Life happens fast. One moment, you’re running errands at the grocery store or walking through a parking lot, and the next, you’re on the ground, in pain, wondering what just happened. If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property due to negligence, you may have a premises liability claim and we’re here to help.
At Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, our premises liability attorneys in Glendale fight for injury victims who have suffered due to unsafe property conditions. Whether you slipped on a wet floor, fell due to a broken handrail, or were injured at a commercial property, apartment complex, swimming pool, or construction site, we know the law and how to hold the responsible party accountable.
Let’s dive into what you need to know about premises liability law, your rights, and how our glendale personal injury lawyers can help you seek financial compensation.
What is a Premises Liability Lawyer?
A premises liability lawyer is a personal injury attorney who specializes in cases where people are injured on dangerous or poorly maintained properties. Whether it’s a grocery store, construction site, swimming pool, parking lot, or apartment complex, property owners must ensure their spaces are free from hazards.
If they don’t, and you get hurt, you have the legal right to pursue monetary compensation for your injuries. But here’s the catch: insurance companies and property owners will do everything they can to avoid paying you. They’ll blame you for the accident or claim that you’re exaggerating your injuries. That’s why having the right legal representation is critical.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle
Premises liability cases can arise from a variety of hazardous conditions. Some of the most common cases we handle in Glendale include:
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slips, trips, and falls happen everywhere—grocery stores, parking lots, apartment complexes, and construction sites. Property owners must clean spills, repair uneven flooring, and ensure proper lighting. A breach of duty in these areas can lead to serious injuries.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Drowning and near-drowning accidents are tragically common, especially when attractive nuisances like swimming pools are left unsecured. If a property owner failed to install proper fencing or warning signs, they could be held liable.
Inadequate Security Cases
Property owners must provide adequate security in areas prone to crime. Poor lighting, broken locks, or a lack of security cameras can make people vulnerable to attacks. If you were assaulted due to negligent security, you may have a premises liability lawsuit.
Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
A property owner is responsible if their pet attacks someone on their property. Dog bites can lead to infection, nerve damage, and even wrongful death claims.
Toxic Chemical Exposure
Exposure to toxic chemicals in commercial properties, apartment complexes, or construction sites can lead to severe health issues. If a property owner fails to warn visitors about hazardous materials, they could be liable.
Falling Objects & Structural Failures
Loose shelving, defective staircases, and poorly maintained structures can cause catastrophic injuries. Business owners, landlords, and property managers must regularly inspect their properties to prevent accidents.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. If they fail, they may be held liable for any injuries visitors sustain. This responsibility covers various issues, such as wet floors, broken stairs, or inadequate lighting.
To hold a property owner liable, you must show that they knew or should have known about a hazardous condition and did not fix it. This is known as negligence. In some cases, if the property owner willfully ignored dangerous situations or failed to warn visitors, they could face even more severe consequences.
Below are examples of conditions that can lead to liability:
- Wet floors
- Broken stairs
- Improper storage of hazardous materials
- Inadequate lighting
Many property owners have premises liability insurance to cover potential injury claims. However, this insurance might not apply if the owner is proven negligent. Therefore, property owners must exercise reasonable care to ensure their visitors' safety.
By knowing their duty of care, property owners can better manage potential liabilities. Understanding the importance of maintaining safe conditions can protect them from legal claims.
Types of Injuries in Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability cases involve various injuries due to unsafe conditions on a property. These can occur because of slip and fall accidents, electrical shocks, burns, or inadequate security. Below are the two main categories of injuries that can result:
Physical Injuries
These cases can lead to different physical injuries:
- Slip and Fall Injuries: Falling on slippery surfaces or uneven ground can result in sprains, fractures, head injuries, or spinal cord injuries. These accidents sometimes lead to serious complications that may require surgery or rehabilitation.
- Trip and Fall Injuries: Stumbling over obstacles such as broken steps can cause broken bones, cuts, and bruises. These injuries often occur due to cracked pavement or similar hazards.
- Electrical Shock Injuries: Poorly maintained electrical systems with exposed wires or faulty equipment can cause electrical shocks.
- Burn Injuries: Burns happen in specific settings, like grease fires in restaurants, due to hazardous conditions.
