Slip and Fall at a Friend’s House: What Are Your Legal Options in California?

Let’s be honest—slipping and getting hurt at a friend’s house is the kind of situation no one wants to be in. It's uncomfortable, it’s awkward, and it can make you feel like you’re stuck between protecting your health and protecting your friendship.

But here’s the thing: if you’re injured due to unsafe conditions at someone’s home, you may be entitled to compensation—and you don’t have to feel guilty about it. In most cases, you’re dealing with their insurance company, not directly suing your friend.

Can I Sue a Friend for a Slip and Fall?

Technically, yes—you can sue a friend for a slip and fall injury if their negligence caused your accident. However, in reality, most of these cases are typically handled through a homeowner’s insurance policy, rather than a personal lawsuit. So if you’re wondering, “Can I sue a friend for injury on their property?” the more accurate question might be: “Can I file a claim with their insurance?” And the answer is usually yes. Their insurance exists to cover exactly this kind of situation—a personal injury on a friend’s property.

Now, let’s briefly go over some of the common causes of slip and fall accidents in homes:

Wet or recently mopped floors with no warning

Loose rugs or uneven flooring

Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways

Broken or missing handrails

Cluttered walkways or trip hazards

Slippery patios, decks, or pool areas

If your accident was caused by one of these hazards, and your friend knew (or should have known) about the risk, you may have a valid claim.

Filing a Claim After Falling at a Friend’s Home

Here’s what you should do if you experience a slip and fall at a friend’s house:

Get medical attention, even if the injury seems minor. Some injuries, such as concussions or soft tissue damage, aren’t immediately obvious.

If possible, take photos of the scene. This could be a wet floor, broken tile, or missing step.

If anyone else was there and saw what happened, get their name and contact info.

Before dealing with the insurance company, speak with a local personal injury attorney. You’ll want someone in your corner to help guide you through the process and protect your rights.

Now you might be thinking, “Will this ruin my friendship?” This is one of the biggest concerns people have, and it’s completely understandable. But keep in mind that you’re not suing your friend personally. You’re filing a claim through their homeowner’s insurance, which is designed to cover these exact types of accidents on a friend’s property.

Most homeowners would rather you get the medical care and support you need than see you suffer financially because of an injury. In fact, many feel relieved knowing their insurance can help.

No one wants to get hurt at a friend’s house, but accidents happen. If you’ve experienced a slip and fall at a friend’s house, you have legal rights—and that includes the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, missed work, and pain.

Injured on a Friend’s Property in North Hollywood or Burbank?

Understandably, many people worry that filing a claim after falling at a friend’s home will hurt the relationship. And yes, there’s a chance their homeowner’s insurance premium could go up, but remember—that’s what the insurance is for. In many cases, your friends will feel better knowing their policy can help you recover. You’re not asking them to write a check—you’re simply using the protection they’ve already paid for.

If you’ve suffered an accident on a friend’s property and aren’t sure what to do next, our team at Yepremyan Law Firm can help. California slip and fall laws can be tricky, but with proper legal guidance, you can move forward with peace of mind. Our personal injury law firm in North Hollywood offers free consultations, and we work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our North Hollywood slip and fall lawyers or request to be connected with a personal injury lawyer in Burbank. With 24/7 support, we’re always just a phone call away. 

*No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice pertaining to any particular legal matter. Use of and access to this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and Yepremyan Law Firm and any of its attorneys, employees, or associates.