A Los Angeles premises liability lawyer can help when a victim has been injured due to hazardous or dangerous conditions on someone else’s property.
Despite being a broad term, “premises liability” essentially refers to any accident involving negligence in a space that is someone else’s property or under their management.
This can include public and private properties such as parks, beaches, apartment complexes, theaters, shops, malls, and amusement parks.
Premises liability litigation can involve a wide range of causes, including fires, swimming pool accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, dog bite attacks, sub-par security, overserving alcohol, and much more.
When a property owner or manager’s negligence contributes to an accident or injury, a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help victims seek compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses.
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For immediate assistance, please call (323) 238-4683 today for help from a top-rated attorney.
Premises Liability Lawyer in Los Angeles
What Are the California Laws for Premises Liability?
Business and property owners are required to protect visitors to their locations, and this includes upkeep on the property and regularly checking for safety hazards.
If an injury takes place at a location such as a mall, school or other business – and the property owner is found to be negligent, then the victim will have a valid claim against the property or business owner.
Premises law is based on proof by the entity that owns the property where the injury occurred. California civil code 1714 lists the rules to provide basic care. A California premises liability attorney can help a victim navigate the legal system and fight for justice.
Types of Premises Liability Claims
Slip and fall accidents
These are accidents that occur regularly, daily, in all different locations. However, some slip and fall and tripping accidents are more serious than others.
Slip and fall accidents can result in severe and debilitating injuries, especially for the elderly. A common example of a slip-and-fall accident is when an individual slips on a grocery store floor. This is often due to a spillage not being cleared promptly, with no wet floor sign deployed.
Fires and explosions
Property owners are key stakeholders in maintaining their properties and ensuring that vital safety features are in place.
For example, an apartment complex in California is required to be compliant with earthquake code and must have fire alarms and sprinklers in good working order. Failure to install mandatory features can be a basis for a property liability case.
Swimming pool accidents
With its year-round good weather, California is a popular place for pools. Unfortunately, swimming pool accidents are also very common.
Drowning and near-drowning incidents are hazardous. Slip injuries are also expected at pools. The property or pool owner may be liable in such cases.
Government Property Accidents
Incidents can happen in public places like city-run parks and government buildings. In such cases, a claim can be filed against the government entity in charge of maintaining and ensuring the safety of the property.
Under California Government Code 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the incident.
Dog attacks
Animal attacks on someone’s property can become the basis for property liability claims. For example, if a landlord knows of a dangerous dog on their property and does nothing about it, they could be held liable for a dog bite attack.
Amusement park accidents
The Greater L.A. area is home to world-famous amusement parks, including Six Flags and Universal Studios, while Disneyland is nearby in Orange County.
There may be a premises liability claim when operator negligence or poor maintenance are to blame for an amusement park accident.
Amusement park premises liability claims can include:
- Wet floor slips. Bathroom floors, aquarium floors, and areas rinsed off can all be dangerous.
- Falls from raised platforms with no handrails or loose bases.
- Whiplash from unexpected sudden jarring movements, braking, or acceleration on rides.
Staff misconduct on park property can include bad food safety practices, reckless endangerment with vehicles and mechanical devices, poor maintenance, and other potentially dangerous activities for parkgoers.
Other types of premises liability cases
Other liability causes include subpar property maintenance, elevator and escalator accidents, leaks and flooding, toxic fumes, chemicals, mold, and more.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help with a Premises Lawsuit?
Here are just a few liability case examples that we see regularly:
Store slip-and-fall injury:
The law firm would investigate if negligence was involved to pursue a claim. When a person is hurt in a fall, it does not automatically mean they can sue. Good premises liability attorneys needs to prove that negligence was involved.
Workplace fall injury:
This may be considered a worker’s comp claim if it is an on-the-job injury. Bisnar Chase does not take on workers comp cases unless it is a third-party injury. For example, if builders left power cords in the way at your place of work, causing a trip accident, we could file a claim against the builders.
