Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Slip and Fall on Public Property in San Diego?

By Eugene Bruno on December 20, 2025

There are a lot of places where a slip and fall accident can happen. But there are certain things you have to do to file a successful claim when a fall occurs on public property, such as government buildings, sidewalks, or parks. There are also strict deadlines, so you have to start the process right away.

The San Diego slip and fall lawyers at Eugene Bruno & Associates have decades of experience helping injured victims get the compensation they need to cover the cost of medical bills and other expenses.

Who’s Liable for Slip and Fall Accidents on Government Property

If your fall occurred on public land owned by a city, county, or state agency, that government entity may be responsible for your injuries. This includes:

• City sidewalks and curbs
• Public parks and playgrounds
• Government buildings and stairways
• Transit stations or public parking lots

Understanding the California Tort Claims Act

Unlike private property owners, public entities have special legal protections. Suing the government isn’t like suing a business or individual. The California Tort Claims Act (CTCA) outlines when and how an injured person can bring a claim against a public agency for damages.

Under the CTCA:

• Government agencies can be held liable if a dangerous condition of public property caused your injury.
• The agency must have created the hazard or had actual or constructive notice of the danger and failed to fix it within a reasonable time.
• You must file a formal notice of claim before you can sue the government.

Unless you follow the right steps, your case could be dismissed before it ever reaches court.

Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Slip and Fall?

Immediately after a fall, your medical bills will typically be covered by your health insurance or paid out-of-pocket. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the costs forever. If the fall happened due to the government’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays
• Follow-up care
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Medications
• Surgeries

You can also pursue damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disability through a claim against the municipality or other responsible entity.

What Causes Slip and Fall Accidents

Our firm has handled numerous public property injury claims. Common causes of government-related slip and fall incidents include:

• Cracked or uneven city sidewalks
• Poor lighting in public lots or walkways
• Broken handrails or staircases in public buildings
• Wet or slick floors in courthouses, libraries, or DMV offices
• Debris or spills left unattended in transit stations

Strict Deadlines Apply

The most important thing to understand about government claims in California is the tight deadline for filing. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.

• You must file a notice of claim within six months of the date of your injury.
• The government then has 45 days to respond.
• If your claim is denied, you have just six months from the denial to file a lawsuit.

What Information Should Be Included in a Government Claim?

Your formal claim must include specific information:

• Your name and address
• Date, location, and circumstances of the incident
• Description of the injury and damages suffered
• Name of the public entity you believe is responsible
• Amount you’re claiming in damages

Providing incomplete or inaccurate information can result in the claim being denied.

Proving Government Premises Liability

Winning a claim against a public agency requires more than just showing you were hurt. You must prove:

1. A dangerous condition existed on the public property.
2. The condition posed a foreseeable risk of injury.
3. The public entity created the condition or had time to discover and correct it.
4. The dangerous condition directly caused your injury.

Supporting Evidence in a Claim or Lawsuit

Filing a successful San Diego slip and fall injury claim against a public entity typically requires the following types of evidence:

• Witness statements
• Photographs of the scene
• Accident reports
• Maintenance or inspection records
• Expert testimony, if necessary

What to Do After a Slip and Fall on Public Property in San Diego

If you were injured on public property, take these steps right away:

1. Seek medical attention: Your health comes first. Prompt care also documents your injuries.
2. Report the accident: Notify the property manager or relevant government department.
3. Document everything: Take photos, gather witness names, and write down details.
4. Preserve evidence: Don’t throw away the shoes or clothing you wore.
5. Contact a personal injury attorney who is experienced with claims involving the CTCA.

The sooner you meet with a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case.

Reasons to Choose Our Firm

Successfully filing a claim against a government agency requires diligence and attention to detail. Municipalities and government agencies are quick to deny responsibility, and they will often claim they had no notice of the dangerous condition. That’s why you need an advocate who understands the system.

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we have decades of experience successfully holding public entities accountable. We know how to:

• Investigate your claim thoroughly
• Identify all liable government agencies
• Handle all legal filings and deadlines
• Negotiate with municipal insurance providers
• Represent you in court if necessary

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win.

Speak With an Experienced Slip and Fall Lawyer in San Diego

Eugene Bruno & Associates has a 99.7% success rate, and we’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients. We’ve been recognized by Expertise.com as one of the best personal injury law firms in San Diego.

Filing a successful claim against a government agency requires immediate action and legal experience. Let our San Diego premises liability attorneys protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule a free consultation today.