Premises Liability in California: What Injured Victims Need to Know
Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. If you were injured due to dangerous conditions on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation.
Every day, people visit stores, walk through parking lots, enter apartment buildings, and spend time on properties owned by others. Most of the time, nothing goes wrong. But when a property owner fails to keep their premises safe, innocent people can suffer life-changing injuries.
At Maximus Law, we represent victims of slip and falls, unsafe property conditions, inadequate security incidents, dog bites, and more. Here’s what you need to know about premises liability in California—and how we can help.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a type of personal injury law that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their properties.
Under California law, owners have a duty of care to:
- Inspect their property regularly
- Fix hazardous conditions
- Provide warnings if hazards can’t be fixed immediately
- Ensure the environment is reasonably safe for visitors and tenants
When they fail in this duty and someone is injured, they can be held legally and financially responsible.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
- 🏬 Business Owners
- 🏢 Commercial Property Owners
- 👨🔧 Property Managers
- 🏘️ Landlords / Homeowners
- 🐕 Pet Owners (Dog Bites)
- 🔒 Security Companies
- 🧰 Maintenance Contractors
Common Types of Premises Liability Accidents
Premises liability claims cover a wide range of hazardous conditions. Some of the most common include:
1. Slip and Falls
Caused by:
- Wet floors
- Spills
- Loose tiles
- Uneven flooring
- Poorly maintained walkways
- Ice or rainwater accumulation
2. Trip and Falls
Often due to:
- Clutter
- Debris
- Cracked sidewalks
- Raised concrete
- Exposed cables
3. Inadequate Lighting
Dark walkways, stairwells, and parking lots increase the risk of falls and criminal activity.
4. Unsafe Stairways
Broken steps, weak handrails, and loose carpeting can cause serious injuries.
5. Dog Bites or Animal Attacks
Property owners may be responsible if a dangerous animal injures a visitor.
6. Inadequate Security
Property owners must provide reasonable security measures, such as:
- Working locks
- Adequate lighting
- Security cameras
- Gates or controlled access
- Trained security personnel
If a crime occurs because the property lacked basic protection, the owner may be liable.
Common Injuries in Premises Liability Claims
- 🦴 Broken Bones
- 🧠 Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- 💥 Concussions
- 🦵 Sprains & Strains
- 🌀 Spinal Cord Injuries
- 🩹 Soft Tissue Damage
- 🔪 Lacerations & Cuts
- 😞 Emotional Trauma / PTSD
What You Must Prove in a Premises Liability Case
To win a California premises liability case, you must show that:
- A dangerous condition existed on the property
- The owner knew or should have known about the hazard
- The owner failed to fix or warn about the danger
- You were injured because of this failure
- Your injuries caused measurable damages (medical bills, pain, lost wages, etc.)
Maximus Law handles this investigation for you—gathering evidence, reviewing safety records, securing photos, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts.
Why Premises Liability Cases Are Challenging
Insurance companies regularly try to blame the victim by claiming:
- You weren’t watching where you were going
- The hazard was “open and obvious”
- You were distracted
- You shouldn’t have been on that part of the property
- The property owner “didn’t know” about the issue
We know these tactics—and we know how to prove negligence, even when the owner denies responsibility.
What To Do After a Premises Liability Injury
🚨 What To Do After a Premises Liability Injury
Step 1 — Take photos of the hazard
Step 2 — Report it to the property owner/manager
Step 3 — Get witness names & statements
Step 4 — Seek medical care immediately
Step 5 — Do NOT give statements to insurers
Step 6 — Call Maximus Law before signing anything
How Maximus Law Helps Premises Liability Victims
We take a comprehensive approach to building your case by:
- Conducting a full investigation
- Obtaining surveillance footage
- Securing maintenance records
- Working with safety experts
- Calculating your full damages
- Negotiating aggressively with insurance
- Taking cases to trial when needed
We pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Future treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Our goal is simple: maximize your recovery and help you move forward.
Conclusion: Injured Due to Unsafe Property Conditions? We’re Here to Help.
You shouldn’t have to face the legal battle alone.
If a property owner failed to provide a safe environment and you were hurt, Maximus Law is ready to fight for you.
📞 Call Maximus Law today for a free consultation.
We handle the insurance companies while you focus on healing.
Maximus Law, A.P.C.
Protecting Victims. Pursuing Justice.
Call us today: 866-863-2274
