Maison Law’s team of Glendale personal injury lawyers represent anyone that’s been hurt because of someone’s negligence. We’re committed to protecting your rights if you’ve been injured at a business or anywhere else in Glendale. We will help you identify the responsible party and make sure they are held accountable for your injuries. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about your options.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer?
Unfortunately, no matter where you go in Glendale, there’s always the chance that you could be in an accident. What separates a random accident and a potential legal claim is negligence, and this is especially important in a “premises liability” type incident. But you might be wondering if you should hire a lawyer.
You usually only need a lawyer for serious, long-lasting injuries. For minor accidents, legal help might not be necessary. However, if you do need assistance, we can investigate the accident, explain your legal rights, help gather evidence, identify who is responsible, and simplify the legal process.
Our main goal is to make sure you have what you need for a strong claim. We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there’s no cost upfront to work with us.
How Do You Figure Out Who’s Responsible After a Premises Liability Accident?
No matter where your accident happens, if you get hurt due to something out of your control (and under someone else’s), somebody is responsible. But again, the important part of these accidents is “negligence.”
Negligence is simply the:
- Duty that a person or business has to keep others safe while they’re on their property.
All property owners in Glendale, whether public or private, must ensure their premises are safe for everyone. If they don’t, they can be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that occur, which is known as “liability.”
A key part of liability is where the accident happens. As mentioned, all property owners or management have to keep you safe. Most of the time, these accidents happen at:
- Big box stores and supermarkets
- Restaurants and bars
- Schools
- Churches
- Sidewalks and public spaces
- Parks
- Workplaces
- Private homes and apartment complexes
- Rental properties like AirBNB or Vrbo
Property owners often claim they can’t foresee every danger, but the law requires them to maintain a reasonably safe environment for visitors. To prove negligence in a premises liability case, you need to show that:
- The property owner or manager had a duty to keep the premises safe for visitors.
- They knew or should have known about the dangers through reasonable inspections.
- They failed to fix or warn about these dangers.
- This failure directly caused the accident and your injury.
Liability is a key part of your case, since it effectively sets the course for how it plays out. But remember, just because you have legal options doesn’t mean you have an automatic ticket to your damages. You have to build a strong case.
How Can You Build a Strong Premises Liability Case?
Like any injury claim, what you do matters when you have a potential premises liability claim. If you were in a place you shouldn’t be, like an employees-only area, or were trespassing, property owners owe you less duty of care. Your potential damages can be reduced by your share of fault under California’s “comparative negligence” rule. Here’s how to respond after an accident to make sure you have a strong case:
- Call 911 – Your health comes first. Call 911 and get first aid at the scene if you’re hurt. See a doctor immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Keep all medical records and bills, as they are crucial for your case.
- Report what happened – Inform the property owner, management, or employees about the accident and request a written report. This proves the accident happened and alerts them to the issue.
- Document the accident scene – Take photos and videos of the accident scene, any dangerous conditions, and your injuries. Talk to witnesses and get their contact information. This evidence can support your claim.
- Be careful with what you say or do – Be cautious when talking to insurance companies or the property owner’s representatives. Avoid saying anything that could be seen as admitting fault, and don’t post about the accident on your social media.
An accident can happen anytime, so it’s important to be prepared. What turns an accident into a potential legal claim is negligence, and determining this is crucial for your case. Even more crucial though, is understanding how the claims process works.
How Does the Process Work in a Premises Liability Claim?
One of the hardest things about a premises liability accident is that it can happen anywhere. As mentioned, property owners or caretakers in Glendale have a legal duty to keep you safe. However, you can protect yourself by staying alert and reporting any hazards.
At the same time, California law provides legal protections by allowing you to file an injury claim against the responsible party when you’re hurt because of their negligence. The goal of an injury claim is to recover “damages,” which is usually gotten through:
- Filing an insurance claim out of court
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
Both options can provide financial support for your injuries, depending on the severity of your injuries and the strength of your case. With a strong claim, you might recover:
- Medical expenses, including future care needs
- Lost wages or loss of earning potential
- Repair or replacement costs for damaged property
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological distress
- Decreased quality of life or strained relationships
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence
Every case is different, and results depend on specific details. The claims process can be long and complicated, so patience is important. However, you must file your claim within two years from the date of the accident to meet California’s statute of limitations. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to recover damages.
What Are Some Common Glendale Premises Liability Accidents?
You obviously never expect to be injured in an accident when you’re at a friend’s house for a party or shopping at a store, yet these things happen more than you might realize. Again, a “premises liability” claim is going to come about from a wide range of potential accidents. Most often, though, they involve things like:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Animal attacks, such as dog bites
- Drowning or other water-related accidents
- Stair collapses
- Falling objects or merchandise
- Fire-related injuries
- Electrical accidents
- Injuries from poor or inadequate security
Different locations have different risks. If these risks are overlooked, accidents can occur where the owner of the property might be blamed. These accidents can range from minor injuries needing simple first aid to severe ones requiring surgery, therapy, and long-term treatment. That’s why going through the legal process is important for your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m hurt on public property in Glendale?
You can still file an injury claim, most likely against the City of Glendale itself. The city is responsible for making sure public spaces and areas are safe for you and other visitors. This includes parks, sidewalks, and other common areas managed by the city.
Can I still file a premises liability claim if I share some of the fault?
In California, if you share fault for the accident, your compensation may decrease based on your degree of responsibility, known as “comparative negligence.” Nonetheless, you can still file a premises liability claim for your injuries.
How long do I have to file a premises liability claim?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim.
Contact Maison Law for Guidance After a Glendale Premises Liability Accident
Getting injured in Glendale due to a business or property owner’s mistake can be really upsetting. At Maison Law, our team of Glendale premises liability lawyers is here to help you recover. If you or someone you care about has been hurt because of a property owner’s negligence, contact us today for a free consultation and guidance about what to do next.
