If you slipped, fell, or got hurt because a property wasn’t safe, you might be wondering who’s responsible and how you’re going to deal with everything. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we help people in Sherman Oaks get answers and real help after being injured on someone else’s property.
Whether it happened at a grocery store, apartment building, or a parking lot, property owners have a legal duty to keep their spaces safe. As a Sherman Oaks premises liability lawyer and experienced personal injury advocate, Adrianos Facchetti has helped clients recover compensation for injuries that could and should have been prevented. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
What Is Premises Liability in California?
Premises liability is the legal idea that property owners are responsible for keeping their space safe. If someone gets hurt because of a hazardous condition like slippery floors, broken stairs, or poor lighting the owner may be held legally accountable.
In California, the law says owners must take reasonable steps to fix or warn about unsafe conditions. This applies to stores, apartment buildings, office buildings, and other places open to the public. When they don’t, and someone gets hurt, personal injury attorneys can help the injured party seek fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Common Causes of Premises Liability Accidents in Sherman Oaks
Accidents happen when property owners don’t fix obvious problems. A short trip to the store or a visit to someone’s apartment can quickly turn into an injury that needs weeks of recovery. Some of the most common issues we see in personal injury matters include:
- Slippery or wet floors
- Broken or uneven stairs
- Poor lighting
- Falling objects
- Lack of security
- Obstructed walkways
- Unmarked hazards
Injuries Frequently Caused by Unsafe Properties
Personal injuries from unsafe properties can be serious. Some people recover in days, others spend months in physical therapy or dealing with surgeries. These are not just bruises they’re injuries that can change a person’s life, and they often come with high medical costs and long-term effects.
- Broken bones
- Head injuries or concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains)
- Injuries from physical assault
What to Do After a Premises Liability Injury
If you’ve been hurt because of unsafe property conditions, the first step is to get medical care even if the injury doesn’t seem serious at first. A doctor can catch things you might miss, and the medical records will support your claim later.
Try to take photos or have someone help you capture the scene. A wet floor, broken handrail, or poor lighting can disappear quickly, and without proof, the property owner or insurance adjuster may deny what happened. After that, speak with an experienced attorney. The earlier you do, the easier it is to build a strong case and protect your rights.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Premises Liability Claim?
Responsibility depends on who had control over the property when the injury happened. It could be a business owner who ignored a hazard, a landlord who failed to repair something, or even a property management company that didn’t follow safety rules.
For example, if someone trips over loose wiring in a store, the store owner may be liable. If it happens in an apartment stairwell, the building owner or management could be at fault. Liability in premises liability claims depends on who knew or should have known about the danger and didn’t fix it.
Understanding Negligence in California Property Injury Cases
Negligence means someone didn’t act with reasonable care, and it led to someone else getting hurt. In premises liability accidents, it usually means the property owner didn’t keep their property safe.
Let’s say a store has a leaking fridge and never puts out a warning sign. If a shopper slips, that’s a valid claim. But if the floor was just cleaned and marked with a warning, the situation could be different. California also follows comparative fault if you’re partly responsible, your compensation could be reduced, but you may still recover damages.
What Compensation Can You Recover from a Premises Liability Case?
Accident victims can recover money for both what they’ve lost financially and what they’ve suffered personally. That includes medical bills, rehab costs, lost income, pain, emotional stress, and even the loss of enjoyment of everyday life. In serious cases, like wrongful death claims or catastrophic injuries, families may also receive compensation for loss of companionship or future income.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit in Sherman Oaks?
In most premises accident cases in California, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. That might sound like a lot of time, but evidence doesn’t wait security footage gets deleted, conditions get repaired, and witnesses forget details. Acting early gives your attorney a better chance to hold the right parties accountable.
For example, if someone slips on uneven pavement outside a Sherman Oaks restaurant and waits too long to take legal action, it could become harder to prove what happened. Speaking with an experienced premises liability attorney as soon as possible protects your chance at fair compensation.
Why Hire a Sherman Oaks Premises Liability Lawyer?
Premises liability laws can get technical, and every case is different. An experienced Sherman Oaks premises liability attorney knows how to handle complex claims, deal with insurance companies, and push for a fair outcome whether the injury happened in a parking lot, swimming pool, or entertainment venue.
Clients have worked with the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti after suffering accident injuries in local businesses and homes. They’ve recovered money for medical bills, missed work, and emotional stress. And with no upfront attorney fee unless you win, it’s a practical step with no added financial stress. Just ask around many reviews highlight the firm’s success rate and personal attention.
FAQs About Premises Liability in Sherman Oaks
What’s the difference between premises liability and general negligence?
General negligence is a broad legal concept someone fails to act reasonably, and someone else gets hurt. Premises liability is a type of negligence that focuses specifically on unsafe conditions on property. For example, if a business owner doesn’t fix a broken step and someone falls, that’s a premises liability issue.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. California follows a rule called comparative negligence. If you were partly responsible for instance, you were texting while walking you can still recover money, but your compensation might be reduced based on your share of the fault.
Do I need to go to court to win compensation?
Not always. Many premises liability claims are settled with insurance companies before reaching court. But if the insurer won’t offer a fair amount, experienced premises liability lawyers will be ready to go to trial if needed.
How much does it cost to hire a premises liability lawyer?
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, there’s no upfront cost. You only pay if we win your case. That means no fees until you receive compensation for medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.
Get Help from a Local Premises Liability Attorney - No Fees Unless You Win
If you’ve been injured on unsafe property in Sherman Oaks, the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti is here to help you understand your legal options. We offer free consultations, so you can ask questions and get clear advice without any upfront cost.
Our Sherman Oaks team handles everything from slip and fall accidents to cases involving negligent security or dangerous conditions. We know the local courts and understand how to deal with insurance companies that try to avoid paying what’s fair.
There’s no fee unless we win your case. Call today to speak with an experienced premises liability lawyer who’s ready to help you take the next step.
