You weren’t expecting to get injured. No one does. Maybe you were walking through a grocery store when you slipped on a spill that should’ve been cleaned up hours ago. Or maybe you were visiting a friend’s apartment, and a broken stair gave way beneath you.
Now, you’re in pain, stuck with medical bills, and wondering if you’ll have to miss work because of someone else’s carelessness. And to make things worse? The property owner or their insurance company is probably trying to downplay your injury or avoid responsibility altogether.
That’s not okay. As a Van Nuys premises liability lawyer, we know that property owners in California have a legal duty to keep their spaces safe. When they fail to do so and someone gets hurt, they should be held accountable.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we fight for people just like you people who were injured because of unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. Whether it was a slip-and-fall, negligent security, or another hazard, we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. As a trusted personal injury attorney in Van Nuys, I’ll walk you through your options no pressure, no upfront fees. Just real answers.
Injured on Someone Else’s Property? Here’s What You Need to Know
You didn’t ask to get hurt. You were just going about your day running errands, visiting a friend, or grabbing a coffee. But because of unsafe conditions, you’re now dealing with medical bills, pain, and uncertainty about what comes next.
The truth is, property owners have a legal duty to keep their spaces safe. If they fail to fix hazards or warn visitors, they can be held responsible for the injuries they cause.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we help personal injury victims in Van Nuys get the compensation they deserve. If you’re facing medical expenses, lost wages, or the need for ongoing care, let’s talk about your options.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability means that property owners are responsible for keeping their spaces safe for visitors. Whether it’s a store, apartment building, office, or parking lot, owners must take reasonable action to prevent premises liability accidents like slips, falls, and traumatic brain injuries caused by hazardous conditions.
If they fail to fix a slippery floor, broken handrail, or inadequate lighting, and someone gets hurt, they can be held liable for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
The law is clear: if a property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and did nothing, they should pay for the harm they caused.
Common Premises Liability Cases in Van Nuys
Slip and Fall Accidents
A simple wet floor can change your life in seconds. Stores, restaurants, and business property owners are supposed to address hazards like spills, loose carpeting, and bad lighting. But when they don’t, falls can cause broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries.
Imagine walking through a grocery store and suddenly slipping on a puddle left behind by a leaking freezer. If there were no adequate warning signs, the store may be responsible for your medical treatment, lost income, and physical therapy.
Inadequate Security Leading to Assault
Some places like apartment buildings, parking garages, and hotels are more prone to criminal activity. Property owners must take adequate security measures to protect guests. This includes installing surveillance cameras, hiring security guards, and fixing poor lighting in stairwells and hallways.
If a landlord or business ignores these safety precautions, and you’re attacked because of negligent security, you may have a premises liability claim.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
A dog bite can cause serious infections, nerve damage, and permanent scarring. In California, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. If you were bitten on someone’s property, you could recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Unsafe Construction Sites
Construction sites are full of potential hazards, from falling debris to exposed electrical wiring. If you’re a passerby, visitor, or contractor injured on-site due to unsafe conditions, you may be able to hold negligent property owners, trucking companies, or general contractors accountable.
For example, if a semi-truck driver at a construction site leaves dangerous debris in a walkway and someone falls, that injured person could pursue a premises liability claim against the responsible parties.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Pools should be fun not dangerous. But without proper fencing, regular inspections, and clear warning signs, pools can become serious hazards. Drownings, slip-and-falls, and severe, life-altering injuries can happen when property owners fail to keep their pools safe.
If a lack of safety measures led to your injury or a wrongful death you may have a case. Families who lose loved ones in pool accidents may be entitled to wrongful death damages, including burial expenses, loss of companionship, and financial recovery.
Who Is Liable in a Premises Liability Case?
If you were hurt on someone else’s property, you’re probably wondering: Who’s responsible for this?
The truth is, it depends on where and how the accident happened. Property owners, landlords, businesses, and even government agencies could be at fault. If they failed to fix unsafe conditions or warn visitors about potential hazards, they could be legally responsible for your injuries.
For example, if you slip on a wet floor at a grocery store because no one bothered to put up a warning sign, the store owner or manager may be held accountable. If a landlord ignores broken stairs or bad lighting, they could be responsible for a tenant’s fall.
In some cases, more than one party could be at fault. A construction site accident might involve both a property owner and a contractor. A premises liability attorney can investigate the situation and figure out who should pay for your injuries not you.
Proving Negligence in a Premises Liability Claim
Getting injured isn’t enough to file a premises liability claim you also have to prove that the property owner was negligent. That means showing:
- There was a dangerous condition on the property
- The owner knew about it (or should have known)
- They didn’t fix it or warn people
- That failure led to your injury
Let’s say you trip on a loose carpet in a hotel lobby. If hotel staff ignored it for weeks despite multiple complaints, that’s negligence. But if someone spilled water seconds before your fall, and the hotel never had a chance to clean it up, proving negligence could be trickier.
This is where a premises accident lawyer helps. They gather the right evidence, push back against insurance companies, and fight to prove the property owner’s responsibility.
What Evidence Is Crucial in a Premises Liability Case?
Evidence is everything in a premises liability case. The stronger your proof, the harder it is for an insurance company to deny your claim. Here’s what makes a difference:
- Photos & Videos: Take pictures of the unsafe conditions whether it’s a slippery floor, loose railing, or broken stairs. If there are security cameras, your lawyer can request the footage.
- Witness Statements: If anyone saw what happened, their testimony can help confirm how and why you were injured.
