Accidents that occur because a property owner failed to fix a hazard can have serious consequences. Anything from a slip on a wet floor to an assault in a poorly lit parking lot can leave someone with injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma. In California, property owners are required to keep their space in reasonably safe condition, but proving liability can be complicated.
A Fresno premises liability lawyer can gather evidence, push back on delays, secure the proper experts, and deal with insurance companies. Early investigation is important to preserve evidence such as surveillance videos, changes to the condition of the property, or eyewitness accounts, so you should seek help from a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. With the right legal support, you can focus on healing instead of taking on insurance companies.
State law recognizes that property owners and occupiers have a responsibility to prevent dangerous conditions, as a premises liability lawyer in Fresno can explain during an initial consultation. This obligation is the duty of care outlined in California Civil Code § 1714 that requires property owners to keep their area reasonably safe and take steps to warn visitors about known hazards.
In Rowland v. Christian (1968), the California Supreme Court ruled that this same duty of care applied to anyone lawfully on the property, including tenants, guests, or contractors. If you are there legally, you are owed the same reasonable level of care.
When unsafe property conditions are ignored, people can suffer injury in preventable accidents. Some of the common hazards that can lead to premises liability claims include:
Every case is unique, and a number of factors must be considered. Those include what the property owner knew or should have known and whether they acted reasonably to prevent the harm. A premises liability attorney in Fresno can help with understanding and identifying these factors.
Dangerous property conditions can cause a variety of injuries that can be temporary or permanently life-changing. A few of the most common ailments include:
In addition to dealing with the pain of these injuries, people harmed by unsafe property conditions can struggle with high medical costs, lost income, and a negative impact on their quality of life. Fortunately, state law allows injured parties to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering. Working alongside an attorney in Fresno who has experience with premises liability cases can help ensure no avenue of recovery is overlooked.
No one expects to be injured while running errands or walking to their car in a parking lot. No one should have to suffer because a property owner failed to keep their space safe. If unsafe conditions caused you harm, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. A Fresno premises liability lawyer can help you understand your rights and meet deadlines. While no outcome is guaranteed, having the proper legal support can make the process less stressful and help you move forward with confidence.
If you or someone you love was injured due to unsafe property conditions, consider reaching out to our firm. Since 1975, we have helped clients across California secure significant settlements for their injuries. Acting quickly increases your chances of preserving evidence and maximizing your recovery, so contact us today.
