Premises Liability Lawyers
UNDERSTANDING PROPERTY INJURY LIABILITY IN CALIFORNIA
Premises liability is an umbrella term that places liability on a property owner, or the one in control of the property, if an individual on the property suffers a particular injury. A dog bite, slip-and-fall incident, inadequate security, fire accident, and other unsafe conditions can all give rise to a potential cause of action if an injury occurs.
INDIVIDUALS WHO MAY HAVE A CAUSE OF ACTION FOR THEIR INJURIES
In premises liability cases, there are three categories of individuals that will determine the overall outcome.
- Invitees: These individuals are invited onto a property, such as a restaurant, hotel, retail store, by an implied invitation or verbal invitation to conduct business.
- Licensees:Â These individuals are allowed to enter a property with the consent, either written or verbal, by the owner of the property or landlord. Guests or repair technicians are common examples of licensees.
- Trespassers:Â These individuals are given neither implied nor verbal consent to enter a property. While trespassers do not have any legal right to be on a property, they may still have a cause of action under certain laws in California depending on the circumstance.
EXCLUSIVELY SERVING BAY AREA INJURED PARTIES SINCE 1992
At The Law Office of Scott Righthand, P.C., a San Francisco personal injury lawyer from our team can help determine if you are eligible to receive compensation as a result of your injuries. We have served the Bay Area since 1992 and represent only plaintiffs with premises liability matters.
We know the laws governing private and public properties and the liability that owners of the properties may be responsible for in these cases. We have assisted and successfully recovered compensation for many parties injured in a wide range of personal injury matters. To request your free case evaluation, contact our office today.
FAQs About Premises Liability in California
Critical evidence often includes clear photographs of the hazard that caused your injury, your visible injuries and the surrounding area. An official incident report, a copy of your medical records and any witnesses’ contact information can also be vital.
For injuries on private property, the statute of limitations is typically two years from the incident. For injuries on public or government property, the deadline to file an initial claim is much shorter, often only six months. It is crucial to contact an attorney well before these deadlines expire to protect your right to compensation.
Even for temporary hazards, a property owner is responsible to take reasonable steps to protect visitors. If a business fails to follow reasonable safety procedures, it can be held liable for injuries caused by temporary conditions.
Fire-related cases are typically more complex as they involve violations of specific fire and building codes. These cases often require testimony from fire investigators and code compliance specialists to prove that a property owner’s negligence led to the fire or prevented a safe escape.
Yes. Property owners in certain areas or types of businesses have a duty to provide reasonable security measures to help protect patrons from foreseeable criminal acts. This can include adequate lighting, security cameras or hiring security guards. If a business fails to provide appropriate security and an assault occurs, it may be held liable for the victim’s injuries.
Whether you are a victim of a dog attack or slip-and-fall incident, let us help you. Call or send an email to schedule a free consultation to discuss your incident, ask questions you may have about the law and discuss the legal options available.