- Medical Records: Doctor’s reports, hospital bills, and treatment plans prove the extent of your injuries.
- Incident Reports: If your accident happened at a store, hotel, or apartment building, report it immediately and ask for a copy.
Time matters. If you wait too long, security footage gets erased, witnesses forget details, and hazards get fixed. A premises liability law firm can help collect evidence before it disappears.
Common Premises Liability Injuries
A bad injury can change your life in an instant. Some of the most common injuries we see in premises liability cases include:
- Broken bones from slips and falls
- Spinal cord injuries caused by unsafe staircases or parking lot accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries from falling objects or poorly maintained walkways
- Burn injuries from gas leaks or electrical hazards
- Nerve damage from dog bites or other animal attacks
Some injuries heal quickly. Others require long-term treatment, physical therapy, or even ongoing care. The medical bills add up fast, which is why fair compensation is so important. A premises liability attorney helps make sure you’re not stuck paying for someone else’s negligence.
Steps to Take After a Premises Liability Accident
The moments after an accident can be confusing. You’re in pain, trying to process what happened, and not sure what to do next. Here’s what can help:
- Get Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, see a doctor. Some injuries like traumatic brain injuries or nerve damage aren’t obvious right away.
- Document the Scene – If you can, take photos of the hazardous conditions that caused your injury. Get the names of any witnesses.
- Report the Incident – If you were hurt at a business, notify the owner or manager. If it happened at an apartment complex, inform the landlord.
- Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies Alone – They may try to lowball your settlement or twist your words against you.
- Talk to a Premises Liability Law Firm – A lawyer can handle the legal process, fight for fair compensation, and make sure you get the help you need.
If unsafe conditions caused your injury, don’t wait. A premises liability attorney can fight for what’s rightfully yours.
How Fault Impacts Your Claim in California (Comparative Negligence Law)
You might be wondering, “What if I was partly at fault for my accident?” Maybe you were looking at your phone when you slipped on a wet floor, or you didn’t notice a broken step until it was too late. Does that mean you can’t file a claim?
Not at all. California follows a comparative negligence law, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially to blame. However, the amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, let’s say you fell in a grocery store because an employee failed to clean up a spill. But at the time, you were walking fast and not paying full attention. If the court finds you 20% responsible and the store 80% responsible, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. So, if your total damages are $100,000, you’d still receive $80,000.
This is where having a premises liability attorney really matters. Insurance companies love to blame the victim because the more fault they assign to you, the less they have to pay. A skilled premises accident lawyer will fight back, proving the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent your injury.
Recent Case Outcomes & Statistics (Establishing Credibility)
The best way to understand how premises liability cases work is to look at real results. Here are some actual case examples that show what’s possible:
$250,000 Settlement – Slip and Fall in a Restaurant
A woman slipped on a greasy floor in a restaurant, suffering a spinal cord injury. The restaurant denied responsibility, saying she should have “watched her step.” But we proved the floor was unreasonably slippery and that employees had ignored multiple complaints. She received $250,000 to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
$500,000 Settlement – Assault Due to Negligent Security
A tenant was attacked in his apartment parking lot. The complex had broken security cameras and poor lighting, despite previous incidents of crime. We held the property owner accountable, arguing they failed to take reasonable action to protect residents. The result? A $500,000 settlement that covered his medical care, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Premises Liability by the Numbers
- Slip and fall accidents send over 1 million people to the emergency room every year.
- The average settlement for premises liability cases in California ranges from $30,000 to $500,000, depending on injury severity and negligence.
- Severe injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, often result in higher settlements and verdicts due to long-term medical needs.
These numbers prove that when property owners fail to maintain safe conditions, they can and should be held responsible. A premises liability law firm will make sure you’re not left dealing with the consequences alone.
Compensation in Premises Liability Cases – What’s Your Case Worth?
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, you’re probably asking, “How much is my case worth?” The short answer: It depends.
Your compensation is based on how serious your injuries are, how much medical care you need, and how the accident affects your life. In general, a premises liability claim can cover:
- Medical expenses – From hospital bills and physical therapy to future treatments if needed.
- Lost wages – If you missed work because of your injury, you should be compensated for that time.
- Pain and suffering – Covers the physical pain and emotional stress caused by the accident.
- Property damage – If your phone, clothing, or other belongings were damaged in the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – If your injuries prevent you from doing things you love, that loss should be recognized.
- Punitive damages – In cases of extreme negligence, the court may award extra compensation to punish the property owner.
For example, imagine you slip and break your leg in a shopping mall because of a loose tile. You need surgery, miss two months of work, and go through weeks of physical therapy. Your case could be worth anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
No two cases are the same, but one thing is clear: You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence. A premises liability attorney will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Our Van Nuys Premises Liability Law Firm?
You deserve a lawyer who actually cares not just one who sees you as another case file. We’ve spent years helping people injured because of unsafe conditions, holding negligent property owners accountable, and getting real results.
Our clients come to us feeling frustrated and uncertain. They leave with the compensation they deserve and the peace of mind that someone fought for them. And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay us a cent unless we win your case. If you’ve been hurt, let’s talk.
Get a Free Case Review – Protect Your Rights Now
You don’t have to wonder whether you have a case we’ll tell you, for free. A simple phone call can give you the answers you need. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and help you understand what to expect moving forward.
There’s no pressure and no obligation just honest, straightforward advice from a team that’s ready to fight for you.
Don’t wait. Evidence fades, witnesses forget details, and deadlines matter. The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be.
Call now for a free consultation. Let’s get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
