Orange County Premises Liability Attorney

When you suffer an injury on someone else's property, it's essential to understand your rights under California premises liability law. Premises liability accidents occur when property owners fail to maintain a safe environment, leading to unsafe conditions that result in injuries. Filing a claim can help you pursue compensation and hold negligent parties accountable.

At the Law Offices of Steven Zwick, we're committed to helping those who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of property owners. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through filing a premises liability claim and helping you pursue the compensation you need.

Based in Mission Viejo, California, we extend our services to clients throughout Orange County and beyond. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding Premises Liability

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners and occupiers to ensure the safety of their premises. Property owners must maintain their property to avoid injuries or accidents to visitors, tenants, customers, or any lawful entrants. When they fail to uphold this duty, and someone gets injured, it can lead to a premises liability claim.

Types of Premises Liability Claims We Handle

Accidents can occur anywhere, but when they happen on someone else's property, you may be eligible to file a premises liability claim. These claims can result from various types of situations, including but not limited to:

Slip and fall accidents: These commonly occur due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting.

Dog bites and animal attacks: A lack of proper restraint or warnings for dogs or animals can often lead to injury.

Swimming pool accidents: Injuries commonly result from a lack of supervision or safety features.

Negligent security: Assaults or injuries typically occur due to a failure to maintain adequate security measures.

Fire and chemical exposure: Inadequate maintenance or warning labels can often lead to harmful incidents.

Poor maintenance of premises: Accidents can commonly be caused by inadequate such as falling debris or electrocution.

A premises liability claim aims to hold negligent property owners accountable for their failure to ensure the safety of their property and provide victims with the resources they need to pursue compensation for their injuries.

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Potential Compensation for Premises Liability Claims

If you've suffered an injury on someone else's property due to their negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation. Some of the main types of compensation you can pursue through a premises liability claim include:

Medical expenses: This covers all current and future medical treatment related to your injury, such as surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.

Lost wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work, you may be eligible for compensation for lost wages and your future earning potential if your injury prevents you from returning to work.

Pain and suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident.

Property damage: In cases where personal property was damaged during the incident, you may be able to receive compensation for repairs or replacement costs.

To pursue maximum compensation, it's essential to work with an experienced premises liability attorney who can help you gather evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. However, before you can file a claim, you will need to prove the liability of the property owner.

How to Establish Liability for Premises Liability Claims

To successfully file a premises liability claim, you must prove that the property owner or occupier was negligent and responsible for your injuries. To establish liability, you and your attorney must demonstrate four factors:

Duty of care: You must prove that the property owner owed a duty of care to visitors on their property. This means they were legally obligated to maintain a reasonably safe environment.

Breach of duty: You must prove that this duty was breached by the property owner. This can be shown through evidence such as a lack of maintenance records or witness testimony.

Causation: You must prove that the property owner's breach of duty directly caused your injuries. This requires connecting the unsafe conditions on the premises to your specific injuries.

Damages: You must show that you suffered damages as a result of the property owner's negligence. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Premises Liability Laws in California

California requires property owners to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. Owners have a duty to inspect their property regularly for hazards and address them promptly.

California follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that if you are partially responsible for your injury, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault and are awarded $100,000 in damages, you could still recover $70,000.

Additionally, under California law, property owners are liable for both latent and patent defects. Latent defects are hidden dangers that an owner should reasonably know about, while patent defects are easily visible hazards. Property owners must address both to fulfill their legal obligations.

Statute of Limitations

California also employs a statute of limitations for premises liability claims. You generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failure to meet this deadline may result in losing your right to seek compensation.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Steven Zwick?

At the Law Offices of Steven Zwick, we understand the challenges of premises liability cases. Whether it's a slip-and-fall accident or an attack due to inadequate security, we take a personalized approach to each case. Some of the ways we can help include:

Gathering evidence: A premises liability claim depends heavily on evidence. We can help you collect the necessary documentation, such as medical records, incident reports, and photographs of the scene to strengthen your case.

Expert testimony: In many cases, expert witnesses can provide crucial insight. We work with professionals such as safety inspectors, medical experts, and accident reconstruction specialists to help establish the property owner's negligence effectively.

Negotiations with insurance companies: Insurance companies often attempt to settle for the smallest amount possible. We strive to represent your interests during negotiations to help secure a fair settlement that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.

Aggressive court representation: If negotiations fail, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. We are seasoned litigators who will present a steadfast argument on your behalf to help make sure the full impact of your injuries is recognized and justly compensated.

At the Law Offices of Steven Zwick, our priority is helping pursue compensation for injuries caused on someone else's property. We understand California premises liability law and can help guide you through the legal process while you focus on what matters most: your recovery.

Orange County Premises Liability Attorney

If you've suffered an injury on someone else's property, it's crucial to choose a premises liability attorney with experience and knowledge in these types of cases. At the Law Offices of Steven Zwick, we have a track record of success in handling premises liability claims and helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

If you've been injured on someone else's property due to the property owner's negligence, contact us to schedule a free consultation. Based in Mission Viejo, California, we serve clients throughout Orange County.