Dangerous conditions such as uneven flooring, poor lighting, broken handrails, or unmarked hazards can lead to severe injuries. If you were hurt due to a property owner’s negligence, a Simi Valley personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages.
When you visit someone else’s property, you have the right to expect a safe environment. Unfortunately, not every property owner takes this responsibility seriously.
If you were hurt because someone failed to keep their premises safe, a premises liability lawyer in Simi Valley from Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys can help you pursue compensation.
What Is Premises Liability Law?
Premises liability law is based on the idea that property owners and occupiers must keep their property reasonably safe for visitors. When they fail to do so and someone gets hurt, they can be held legally responsible for the resulting damages.
These cases can occur in many different settings, including commercial properties, residential buildings, public spaces, or even private land. The key question is whether the owner or manager knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it or warn others about it.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases
Accidents on unsafe property can take many forms. Some of the most common examples include:
- Slip and fall accidents: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poorly maintained walkways often cause serious falls that lead to broken bones or head injuries.
- Trip and fall incidents: Exposed cords, cracked pavement, and cluttered aisles are common culprits in trip and fall accidents.
- Inadequate security: When property owners fail to provide proper lighting, locks, or security staff, visitors may become victims of assaults or robberies.
- Swimming pool accidents: A lack of barriers, defective pool drains, or missing warning signs can lead to drownings or other severe injuries.
- Dog bites: A property owner can be liable if their dog attacks a visitor, particularly if the animal has shown aggression before.
- Falling objects: Merchandise that is improperly stacked or stored can fall and injure unsuspecting customers.
Proving Negligence in a Premises Liability Claim
To win a premises liability case, you must prove that the property owner was negligent. To accomplish that, you must establish the following elements:
- Duty of care: The property owner had a duty to keep the premises safe for lawful visitors.
- Breach of duty: The owner failed to correct a hazard or provide a warning about it.
- Causation: The dangerous condition directly caused your injury.
- Damages: You suffered measurable harm.
A Simi Valley premises liability lawyer can work to preserve evidence before it disappears and build a case that clearly shows how the property owner’s negligence caused your injuries.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover
If your claim is successful, you may be able to recover a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: You can recover compensation for hospital bills, doctor visits, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical care.
- Lost wages: If your injury forced you to miss work, you can claim compensation for lost income and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: You can be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress the accident caused.
- Property damage: If your personal items were damaged in the accident, you can seek reimbursement for repair or replacement.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: You can recover damages if your injury prevents you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.
A premises liability attorney in Simi Valley can calculate your damages and help determine the value of your claim.
Why You Need a Simi Valley Premises Liability Attorney
Premises liability cases can be difficult to win. An experienced lawyer can level the playing field by:
- Investigating the accident: A lawyer can gather evidence, identify witnesses, and obtain surveillance footage.
- Establishing liability: An attorney can work to prove that the owner or property manager’s negligence caused your injury.
- Handling insurance companies: A lawyer can deal with adjusters who may try to minimize your claim or delay payment.
- Negotiating settlements: An attorney can fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Representing you in court: A lawyer can take your case to trial if the insurer refuses to settle fairly.
Having legal representation shows the opposing party that you are serious about your claim and unwilling to accept less than what you are owed.
What to Do After a Premises Accident
Taking the proper steps immediately after an accident can strengthen your claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Report the incident: Notify the property owner or manager right away and ensure they create a written report.
- Take photos: Capture images of the scene, the hazard, and your injuries.
- Collect contact information: Get the names and numbers of any witnesses who saw the accident.
- Get medical care: Even if you think your injuries are minor, see a doctor for an evaluation.
- Avoid giving statements: Don’t discuss fault or make detailed statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with a lawyer.
- Reach out to an attorney: Contact a premises liability lawyer to discuss next steps.
Talk to a Premises Liability Attorney in Simi Valley
If you were injured on someone else’s property, it’s time to seek legal help. A dedicated Simi Valley premises liability attorney from Omega Law Group can hold the negligent parties accountable and recover the compensation you need to move forward.
Schedule a free consultation to start building your claim today.