Premises Liability

If you were injured on someone else’s property in California, you may have a premises liability claim. Property owners and businesses have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions. When they fail to do so, serious injuries can occur.

At Geller Legal – Personal Injury Attorneys, we represent individuals across California who have been injured in slip and fall accidents and other dangerous property conditions. We combine detailed medical analysis with aggressive legal strategy to pursue full compensation.

What Is Premises Liability Under California Law?

Under California premises liability law, property owners, landlords, business operators, and property managers have a duty to exercise reasonable care in maintaining their premises.

This includes:

  • Inspecting for hazardous conditions

  • Repairing known dangers

  • Providing adequate warnings

  • Maintaining safe walkways, stairways, and common areas

When a property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to correct it, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.

California Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common premises liability claims in California. These cases often occur in:

  • Grocery stores

  • Restaurants

  • Shopping centers

  • Apartment complexes

  • Office buildings

  • Hotels

  • Parking lots and garages

Common causes include:

  • Wet or slippery floors

  • Spilled liquids

  • Uneven pavement

  • Broken stairs

  • Loose handrails

  • Poor lighting

  • Torn carpeting

Property owners and their insurance companies often argue that the hazard was “open and obvious” or that the victim was at fault. We investigate surveillance footage, maintenance records, inspection logs, and witness statements to establish negligence.

Other Premises Liability Cases We Handle

In addition to slip and fall accidents, we represent clients injured in:

  • Trip and fall accidents

  • Falling merchandise incidents

  • Negligent security cases

  • Elevator and escalator accidents

  • Swimming pool injuries

  • Dog bites

  • Unsafe building conditions

Each case requires careful analysis of property maintenance, building codes, and safety standards under California law.

Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

Premises liability accidents frequently result in serious injuries, including:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

  • Concussions

  • Hip fractures

  • Wrist and arm fractures

  • Spinal injuries

  • Herniated discs

  • Knee and shoulder injuries

  • Soft tissue damage

  • Chronic pain conditions

Falls are especially dangerous for older adults, often leading to long-term disability. Proper medical documentation is essential to maximizing compensation.

Proving a Premises Liability Claim in California

To succeed in a California premises liability case, you must generally prove:

  1. The defendant owned, leased, occupied, or controlled the property.

  2. The defendant was negligent in maintaining the property.

  3. You were harmed.

  4. The defendant’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing your injuries.

Insurance companies often dispute notice, arguing the property owner did not know about the hazard. We build cases by examining cleaning schedules, inspection policies, prior complaints, and incident history.

Compensation in a California Slip and Fall Case

If you were injured due to unsafe property conditions, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

  • Medical expenses (past and future)

  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation

  • Lost wages

  • Loss of earning capacity

  • Out-of-pocket expenses

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

California follows comparative negligence rules, meaning compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault. Strategic case presentation is critical.

California Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability

In most California premises liability cases, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.

If the property is owned by a government entity (such as a city or county), you may have only six months to file a government claim.

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your recovery.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

  1. Seek immediate medical attention.

  2. Report the incident to the property owner or manager.

  3. Request a written incident report.

  4. Take photographs of the hazard and surrounding area.

  5. Obtain contact information from witnesses.

  6. Contact a California premises liability attorney.

Hazards are often repaired quickly after an accident. Early investigation helps preserve critical evidence.

Why Choose Geller Legal – Personal Injury Attorneys?

At Geller Legal, we prepare every premises liability case as if it will go to trial.

  • Detailed medical record analysis

  • Thorough investigation of property conditions

  • Review of maintenance and inspection logs

  • Aggressive negotiation with insurance carriers

  • Litigation-ready strategy from day one

  • No fee unless we recover compensation

We do not accept quick, undervalued settlements. We pursue full and fair compensation.

Speak with a California Slip and Fall Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured on unsafe property anywhere in California, contact Geller Legal – Personal Injury Attorneys for a free consultation.

Medical Expertise. Legal Power.

Your recovery deserves both.

CONTACT OUR FIRM