Emotional Distress
Injuries from premises liability cases can also cause emotional distress, which includes:
- Anxiety and Depression: These conditions can arise after an injury incident and affect a person's daily life.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Victims may encounter lasting trauma that hinders their ability to cope with change.
- Claims for Compensation: Emotional distress is often considered a non-economic damage. It requires detailed documentation for claims in order to secure fair compensation. Acknowledging such distress is important as it highlights the mental impact of the injury.
Understanding these types of injuries is crucial. Both physical and emotional damage play significant roles in premises liability claims. They ensure that victims receive the necessary support for a return to normalcy, aiming for maximum compensation for their hardships.
Relevant Premises Liability Laws in California
In California, property owners are not just encouraged but legally required to uphold a duty of care to keep their premises safe for everyone, including both tenants and visitors. When this duty is neglected, and safety issues lead to injuries, property owners can face serious liability. This responsibility extends to both private property owners and businesses alike, as they must ensure a secure environment to protect against premises liability claims.
California premises liability laws mandate regular inspections to identify and address hazardous conditions. Property owners must be proactive in rectifying any dangers to reduce risks associated with liability. Municipalities share this responsibility, as they are also tasked with resolving potentially hazardous situations on their properties.
While it’s impossible to prevent every accident, willfully ignoring visible dangers can open the door to lawsuits. Conducting routine checks and making prompt repairs are essential steps in maintaining a safe environment. By taking these proactive measures, property owners can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and the resulting legal repercussions. Always remember, being vigilant and committed to property safety can prevent immense distress and financial burden in the future.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover in a Premises Liability Case?
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A premises liability claim helps you recover money for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
There are three types of damages in these cases: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. Economic damages cover medical costs and lost income. Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Punitive damages punish property owners who act recklessly.
Economic Damages – Covering Your Financial Losses
Medical bills add up fast after an accident. You may need hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, or long-term medical care. These costs should be fully covered by the responsible party’s insurance policy.
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim lost wages and future earnings. You shouldn’t have to struggle financially because of someone else’s negligence. Property damage, like a broken phone or torn clothing from a fall, may also be included in your claim.
Non-Economic Damages – Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Impact
Injuries don’t just cost money—they change lives. Chronic pain, mobility issues, and emotional trauma can affect your ability to work and enjoy life. If your injury keeps you from doing things you love, you deserve compensation.
Emotional distress is real. Many injury victims suffer from anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In some cases, relationships with family and spouses are impacted, leading to loss of consortium claims. You deserve recognition for what you’ve lost.
Punitive Damages – Holding Negligent Property Owners Accountable
Punitive damages don’t compensate victims—they punish reckless property owners. If a landlord ignored safety complaints or a business knew about a hazard but did nothing, they should be held accountable.
These damages send a message: negligence won’t be tolerated. While not awarded in every case, they can increase your total compensation if the property owner’s behavior was especially reckless.
Premises Liability Lawyer Near You in Glendale
As your local legal advocates, our premises liability attorneys specialize in holding negligent property owners accountable. We handle cases involving slip and falls, inadequate security, dog bites, swimming pool accidents, and toxic exposure.
With a proven track record against insurance companies and property managers, we fight for maximum compensation. If you were injured in a grocery store, parking lot, apartment complex, or commercial property, we’re here to help.
Do I Need a Lawyer for My Premises Liability Case?
Absolutely. Premises liability law is complex, and insurance adjusters are not on your side. Their goal? To minimize payouts or deny your claim altogether.
Without an experienced personal injury lawyer, you could end up settling for far less than you deserve. At Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we handle everything, including:
- Investigating the accident and collecting incident reports, surveillance footage, and medical records.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive maximum monetary compensation.
- Taking your case to court if the responsible party refuses to pay what you’re owed.
- Helping you navigate the complicated insurance policy loopholes that companies use to deny claims.
You focus on healing. We’ll handle the legal battle.
Contact Our Premises Liability Lawyers in Glendale
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait. California law has strict deadlines for filing a personal injury lawsuit, and waiting too long could cost you your right to compensation.
We’ve helped countless clients recover millions of dollars in financial compensation for their injuries. Now, let us help you.
- No upfront costs – We don’t get paid unless you win.
- Aggressive legal representation – We fight for every dollar you deserve.
- Personalized attention – You're not just another case; you're a person who deserves justice.
Your recovery starts today. Let’s fight for the justice you deserve.
