When a property owner in Los Angeles fails to keep their property safe, visitors can suffer serious injuries that disrupt their health, work, and independence. Whether you slipped on a wet grocery store floor, tripped on a broken sidewalk in Hollywood, or suffered harm from negligent security at a hotel in Downtown LA, you have the right to seek accountability.
A Los Angeles premises liability lawyer from Greenberg Gross can help you take action against those responsible and pursue financial recovery for your losses. Our team provides skilled legal representation and support for individuals and families affected by unsafe property conditions. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you obtain fair compensation.
Key Takeaways: Premises Liability in Los Angeles
Property owners in California have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions and warn visitors of known hazards
The type of visitor you are (invitee, licensee, or trespasser) determines the level of care owed to you under California law
Proving premises liability requires establishing that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition
You generally have two years from the date of injury to file a premises liability claim in California
Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from property-related injuries
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability law holds property owners and occupiers responsible when unsafe conditions on their property cause harm to lawful visitors. California Civil Code Section 1714 establishes that everyone is responsible for the consequences of their actions, including property owners who fail to maintain safe premises. This means property owners can be held accountable if their negligence leads to an injury.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases
Some of the most frequent cases include:
Slip and fall accidents: Wet floors, uneven tiles, or spilled liquids often lead to injuries in places like restaurants or shopping centers.
Trip and fall accidents: Cracked sidewalks, loose carpeting, or cluttered aisles can cause preventable falls.
Negligent security: Lack of adequate lighting or security personnel can allow crimes that result in injury.
Dog bites: Property owners are liable when their pets injure visitors.
Swimming pool accidents: Unfenced or unsupervised pools pose dangers, especially to children.
Toxic exposure: Mold, asbestos, or hazardous chemicals can cause long-term illness.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Injuries on Property?
Depending on the situation, liability may fall on:
Property owners: Responsible for general maintenance and safety.
Tenants or property managers: Accountable when they control and maintain the property.
Corporations or businesses: Liable when unsafe conditions exist in commercial spaces like stores or hotels.
Government entities: When injuries occur on public property such as parks or municipal buildings.
What Are My Rights as an Injured Visitor in California?
Your rights depend on your legal status on the property. California law recognizes three main visitor categories.
Rights of Invitees
Invitees include shoppers in stores or guests at hotels. Property owners owe them the highest level of care, which means regular inspections, maintenance, and prompt repair of hazards.
Rights of Licensees
Licensees enter property with permission but for personal reasons, such as visiting a friend. Property owners must warn licensees of known dangers that aren’t immediately visible.
Limited Rights of Trespassers
Trespassers generally can’t claim damages, but owners cannot deliberately cause harm to them.
Exceptions for Child Trespassers Under the Attractive Nuisance Doctrine
Children sometimes enter property because they’re drawn to features like pools or trampolines. Owners must take precautions to secure these hazards if they can reasonably foresee that children might access them.
Property Owner Duties and Responsibilities
California law imposes clear duties on property owners to protect lawful visitors from harm.
Duty to Inspect and Maintain Property
Owners must regularly check their property for dangerous conditions, such as broken stairs, loose railings, or slick floors.
Duty to Warn of Known Hazards
When immediate repairs aren’t possible, property owners must warn visitors. For example, posting a “Wet Floor” sign or blocking off unsafe areas helps reduce risk.
Duty to Repair Dangerous Conditions
Property owners must fix known issues promptly to prevent harm. Delays in repairs often strengthen a victim’s claim of negligence.
Differences Between Residential and Commercial Property Obligations
Residential owners must maintain their homes to prevent foreseeable harm to guests. Commercial owners face higher expectations due to the number of visitors and business operations.
How Do I Prove a Premises Liability Claim?
Proving a premises liability claim takes careful investigation, detailed documentation, and a strong understanding of California law. An attorney plays a key role in gathering evidence, identifying who’s responsible, and connecting the unsafe condition to your injuries.
Working with a skilled lawyer helps you present a well-supported case that insurance companies and property owners can’t easily dispute.
Establishing the Property Owner’s Duty of Care
Your lawyer must first show that the owner owed you a duty of care based on your status as an invitee, licensee, or child trespasser.
Proving the Owner Knew or Should Have Known About the Hazard
Your attorney needs to show that the owner either knew about the unsafe condition or would have known if they had inspected the property properly. A review of maintenance logs, inspection schedules, and surveillance footage could show that the hazard wasn’t just an accident but something that should have been addressed.
Demonstrating Causation Between the Hazard and Your Injury
Your attorney links the unsafe condition directly to your injury through medical reports, photographs, and expert testimony. For example, if you slipped on a wet floor, your lawyer might use time-stamped video footage and doctor’s records to demonstrate that the fall caused your specific injuries.
Documenting Your Damages
Your lawyer organizes all evidence of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. They work with doctors, vocational experts, and financial professionals to accurately show how the injury affected your health and daily life.
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Premises Liability Cases?
Premises liability incidents cause a wide range of injuries that can affect daily life, work, and long-term health.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Falls often result in broken bones, sprains, or head injuries. Slip and fall accidents commonly occur in grocery stores, apartment complexes, and hotels, where consulting a slip and fall accident lawyer can help injured victims understand their legal options.