Handrail accident:
We have seen many incidents involving apartment handrails giving way. A building owner is in charge of making sure rails are safe. If they have been negligent, then you have a case.
There are countless other examples of potential premises liability cases. Contact us to find out if we can help. Our top-rated Los Angeles premises liability attorneys offer a free consultation and a no win no fee promise.
What is the Benefit of Consulting with a Slip and Fall Attorney?
Slip-and-fall attorneys specialize in these cases. By opting for one of our slip-and-fall specialists, a victim is sure to be counseled by someone who has years of experience in property liability law.
Why is Proving Negligence Important?
Not all injuries will result in successful claims. In some cases, accidents happen, and there is no one to blame. For example, if you slip on a spilled soda at the mall, but the spillage happened moments before the slip, there is no way it could have been dealt with. In this case, there is no premises liability.
But if the soda was on the floor, had been reported, but was not dealt with, then there may be a case for negligence. For your compensation claim to be successful, it is crucial that your Los Angeles premises liability lawyer can demonstrate negligence.
What Should I do After a Premises Accident?
- Immediately seek medical attention. This will ensure your safety, as well as providing proof of your injuries.
- Document everything. Write down exactly what happened, and get contact details for anyone who saw the incident. You could also take pictures of the location, your injuries, and anything else which could be relevant – such as your shoes or clothing.
- Report the accident. Inform the relevant people of your accident, such as a mall manager. But do not give a formal statement if possible, or accept any blame. Always speak to a lawyer first.
- Contact a lawyer. Get a free consultation with an experienced attorney.
We can help explore your rights and find out if there is a case to open a claim. It is important to get the ball rolling since there are time limits on personal injury cases.
Successful Premises Liability Case Study
Bisnar Chase has provided top-class representation to countless clients in premises liability cases.
One of the first cases that firm partner Brian Chase went to trial on was a slip-and-fall case against retail giant Walmart. Our client was Christmas shopping with her kids at a Walmart store when she slipped in semi-dried vomit on the floor. She suffered a serious back injury in the fall.
The Walmart attorneys were relentless, but Bisnar Chase provided expert representation and won a large verdict for the client. The chain lodged an appeal, but our firm prevailed again, securing extra costs and interest.
One of the most eye-opening aspects of premises liability cases is the wide variety of events that fall under this label. It is much more than just slip-and-fall accidents. The Los Angeles premises liability attorneys of Bisnar Chase have extensive experience in all kinds of cases and can offer the help you need.
Damages in Premises Liability Claims & Litigation
Damages Sought in Premises Liability Claims
Injured victims need to protect their rights. They should seek prompt medical attention, file a report with the right authorities, and document evidence including doctor’s visits, medical expenses and days missed at work. These could all affect the amount of compensation they receive.
Injured victims can seek damages including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Hospitalization and rehabilitation
- Permanent injuries
- Lost future income
- Disabilities
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Many defendants have insurance companies and legal defense teams that will do their best to make the claims go away.
It is important to understand that insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. It is the job of insurance agents to save money for their firm, not to ensure the best outcome for you.
For example, an insurance firm may try to gain access to your medical records. Often, they will do so to prove that victims have prior conditions that may be responsible for their injuries. A Los Angeles premises liability lawyer may be able to help you take on the insurance company and win.
It would be in your best interests as the plaintiff to refrain from speaking with insurance firms or defense lawyers without first talking to a Los Angeles premises liability attorney at Bisnar Chase. Ensure you have someone to fight for your rights.
Contacting an Experienced L.A. Premises Liability Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured, please contact our experienced Los Angeles premises liability attorneys at Bisnar Chase today. Our team of personal injury lawyers has an outstanding record when it comes to complex premises liability cases, including traumatic brain injuries, and we are dedicated to helping victims.
Bisnar Chase has been handling personal injury cases for more than 46 years, building up a 99% success rate and winning more than $900 million for our clients.
Set up a free, no-obligation consultation to find out if we can help you!
For immediate help, call (323) 238-4683.
