Clovis Premises Liability Lawyer

Do You Really Need a Lawyer?

Not every injury needs legal help. But if you’re dealing with more than a few bruises—or the insurance company isn’t treating you fairly–it might be time to talk to a lawyer. Here’s how we help people in your situation after a property-related injury:

• We look into what happened–who saw it, what the conditions were like, and what should have been done to prevent it.
  
  

• We collect proof, like security footage, photos, or accident reports.
  
  

• We explain your rights in plain language, so you don’t feel lost in legal terms.
  
  

• We deal with the insurance company, so you don’t have to.
  
  

• And if the insurance offer isn’t enough, we’ll help you take the further steps–including filing a lawsuit.
  
  

At the end of the day, property owners in Clovis are expected to keep walkways clear, hazards marked, and their guests protected. When they don’t, and you’re the one that ends up getting hurt, that’s not just unfortunate–it gives you legal options.

What Can You Recover After a Premises Liability Accident in Clovis?

If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property in Clovis—whether it was at a retail store on Herndon Avenue or in the common area of an apartment complex—you may have the right to file an injury claim. Like a car accident claim, this process is about helping you recover from both the physical and financial impact of what happened. There are generally two options for moving forward: 

• Filing a claim with the property owner’s insurance

• Filing a personal injury lawsuit, if needed

What’s right for you depends on how bad your injuries are and how the insurance company responds. If your claim is successful, here’s what you may be able to recover: 

• Medical bills – This includes everything from the ambulance ride to future rehab, prescriptions, and follow-up care. If you’re still dealing with symptoms down the road, your future treatment can also be factored in.
  
  

• Lost income – If you missed work because of the accident–or if your injuries now limit the kind of work you can do–you can include that loss in your claim.
  
  

• Damaged personal items – Phones, glasses, watches–anything you were carrying that got broken during the accident may also be included.
  
  

• Pain and suffering – Some injuries linger long after the ER visit. If you’ve been dealing with physical pain or discomfort, that can be part of your claim, too.
  
  

• Emotional distress – Whether it’s anxiety, panic in certain settings, or trouble sleeping, emotional effects from the accident are very real–and valid. This can cover costs related to this.
  
  

• Changes to your everyday life – If you can’t hike the Sierra trails like you used to, or your injury keeps you from picking up your kids, that impact matters. That’s part of what’s called “loss of enjoyment of life.”
  
  

Each case is different, and the timeline can vary–but in California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you wait too long, you might lose the chance to take action at all.

Who’s Responsible for Paying Your Damages in These Accidents?

It seems simple—if you get hurt on someone else’s property, the owner should be responsible. But proving that isn’t always easy. Even in Clovis, you’ll still need to show that someone was negligent. That usually comes down to a few key things:

• The person or business responsible had a legal duty to keep the property safe.

• They knew (or should have known) there was a dangerous condition.

• They didn’t fix the issue or give proper warning.

• That failure led directly to your injury.
  
  

That’s the foundation of a premises liability claim. But here’s where it gets tricky: the at-fault party isn’t always just the property owner. Depending on the situation, it could also be:

• A tenant leasing the space

• A building manager or maintenance team

• A contractor doing work on the property

• Security staff or an event organizer

• A third-party vendor using the space
  
  

Everything comes down to the specifics of what happened, but these are the people that are generally responsible for covering your damages when you’re injured. But because the circumstances are so important, a way to make narrowing down liability easier is to look at when and where these kinds of accidents happen.

Where Do Premises Liability Accidents Happen in Clovis?

Anywhere you walk in Clovis–whether it’s inside a business or outside on public property–there’s a basic expectation that the space will be reasonably safe. That’s the core of California’s premises liability law. If a property owner or manager lets a dangerous condition go unchecked and someone gets hurt, they can be held responsible. But again, it’s all about what actually happened. Here are some of the most common places where premises liability accidents happen around Clovis–and how they happen:

• Private homes and driveways – Homeowners still have a duty to keep their property safe for guests.
  
  
• Retail stores and shopping centers – Grocery spills, cluttered aisles, or broken tile floors can easily cause a slip or trip.
  
  

• Sidewalks and walkways – Cracked pavement, raised concrete, or poor lighting can turn a normal walk into a serious fall.
  
  

• Parks and trails – Unsafe equipment or broken paths in places like Letterman Park or the Clovis Trail system can cause injuries.
  
  

• Apartment complexes – From poorly maintained staircases to slippery hallways, tenants and visitors alike can get hurt if management cuts corners.
  
  

• Short-term rentals (like Airbnb or Vrbo) – Hosts are responsible for hazards on their property, just like hotels are.
  
  

• Restaurants and coffee shops – Places with high foot traffic often have hazards like wet floors or uneven seating areas.
  
  

• Schools and daycare centers – These spaces have a higher duty of care, especially where kids are concerned.
  
  

• Churches and community centers – Poor maintenance or lack of proper security can lead to preventable injuries.
  
  

Each location comes with its own risks. And while some injuries may seem minor at first, others can lead to surgery, rehab, or missed work—things that can take a serious toll. That’s where knowing your legal options can make all the difference.

What Should You Do After Being Hurt at an Unsafe Premises?

Once you’re injured on someone else’s property, what you do next can shape your claim. Whether you slipped at a local grocery store or were injured in someone’s backyard, you’ll need evidence and documentation to back up what happened. Here’s what to do right away:

• Report it – Tell the store manager, property owner, or whoever’s in charge. This creates a paper trail and gives them a chance to fix the hazard.
  
  

• Take photos and notes – Get clear pictures of the hazard, your injuries, and the scene. If anyone saw what happened, ask for their name and contact info.
  
  

• Watch what you say – Don’t downplay your injury or say it was your fault. Stick to the facts, especially when talking to insurance companies.
  
  

• See a doctor – Even if you think it’s minor, get checked out. Your medical records will be a key part of your claim.
  
  

Also, keep in mind that in California, your own actions can affect your case. If you’re found partially at fault—like ignoring a posted warning—your final recovery could be reduced. But as long as you were being reasonably careful and the hazard wasn’t addressed, you likely still have a valid claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t know who owns the property?

That’s common. In many cases, the property is managed by a landlord, HOA, or business operator. They’re usually responsible for keeping it safe and can still be held liable.

Can I file a claim if I wasn’t supposed to be there?

It depends. If you were in a restricted area or somewhere marked off-limits, your case may be harder to prove. But if you were somewhere the public is normally allowed, you likely still have a case.

What are the most common premises liability accidents in Clovis?

Injuries we see often include slip and falls, dog bites, broken stairs or railings, pool accidents, and injuries caused by poor security or lighting.

Let’s Talk About Your Clovis Premises Liability Case

Getting hurt because someone else didn’t take care of their property is frustrating–and can be expensive. Our team at Maison Law is here to help you figure out your next steps, from reviewing what happened to helping you file a claim. We’ll make the process easier to understand, and it all starts with a free consultation. Reach out today.