Ever had a slip at the supermarket, a fall at your neighbor’s house, or gotten hurt in a mall parking lot and thought, You’re probably right. When you’re injured on someone else’s property due to negligence, you may be entitled to compensation under premises liability law. That’s where a premises liability lawyer in Los Angeles can help turn your injury into justice.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and managers responsible for maintaining a safe environment. If you’re hurt because a property wasn’t safe—think slippery floors, broken steps, or poor lighting—you might have a case.
Why Premises Liability Matters in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is full of businesses, apartment buildings, tourist spots, and public spaces. That means more chances for something to go wrong. Wet floors, cracked sidewalks, malfunctioning elevators—you name it. When property owners don’t keep their spaces safe, people get hurt. And that’s why premises liability lawyers in Los Angeles are so crucial.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Property Owners
Anyone who owns a property—whether it’s residential, commercial, or industrial—has a legal duty to keep it safe.
Landlords and Tenants
If you rent your home, your landlord may be responsible for hazards in shared spaces. On the flip side, if you’re a tenant running a business, you might be liable for what happens on your leased property.
Business Owners
From restaurants to retail stores, business owners are responsible for customer safety. That includes regular inspections, repairs, and hazard warnings.
Government Entities
Yes, even the city can be held responsible for unsafe sidewalks, broken streetlights, or public building hazards. But cases involving public property have strict rules and deadlines.
Types of Premises Liability Cases
Slip and Fall Accidents
These are the bread and butter of premises liability law. Slippery floors, icy sidewalks, or loose rugs can cause major injuries.
Trip and Fall
Uneven flooring, potholes, or cluttered walkways? If they lead to injury, the owner could be on the hook.
Negligent Security
If you’re assaulted in a parking lot or hotel due to poor lighting or lack of cameras, it might be more than just bad luck—it could be negligence.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Owners are responsible for controlling their pets. If a dog bites you, you could have a valid claim under premises liability.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Pools are fun but also risky. A lack of fencing, supervision, or warning signs can spell legal trouble.
Falling Objects
From retail shelves to construction sites, if something falls and injures you, the property owner could be liable.
Elevator and Escalator Injuries
Maintenance is key. If an elevator drops or an escalator malfunctions, it can lead to serious harm.
Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases
Broken Bones and Fractures
Falls can easily result in sprains, fractures, or shattered bones.
Head and Brain Injuries
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can be life-altering—and incredibly expensive to treat.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
These injuries often result in long-term disability or require surgery and rehabilitation.
Cuts, Bruises, and Burns
From broken glass to electrical hazards, superficial injuries still count—and they hurt.
What Do You Have to Prove in a Premises Liability Case?
You can’t just say “I fell and got hurt.” You need evidence and legal grounds. A good premises liability lawyer in Los Angeles will help prove:
Duty of Care
The owner had a legal responsibility to maintain the property.
Breach of Duty
They failed to meet that responsibility (e.g., didn’t fix a known hazard).
Causation
Their negligence directly caused your injury.
Damages
You suffered actual harm—medical bills, pain, lost income, etc.
What to Do After Getting Hurt on Someone Else’s Property
1. Report the Incident
Tell a manager, landlord, or whoever’s in charge. Get it on record immediately.
2. Take Photos and Videos
Capture the scene—wet floor, broken railing, lack of lighting—whatever caused your injury.
3. Get Medical Treatment
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Injuries can show up later, and you’ll need medical records for your claim.
4. Don’t Talk to Insurance Alone
Insurers are trained to minimize your claim. Don’t give statements or sign anything without talking to your lawyer.
5. Contact a Premises Liability Lawyer in Los Angeles
An attorney can launch an investigation, gather evidence, and deal with tricky insurance companies.
What Compensation Can You Get?
You could be entitled to money for:
Medical Expenses
From ER visits to surgeries and physical therapy.
Lost Wages
If you missed work or can’t return, you can recover lost income.
Future Earnings
Permanent injuries? You may be compensated for reduced earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
This covers physical pain, anxiety, PTSD, and more.
Punitive Damages
In cases of extreme negligence, the court might award extra money to punish the owner.
How California Law Affects Your Claim
Statute of Limitations
In California, you usually have 2 years from the date of injury to file a claim. If the government is involved, it might be as little as 6 months. Don’t wait.
Comparative Negligence
Even if you were partly at fault (say you weren’t looking when you fell), you can still recover damages—just reduced by your percentage of blame.
Claims Against Public Property
You’ll need to file a special notice quickly. A lawyer can help you hit every deadline.
How a Premises Liability Lawyer in Los Angeles Can Help
Investigate and Collect Evidence
Lawyers can subpoena records, gather witness statements, and get expert opinions.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Insurers play hardball. Your lawyer will make sure you don’t get lowballed or blamed unfairly.
File a Lawsuit if Needed
If negotiations fail, your attorney can take your case to court and fight for your rights.
Work on Contingency
Most premises liability lawyers in Los Angeles work on a “no win, no fee” basis—so you don’t pay unless you get compensated.
Why Choose Facchetti Law?
Local Experts with a Track Record
Facchetti Law knows L.A. property laws inside and out—and has won tough cases.
Personalized Service
They don’t treat you like just another file. You get attention, respect, and clear communication.
You Only Pay if You Win
No upfront fees. You focus on healing; they focus on winning.
Conclusion
Accidents happen. But when they happen because someone didn’t do their job keeping a space safe, you shouldn’t have to pay the price—physically, emotionally, or financially. A skilled premises liability lawyer in Los Angeles can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
FAQs
1. What is the deadline to file a premises liability claim in Los Angeles?
You typically have 2 years from the date of the accident to file. If the injury occurred on public property, you may have as little as 6 months to notify the government.
2. Can I still sue if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Yes. California uses comparative negligence, meaning your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault—but you can still recover.
3. What does it cost to hire a premises liability lawyer in Los Angeles?
Most lawyers work on contingency, so you pay nothing upfront. They get paid only if you win.
4. What kind of evidence is useful for my claim?
Photos, videos, incident reports, witness statements, and medical records are crucial to building a strong case.
5. How long will it take to settle my case?
It depends. Some cases settle in a few months; others take a year or more if they go to trial. A lawyer will push for the best result as quickly as possible.
