Premises Liability Lawyers in Santa Rosa, CA

Slip & Fall Attorneys Who Are Ready To Help You With Your Case

Premises liability is a legal concept that typically comes into play in personal injury cases where an injury was caused by unsafe or defective conditions on someone's property. This complex area of law establishes the responsibility of property owners to ensure the safety of those who enter their premises. 

This legal principle stipulates that if an individual is harmed due to a defective or unsafe condition on someone else's property, the property owner may be held liable for the injury. The scope of premises liability includes a wide range of scenarios, such as slip and fall accidents due to wet floors or other unsafe conditions. 

Just because an accident occurs on someone else's property does not necessarily mean that premises liability law applies. It must be demonstrated that the property owner or manager was negligent in their duty to maintain safe conditions, which led to the accident. This negligence could be a failure to repair a known hazard, not providing adequate warning about a potential danger, or not performing routine maintenance, which could have prevented the accident. 

If you have been injured on another’s property due to negligence, you can turn to Smith Dollar for legal help. Our team has a comprehensive knowledge of state and local property laws and a proven ability to investigate and present evidence of negligence in claims and lawsuits.

Discuss your case with a Santa Rosa premises liability attorney in a free initial consultation. Reach us online or at (707) 405-7391 to get started. 

Overview of Premises Liability in California

Premises liability accidents can encompass, but are not limited to:

• Slip and fall incidents
• Snow and ice accidents
• Injuries from falling objects
• Broken sidewalks
• Poor or missing lighting in corridors, hallways, or other walking areas
• Torn or loose carpets
• Faulty wiring
• Inadequate building security leading to injury or assault
• Elevator and escalator accidents
• Dog bites
• Swimming pool accidents
• Fires
• Toxic fumes or chemicals

Premises liability accidents involve both public and private property. They can include grocery stores, restaurants, office buildings, parking lots, sports and entertainment venues, shopping malls, hotels, nightclubs, apartment complexes, private homes, and more. 

Compensation in Premises Liability Claims

As in other personal injury claims, the compensation you may secure will depend on the circumstances of your case, such as the extent of your injuries and losses and their impact on your life. In general, compensation can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma from the accident. 

The Complexity of Premises Liability Claims

Premises liability claims can be complicated as the burden of proof lies on the injured party. You must prove that the property owner was negligent concerning ownership and/or maintenance. Proving negligence is not always straightforward and involves thorough investigation and a deep understanding of the law.

Insurance companies often employ tactics to reduce or deny liability in such claims. They may argue you are at fault for the accident or that the extent of your injuries is questionable. For example, they may assert that you were not paying attention or that the owner had no knowledge of the dangerous condition or had no reasonable amount of time to correct or put up warnings about it. 

Why Choose Smith Dollar?

• Local Expertise: Our Santa Rosa premise liability lawyers are deeply familiar with Santa Rosa and Sonoma County laws and courts.
• Compassionate Representation: We understand the emotional and physical toll these cases take and provide personalized legal support.
• Proven Results: Our attorneys have successfully recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for injured clients.
• No Fees Unless We Win: You owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

How Smith Dollar Can Fight to Protect Your Rights & Interests

With such complexities and challenges presented by insurers, it is crucial to have experienced and tenacious legal representation. Smith Dollar provides comprehensive legal services in such cases. Our attorneys have an in-depth understanding of the strategies employed by insurance companies and how to counter them effectively. 

We remain committed to our clients, offering guidance and representation to protect your rights and aggressively fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us via our online form or call us at (707) 405-7391 for a free consultation with a Santa Rosa premises liability lawyer today. 

Premise Liability FAQs

What should I do if I’m injured on someone else’s property?

If you are injured on someone else’s property, take the following steps:

• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Report the incident to the property owner or manager.
• Take photographs of the accident scene and any hazardous conditions.
• Gather contact information from witnesses.
• Consult with a premises liability attorney before speaking to insurance companies.

How do I prove negligence in a premises liability case?

To prove negligence, you must demonstrate:

1. The property owner owed you a duty of care.
2. They failed to maintain safe conditions or address hazards.
3. This negligence directly caused your injuries.

Our attorneys can help collect the evidence needed to establish these elements.

What damages can I recover in a premises liability claim?

You may be entitled to recover:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs

Is there a time limit to file a claim in California?

Yes, the statute of limitations for premises liability cases in California is two years from the date of the injury. It’s important to act quickly to preserve your right to compensation.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.