements or accepting early settlement offers before consulting with a personal injury attorney. You could unknowingly say something that damages your case.
You can seek compensation for both past and future medical care, including:
If your injury forced you to miss work—whether for days, weeks, or longer—you may be able to recover those lost wages. This includes both:
If your injuries result in long-term limitations or disability that prevents you from returning to your prior job or career, you may also be entitled to compensation for reduced future income.
Injuries are not just physical—they often cause significant emotional distress, trauma, and changes in quality of life. Pain and suffering damages account for:
Many people forget about the day-to-day costs that can pile up after an accident, such as:
In cases where a property owner or public entity acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, the court may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. While not common in sidewalk cases, they are possible if the hazard was knowingly ignored for a long period.
If a loved one tragically died as a result of injuries sustained in a sidewalk fall, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim. This can include compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and loss of future financial support.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a sidewalk trip and fall accident in Ontario, CA, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. But don't wait—these cases are time-sensitive, and delays can affect your ability to recover what you deserve.
At Tim D. Wright Law, we know how to hold negligent parties accountable, whether it’s the City of Ontario, a business, or a property owner. We’ll guide you through every legal step with personalized attention, no upfront fees, and a commitment to your full recovery.
Personal Injury Office:
📍 1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📞 Phone: (323) 379-9995
✉️ Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: https://www.timwrightlaw.com
