Property Owner Negligence and Your Rights

Property Owner Negligence and Your Rights

Property owners in California have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. When a store, landlord, or public agency fails to fix hazards like broken stairs, wet floors without warning signs, or poor lighting, injuries can result. Our slip and fall lawyers in California work to hold negligent property owners accountable and recover compensation for victims across Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, and Sonoma.

Common Scenarios

Premises liability cases include situations such as:

  • Supermarket slips on spilled liquids.
  • Trips over uneven sidewalks or broken pavement.
  • Falls due to broken handrails or poor lighting in apartment complexes.
  • Injuries on unsafe store floors or defective escalators.
  • Dog bites or attacks caused by negligent property owners.

Injuries from Falls

 A slip or trip may sound minor, but the impact can be life-changing. Victims often suffer broken bones, head trauma, or back and spinal injuries—especially dangerous for older adults. Medical care, physical therapy, and lost work can create financial strain, which makes pursuing a claim essential.

Proving a Premises Liability Case

To succeed in a premises liability claim, you must show the property owner knew—or should have known—about the hazard. Evidence often includes incident reports, surveillance footage, photographs, and witness testimony. Our premises liability attorneys in Orange County and beyond investigate thoroughly to build strong cases for our clients.

Dealing with Insurance and Defenses

 Property owners’ insurers often claim victims were careless or that the hazard was “open and obvious.” Even if you were partly at fault, California’s comparative negligence law may still allow recovery. Our attorneys anticipate these defenses and present evidence that keeps the focus on owner negligence.

FAQ: Slip & Fall Cases

  • I fell but didn’t report it immediately. Can I still claim?

    Yes, though it’s best to report as soon as possible.

  • What if there was a warning sign?

    A sign may reduce liability but doesn’t automatically eliminate responsibility if negligence still existed.

  • How long do I have to file?

    Generally, two years from the date of the injury in California.

Get Legal Help for Your Injury

If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property, Shioda Langley & Chang, LLP can evaluate your claim at no cost. With offices in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Riverside, and Santa Rosa, we represent clients statewide.