Premises Liability Attorney in Los Angeles, California

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility a property owner has for injuries that occur on their property. Whether it is a slip and fall in a grocery store or an injury sustained from faulty stairs in an apartment building, property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any resulting harm. 

If you're in California and have been injured on someone else's property, you should know your rights under premises liability law. Antaramian Law, APC strives to offer the dedicated support you need.  

Serving clients throughout California, including Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura, and Kern Counties, Antaramian Law, APC aims to help people who have suffered due to someone else's negligence.  

With years of experience as a defense attorney for insurance companies, Mr. Antaramian brings unique insights into the strategies used by them, so he can advocate effectively for his clients. 

What is Premises Liability? 

Premises liability is a branch of personal injury law that addresses the responsibility of property owners to prevent harm to those who enter their premises. It applies to both residential and commercial properties and is based on the premise that owners or occupiers of land have a duty of care to ensure that their property is safe for invitees, licensees, and, in some cases, even trespassers. 

The extent of this duty of care can vary depending on the circumstances, such as the reason the person was on the property and the nature of the hazard. For instance, a grocery store is expected to maintain a higher standard of safety for its customers than a private homeowner would for a guest attending a casual visit.  

Common scenarios that can lead to premises liability claims include slip and falls, inadequate maintenance, and insufficient security measures. 

Establishing a premises liability claim requires proving several key elements. The injured party must show that:

• A dangerous condition existed on the property

• The property owner knew or should have known about the condition

• The condition was not obvious to the injured party but could have been remedied through reasonable care

• The hazardous condition directly caused the injury

Property owners often have defenses in premises liability cases, such as claiming the injured party was not paying attention or that they were in an area where they were not permitted to be.  

A knowledgeable attorney can help victims of accidents get justice and compensation for their injuries and losses.

Why You Need Legal Help for Premises Liability Issues 

An experienced attorney can help you gather important evidence, such as surveillance footage or witness testimony, to prove negligence. They can help you accurately assess the value of your claim, taking into account medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.  

Attorneys are skilled negotiators who can deal effectively with insurance companies, to maximize payouts. And if your case goes to trial, your attorney can compellingly present your case. 

An experienced personal injury attorney can also help identify all liable parties, which may not always be limited to the property owner. Since they are familiar with premises liability laws, they can help you meet important deadlines, such as the statute of limitations.  

Understanding Premises Liability Laws in California 

In California, premises liability laws mandate that property owners must maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This includes regular inspections and timely repairs to prevent hazards that could lead to accidents.  

However, not every injury that occurs on a property automatically results in liability. The injured party must prove that the property owner was negligent in maintaining the safety of the premises. 

Some common scenarios that may lead to premises liability claims include: 

• Slip and fall accidents due to wet floors or uneven surfaces 

• Injuries from falling objects 

• Poorly maintained elevators or escalators 

• Insufficient lighting in parking lots or entryways 

• Dog bites or other animal attacks 

California's comparative negligence rule can play an important role in premises liability cases. This rule allows an injured party to recover damages even if they were partially at fault for their injury. However, the total compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.  

California also enforces a statute of limitations for premises liability claims, typically giving victims two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, if the injury occurs on government property, you must file a claim within six months of the incident.  

Under California law, negligence is determined by examining whether the property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to address it. 

If you believe negligence played a role in your injury, Antaramian Law can provide clarity and direction. 

The Importance of Evidence 

In premises liability cases, evidence is key to building a successful claim. This includes photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and medical records detailing the extent of your injuries. Evidence can quickly disappear or become less reliable over time. 

Detailed documentation can strengthen your case and make negotiations with insurance companies more favorable. Expert testimony from professionals, such as accident reconstruction specialists, can substantiate claims of negligence.