Premises Liability Attorney San Francisco Bay Area

Understanding Premises Liability in California

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds owners and occupiers responsible for maintaining safe properties. This responsibility extends to businesses, homeowners, and other property managers across California.

Under premises liability laws, these entities can be held accountable if someone is injured on their premises due to unsafe conditions, and they must not only maintain safe environments but also carry insurance to cover such incidents.

Successful premises liability claims require plaintiffs to establish four key elements:

• Responsibility: The plaintiff must demonstrate the defendant's authority over the premises, which establishes their responsibility for safety.
• Negligence: Evidence should illustrate how the defendant failed to secure their property, such as ignoring hazardous conditions or providing insufficient warnings thereof.
• Direct link: A clear link must be shown between the negligent act (or inaction) and the plaintiff's injury.
• Actual harm: There must be proof of an actual injury or loss, not just the potential for danger.

Without these elements, it’s all but impossible to prove a defendant’s negligence. It’s one reason why working with a premises liability attorney is crucial for success.

Common Causes of Premises Liability Injuries

Premises liability claims can stem from various hazardous conditions that property owners fail to address, including:

• Rotted steps, stairways, and exterior decks: Structural damage can cause falls and severe injuries if property owners neglect necessary repairs.
• Tripping hazards: Irregular pavement, damaged flooring, and unexpected obstructions may cause serious stumbling incidents.
• Insufficient security measures: When insufficient security measures result in assaults or other crimes, property owners may be held liable.
• Slippery surfaces: Untreated wet areas, ice-covered paths, and unattended spills often lead to falls.
• Falling objects: Unsecured equipment, items on shelves, or construction materials can pose serious risks to those below.
• Unsecured dogs: Every property owner is responsible for controlling their pets to prevent attacks on visitors or passersby.
• Unsafe stairwells: Dim lighting, missing handrails, or damaged steps create treacherous conditions.
• Inadequate illumination: Poorly lit parking areas, corridors, or entryways can contribute to falls and assaults.

At Susan Kang Gordon, a Professional Law Corporation, we have successfully represented clients injured due to all sorts of unsafe property conditions.

Properties Involved in Premises Liability Claims

Premises liability injuries can happen in a wide variety of settings, each presenting unique risks.

• Residential properties: Falls from balconies, stairways, or roofs can cause life-altering injuries when safety measures are not in place.
• Commercial spaces: Shopping centers, office buildings, and hotels are often the scene of slip and fall accidents due to poor maintenance or wet floors.
• Public areas: Accidents can occur in schools, government buildings, and parks, where property managers fail to address safety hazards.
• Nursing homes: Inadequate supervision can lead to severe injuries among vulnerable residents.
• Amusement parks: Dangerous rides or poorly maintained attractions can cause serious harm to visitors.
• Parking lots and garages: Poor lighting, potholes, and inadequate security can lead to accidents or criminal activity.
• Stadiums and arenas: Crowded conditions and poor maintenance can result in falls or other injuries.
• Bars and restaurants: Wet floors, overcrowding, and insufficient security can make these venues particularly risky.

Our premises liability lawyer has successfully advocated for clients injured on numerous types of properties.

California’s Approach to Shared Fault

California’s comparative negligence rules allow injured individuals to seek compensation even if they share some responsibility for the accident. However, their compensation would be reduced based on their degree of fault. For example, if a court finds that an injured party was 30% at fault for an incident, they can still recover 70% of the total potential damages.

Types of Compensation Available in California Premises Liability Cases

At Susan Kang Gordon, a Professional Law Corporation, we can help you understand the full range of financial compensation available to you.

This generally includes economic damages, first and foremost. This includes reimbursement for immediate medical costs like emergency treatment and hospital stays, as well as projected future healthcare expenses like ongoing therapy or specialized care. Furthermore, it covers lost wages during recovery and potential reductions in future earning capacity if the injury impairs your ability to work in the same capacity as before.

You may also be eligible to pursue non-economic damages, which recognize the intangible yet significant ways your injury affects your daily existence. They may include compensation for physical discomfort, psychological distress, and the inability to engage in activities you once enjoyed. While these impacts are more challenging to assign a monetary value, they are crucial in acknowledging the holistic effect of the injury on your life.

Why Choose Susan Kang Gordon for Your Premises Liability Lawsuit

At Susan Kang Gordon, a Professional Law Corporation, we combine top-flight legal knowledge and experience with empathy and compassion. Choosing our firm means partnering with an experienced, dedicated attorney who provides personalized representation to every client. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of premises liability incidents, and we’re committed to securing justice and fair compensation for our clients in the San Francisco Bay Area.