California Government Code § 835

Under California Government Code § 835, a public entity can be liable for injuries caused by a dangerous condition of its property — a broken sidewalk, unsafe road, or hazardous public building — if the entity created the hazard or had notice of it in time to fix it. These claims require a government claim within six months.

Reviewed against the current statutory text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. This page is legal information, not legal advice.

Exact Statute Text

Read the full, current section at the official source: Cal. Gov. Code § 835 (leginfo).

In Plain English

• Public-entity liability: a city, county, or state can be liable for a dangerous condition of its property.
• What you must show: a dangerous condition, proximate causation, foreseeable risk, and either entity-created hazard or notice.
• Notice: the entity must have created the hazard or had actual/constructive notice with time to fix it.
• Strict deadline: a government claim must be filed within six months (Gov. Code § 911.2).

Key Terms Defined

Dangerous condition

A condition of public property creating a foreseeable risk of injury when used with due care.

Constructive notice

Notice the entity should have had because the hazard existed long enough to be discovered.

Public entity

A state, county, city, district, or other public agency subject to § 835.

Purpose & Context

Section 835 makes government accountable for hazards on the property it controls, while requiring proof of a dangerous condition and notice. It is the basis for injury claims involving public sidewalks, roads, and buildings.

Real-World Example

A pedestrian trips on a large, long-standing sidewalk defect the city never repaired. Under § 835, the city may be liable if the condition was dangerous and it had notice — but a government claim must be filed within six months of the fall.

Government Code § 835 at a glance

Related California Statutes

• Gov. Code § 911.2 — the 6-month claim deadline
• Civil Code § 1714 — the general duty of care
• California slip and fall lawyer

Why 835 Matters

For injured people & families

When a public hazard hurts you, § 835 provides a path to recovery — but the six-month claim deadline makes acting quickly essential. See our California slip and fall lawyer page.

For defendants

Public entities defend on whether the condition was truly dangerous and whether they had notice with time to act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue the city for a dangerous sidewalk or road?

Yes, under Government Code § 835, if the property was in a dangerous condition and the entity created it or had notice with time to fix it.

What is the deadline to sue a government entity?

You must file a government claim within six months of the injury (Gov. Code § 911.2) before you can sue.

What does ‘notice’ mean?

The entity either knew of the hazard (actual notice) or should have known because it existed long enough to be found (constructive notice).

Does comparative fault apply?

Yes — your own lack of care can reduce recovery, but not necessarily bar it.