Property owners have a legal duty to keep their property in a safe condition.
A fall, an assault, a dog bite, a burn — if it happened because a property wasn't kept reasonably safe, California law may hold the owner or manager responsible.
Premises Liability Covers More Than Slip and Fall
Any injury caused by a hazardous or negligently maintained property may qualify — on commercial, residential, or government-owned land
Wet floors, uneven surfaces,
poor lighting, or debris left
in walkways.
Cracked sidewalks, torn carpeting, potholes, or unmarked steps.
Inadequate lighting, locks, or
staffing that allowed a foreseeable assault or robbery.
California holds owners
strictly liable for bites regardless
of the animal's history.
Faulty wiring, blocked exits,
or missing smoke detectors
and extinguishers.
Unsecured merchandise,
shelving, or construction materials.
Poor maintenance or failure
to inspect equipment on
a regular schedule.
Missing barriers, drain hazards,
or lack of required safety equipment.
What we have to establish
California premises liability claims depend largely on notice — proving the owner knew, or reasonably should have known, about a hazard and failed to fix it or warn about it in time.
What compensation can cover
Depending on the severity of your injury, recoverable damages may include both your immediate costs and losses that continue well after the incident.
Medical care
Emergency treatment & hospitalization
Surgery & rehabilitation
Future or ongoing care
Lost income
Wages missed during recovery
Reduced earning capacity
Lost benefits
Pain & suffering
Physical pain
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Do I Need to Prove the Property Owner Knew About the Hazard?
Generally, yes — either that the owner had actual knowledge of the dangerous condition, or that it existed long enough that a reasonable inspection should have alerted to it. Documenting how long a hazard was present is often key to the case.
What Should I Do Right After an Injury on Someone Else's Property?
Seek medical attention, photograph the hazard and your injuries if possible. Promptly get contact information for any witnesses and make a report of the incident. Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
Tell us what happened. We will review your situation and call you back — usually the same day.
Call Us Now for Your Free Consultation: (650) 910-4188.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation.
This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
