Representing Victims of Slip & Fall Accidents & More
Were you injured on another’s property? Not sure what options you have? BD&J can explain your legal options to you. We understand that this is a complex and difficult process. That is why our skilled Los Angeles premises liability lawyers are here to assess your case and help you determine the next best step.
With more than $1 billion* in recoveries for clients, our team knows how to resolve these legal matters effectively and strategically for clients. We are compassionate, aggressive, and dedicated advocates for the injured. Whether you were hurt at a friend’s residence or injured on a commercial property, we have the resources and skills to handle your case.
What Is Premises Liability?
Under the law, every property owner is responsible for maintaining their premises and ensuring it is safe for people. This is known as a duty of care and can extend to invited guests, children, and licensees. If a person is trespassing or present without your knowledge or consent, they may not fall under this duty of care.
We can handle premises liability cases involving:
- Slips and falls
- Poor maintenance/lack of maintenance
- Dangerous or defective conditions
- Dog bites
- Water leaks / flooding
- Swimming pool accidents
- Other property issues
- Lack of security
- Improper lighting
- Damaged walkways or handrails
If you were involved in an accident caused by any of the hazards listed above, and have suffered an injury, it is crucial that you act quickly to protect your legal rights. You may need to hold the property owner liable for the damages you suffered, from medical expenses to lost wages to pain and suffering.
Who Is Liable in Premise Liability Cases?
Premises liability lawsuits can be complex, and liability is determined on a case-by-case basis. Some examples of who might be held responsible in a premises liability case include:
- The property owner
- A tenant
- A property management company
- A third party (e.g., a contractor who was conducting repairs)
- The parent company (e.g., if the premises was a chain store/hotel)
- An employee of one of the above
A premises liability attorney can help identify the chain of responsibility.
The 4 Elements of Negligence
Proving negligence is a major part of any premises liability case. Negligence has four key elements:
- The person had a duty of care. For example, a bed and breakfast owner has a duty of care to their residents, and a personal trainer has a duty of care to their clients.
- The person breached that duty of care. In other words, the person ignored a problem they knew about, such as not fixing a piece of broken equipment, or took an action that deviated from best practices, such as leaving a child they were responsible for unattended.
- This behavior caused the injury. As a result of the breach of duty of care, a person suffered an injury.
- This injury resulted in damages. Damages can include medical bills or loss of earnings.
BD&J can help you prove negligence and ensure you’re filing a claim against the appropriate party.
What About Building Security Issues?
One common issue that individuals ponder is whether or not an incident resulting from building security or lack thereof may be considered premises liability. For example, say an apartment landlord failed to install proper security lighting, hire a security guard, or install security cameras after several reported break-ins, or take other measures to prevent safety hazards. If the owner failed to take standard security steps, whatever those may involve, and a break-in, mugging, or assault occurred, they could be held liable for any resulting damages.
Filing a Claim Against the Government
If you’ve been injured on government property, you can file a claim against the municipal, state, or federal body that manages the property. A 6-month statute of limitations exists for these claims, which is far shorter than the 2-year limitation on claims relating to private property.
Call for a Consultation With BD&J Today
If you or a loved one has been affected by a premises liability-related accident, the team at BD&J is ready to review your case. Our Los Angeles premises liability attorneys have years of collective experience and know how to thoroughly handle these types of claims. Put us on your side today!