Trip and Fall Injuries
Uneven flooring or misplaced objects can cause fractures or back injuries, particularly in office buildings or shopping centers in Burbank.
Inadequate Security Injuries
Poor lighting or missing locks can lead to assaults or theft in areas such as parking garages or apartment complexes in Koreatown.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Drownings and near-drownings frequently occur at private residences or public pools when proper supervision or fencing is lacking.
Dog Bites on Property
California’s strict liability laws make owners responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, even if the dog hasn’t shown aggression before, which can support a premises liability claim after a dog bite.
Toxic Exposure and Mold-Related Illnesses
Mold and toxic substances in apartments or offices in Silver Lake can lead to respiratory illnesses and long-term health issues.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
Compensation in a premises liability case helps offset the financial and personal effects of your injuries.
Economic Damages
These reflect the measurable financial impact of your injury. Your attorney gathers medical records, employment information, and receipts to calculate the full extent of your losses. Economic damages often include:
Medical expenses: Hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and any future medical care you’ll need.
Lost income: Wages you missed while recovering, plus loss of future earnings if your injury limits your ability to work.
Property damage: Personal belongings damaged during the incident, such as phones, glasses, or clothing.
Out-of-pocket expenses: Transportation to appointments or home modifications needed for recovery.
Non-Economic Damages
These address how the injury changed your daily life in ways that don’t have a set dollar value. Your attorney may use personal statements, medical assessments, and witness testimony to demonstrate these effects. Non-economic damages may include:
Pain and suffering: Ongoing physical pain or discomfort caused by the injury.
Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or trauma that results from the incident.
Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
Loss of companionship or support: For spouses or family members affected by the injury.
Government Property Claims and the California Tort Claims Act
If you were injured on public property such as a city park in Echo Park or a government office in Civic Center, you must file an administrative claim within six months before taking legal action in court.
Common Defenses Property Owners Use
Property owners often attempt to limit their responsibility using certain legal defenses.
Open and Obvious Danger Defense
Owners might argue that the hazard was clearly visible, such as a large hole or brightly marked obstacle. However, this doesn’t always protect them if the danger still presents an unreasonable risk.
Lack of Notice or Knowledge
Owners frequently claim they didn’t know about the hazard. Maintenance logs, witness statements, and inspection reports can help challenge this argument.
Comparative Fault Arguments
The defense might suggest that your carelessness contributed to your injury, such as not watching where you were walking.
Assumption of Risk
In some cases, owners argue that you voluntarily exposed yourself to a known risk, like entering an area marked off-limits.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
Premises liability cases often involve multiple parties and complex evidence. Our personal injury attorneys at Greenberg Gross know how to build strong cases that help injured people recover fair compensation for their losses.
Thorough Investigation of Your Accident
We gather witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reports to determine exactly what happened and who’s responsible.
Gathering Critical Evidence
We work with medical experts, engineers, and safety professionals to analyze how the hazard caused your injuries.
Identifying All Liable Parties
In some cases, more than one party shares fault. For example, both a property manager and maintenance company might bear responsibility.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often minimize payouts or shift blame. Our attorneys communicate directly with insurers to hold them accountable for fair settlements.
Taking Your Case to Trial When Necessary
If the at-fault party or their insurer refuses to act reasonably, we’re ready to present your case before a jury.
Maximizing Your Compensation
We focus on proving every aspect of your damages through documentation, expert testimony, and detailed case preparation to strengthen your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Premises Liability in LA
How long do I have to file a premises liability lawsuit in California?
You generally have two years from the date of injury to file a claim. However, if your case involves a government entity, you must file an administrative claim within six months.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my injury?
Yes. Under California’s comparative negligence system, you can still recover damages even if you share some fault, but your recovery amount may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
What if I was injured on government property in Los Angeles?
Claims involving public property follow the California Tort Claims Act, which requires filing a notice of claim within six months. Missing this deadline may prevent you from pursuing your case.
Do I need to prove the property owner was negligent?
Yes. You must show that the owner failed to act with reasonable care and that this failure directly caused your injury.
What should I do immediately after being injured on someone else’s property?
Seek medical attention: Always get examined by a doctor, even if the injury seems minor.
Report the incident: Notify the property owner, manager, or staff right away.
Document the scene: Take photos of the area, hazard, and your injuries.
Collect witness information: Names and contact details of witnesses can support your claim.
Contact an attorney: A premises liability attorney can review your situation and explain your options.
Contact Our Premises Liability Attorneys in Los Angeles Now
Injury cases involving unsafe property conditions often require prompt action. Evidence can disappear quickly, and California law limits the time to pursue a claim. The attorneys at Greenberg Gross are ready to review your case, gather the facts, and help you hold negligent property owners accountable. Our team serves clients throughout Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
Call (213) 334-7000 today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Los Angeles premises liability lawyers will review your situation, explain your legal options, and help you take the next steps toward financial recovery.
Our Los Angeles Premises Liability Lawyer Office Location
Address: 601 S Figueroa St 30th floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Phone: (213) 334-7000
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