PREMISES LIABILITY

A person falling on a wet floor beside a yellow caution sign that reads 'Caution Wet Floor' in front of an elevator.

Understanding Premises Liability in California

Premises liability is a legal framework that holds property owners or occupiers accountable for accidents occurring on their grounds due to unsafe conditions. Under California law, owners have a non-delegable duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition to prevent foreseeable harm to visitors.

If an owner fails to address hazards—such as liquid spills, poor lighting, or broken equipment—they may be held liable for resulting personal injuries.

Common Venues for Liability Claims

Accidents can occur in a wide variety of settings, including:

  • Commercial Properties: Gyms, restaurants, retail stores, and office complexes.

  • Residential Properties: Private homes, apartment buildings, and condos.

  • Public Spaces: Parks, government buildings, and sidewalks.

Examples of Diverse Premises Cases

Premises liability incidents, include:

  • Slip and Fall Accidents: Caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, or cluttered walkways.

  • Structural Failures: Injuries resulting from defective stairs, loose railings, or faulty building equipment.

  • Negligent Security: Harm caused by preventable assaults or break-ins due to inadequate lighting or security measures.

  • Hazardous Environments: Accidents involving exposed electrical wiring or poorly marked construction zones.

Victims of premises liability incidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Consulting with an experienced premises liability attorney is crucial to navigate the complexities of these claims and ensure that injured parties receive fair compensation.

At Doust Law, we are specialized in handling Premises liability cases and are committed to fighting for justice and fair compensation for you while you focus on recovering your health. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case in detail.

Timely legal action is important due to statutes of limitations. Contact us promptly to ensure your claim is protected and your best interests are represented.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Your health and the preservation of evidence are top priorities. First, seek medical attention immediately. If possible, take photos of the hazard (like a liquid spill or broken equipment) that caused your injury. Report the incident to the property owner or manager, but avoid making detailed statements or accepting blame until you speak with a premises liability attorney.

  • Under California law, you must generally prove that the owner knew, or should have known, about the dangerous condition and failed to repair it, protect you from it, or provide an adequate warning. We focus on demonstrating that the owner failed in their "non-delegable duty" to maintain a reasonably safe condition.

  • Yes, potentially. While a warning sign is a factor, it doesn't automatically immunize a property owner from liability. If the sign was poorly placed, difficult to see, or if the hazard was so extreme that a sign was insufficient to prevent personal injuries, you may still have a valid claim.

  • In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, if the injury occurred on government property (like a public park or building, or sidewalk), you may have as little as six months to file a formal claim for personal injury and damages. Because of these strict deadlines, timely and immediate legal action is critical.

  • Victims can pursue compensation for "economic damages" like medical bills and lost wages, as well as "non-economic damages" such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. During your free consultation, we can help estimate the potential value of your specific case.

  • Property owners and insurance companies act quickly to protect their own interests; at Doust Law, we act just as quickly to protect yours. Whether you were injured in a commercial retail space, an apartment complex, or on public property, we provide the expert guidance needed to hold responsible parties accountable.

    Why Choose Doust Law?

    • Zero Upfront Costs: You don’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.

    • Specialized Expertise: We focus specifically on California premises liability and personal injury law.

    • Full-Service Handling: We manage the complex legal filings, evidence gathering, and insurance negotiations so you can focus entirely on your recovery.

    Don't let a property owner's negligence derail your future. Call us now at (424) 333-6220 or schedule your free case evaluation today.

STAY INFORMED, STAY SAFE!