Maison Law helps people that have been injured in Hanford accidents. Of all the different types of accidents you could be in, one of the most frustrating happens when a property owner or manager doesn’t keep you safe. In legal terms, this is known as “premises liability” and can involve a lot of different kinds of accidents. Regardless, though, our team can guide you through the process and help you get better. Contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
Should You Get a Lawyer?
You don’t need a lawyer for any accident claim, but if you’re more seriously injured–or your case is more complicated–having one can really help. This is especially true in premises liability cases, because there’s a lot of different variables in play. So, here’s why you should get a lawyer if you’ve been hurt in one of these accidents:
- Investigating the accident – Our team can gather the critical evidence needed to build a strong case for you.
- Explaining your rights – Our team will help you understand your legal rights and outline the best options for filing a claim.
- Proving responsibility – Our lawyers will figure out who is legally responsible for your injuries and hold them accountable.
- Simplifying things – With Our team handling the legal work, you can focus on your recovery without added stress.
In Hanford, businesses and property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. If you’re injured due to their negligence, Our team can make sure you get the damages you need for your injuries and losses.
Who’s Liable for a Premises Liability Accident in Hanford?
In simple terms, property owners in Hanford–whether they run a business or own private property-must make sure their premises are safe for visitors. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries or accidents that happen because of their negligence. To make it easier to understand, it’s helpful to look at what premises liability accidents usually involve:
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Dog bites and other animal attacks
- Drowning or water-related incidents
- Stair collapses
- Falling objects or merchandise
- Fire-related injuries
- Electric shock injuries
- Accidents caused by lack of proper security
While property owners may argue they couldn’t foresee the danger, the law expects them to fix hazards or warn visitors as soon as they’re aware of them. But once you’re hurt in an accident and want to file a claim, you have to show negligence. This means showing the following:
- The property owner or manager had a duty to keep the property safe for visitors.
- They knew or should have known about the hazard, either through awareness or regular inspections.
- They didn’t take action to fix or warn about the danger.
- Their failure directly caused your injury or accident.
Figuring out liability is a key part of your case–it tells you who is responsible for your injuries and who must cover your damages. But as you can probably tell, this can get complicated pretty quickly. That’s why it’s helpful to look at where these accidents happen so you can more easily uncover liability.
Where Do Premises Liability Accidents Happen in Hanford?
Premises liability accidents can happen just about anywhere, which is one of the most challenging aspects of these cases. Property owners and managers in Hanford have a legal responsibility to keep their properties safe, but it’s also important for you to stay alert and report any hazards you come across. Here are some common places where premises liability accidents tend to happen most often:
- Sidewalks and public spaces
- Parks
- Workplaces
- Private homes and apartment complexes
- Rental properties like those on Airbnb or Vrbo
- Big box stores and supermarkets
- Restaurants and bars
- Schools
- Churches
Different locations come with different types of risks. If property owners ignore these risks, they can be held accountable for any resulting accidents. The severity of these accidents can vary, from minor injuries that require basic first aid to more serious injuries needing surgery, therapy, and long-term care. This is why the legal process is crucial for both your physical and financial recovery.
What are the Damages You Can Get in a Premises Liability Claim?
Premises liability injuries can happen anywhere, and the consequences can range from mild to serious in terms of the damage. California law gives you the right to file a claim against the responsible party to recover “damages” for your injuries, which is just financial support. Generally, there’s two main ways you can do this:
- Filing an insurance claim (out of court)
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
Both options can help you access financial support, but the type of claim you file depends on your injuries and how well you present your case. With a strong claim, you could possibly recover things like:
- Medical costs, including long-term care
- Lost income or reduced earning potential
- Property repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional distress)
- Emotional distress or psychological harm
- Decreased quality of life or damaged relationships
- Punitive damages for cases involving extreme negligence
Each case is unique, and the results depend on the specific circumstances. The claims process can be long and complex, so patience is necessary. You also need to act quickly–California’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Missing this deadline could mean losing your chance to recover these important damages.
What Should You Do to Protect Your Claim After Getting Hurt?
Your actions after a premises liability accident can significantly impact your claim. If you were in an area you weren’t supposed to be, such as an employee-only section or while trespassing, the property owner may owe you less of a duty of care. Under California’s “comparative negligence” rule, your compensation may be reduced depending on your share of fault. Here’s what you should do after an accident to protect your claim:
- Get medical care – Your health comes first. After the accident, call 911 or get first aid at the scene. Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor right away. Keep all medical records and bills as they will be vital for showing your losses and tying your injuries to the accident itself.
- Report the accident – At the same time, you need to report the accident to the property owner, manager, or staff. Tell them what happened and ask for a written report. This creates a record of the incident and makes sure they’re aware of the hazard–and also puts the ball in their court to fix it.
- Document what happened – Take photos and videos of the accident site, hazardous conditions, and your injuries. If possible, gather contact information from any witnesses, as this can help support your case.
- Be careful with statements – When talking to insurance companies or representatives from the property owner. Don’t say anything that could be seen as admitting fault, and just keep things basic. Ideally, you’ll want to talk to our lawyers first to make sure you handle it the right way.
Accidents can happen at any time, but what differentiates a random incident from a legal claim is negligence. Understanding the role of negligence in your case is a crucial part of exploring your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t know who owns the property?
Even though property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe, this duty also falls on people or groups that manage the property. So for example, if you slip and fall at Walmart, the store’s management–and thus the company ownership–will still be responsible for your injuries.
What happens if I share some of the blame for the accident?
In California, if you’re partly at fault for an accident, your damages may be reduced based on your level of responsibility. This is called “comparative negligence,” but you can still file a claim for a premises liability accident.
Can I file a premises liability claim if my landlord is at fault?
Yes, if your landlord fails to maintain a safe property, you can file a premises liability claim. Even as a tenant, your landlord is responsible for keeping the property safe and can be held liable for accidents caused by their negligence.
Get a Free Consultation After a Hanford Premises Liability Accident
Dealing with an injury in Hanford can be stressful, especially when it’s caused by a property owner’s negligence. Our Hanford premises liability lawyers at Maison Law are here to help you get through the recovery process. Contact us today to set up your free consultation and take the first step toward the support you need.
