Mission Viejo Premises Liability Attorney
Trusted Premises Liability Attorneys Serving Mission Viejo
Accidents can happen anywhere, and every year in California, countless people are injured on both private and public properties. These injuries often lead to costly medical treatments, ongoing rehabilitation, and emotional distress. Property owners have a legal responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe for anyone who is lawfully on their property. In some situations, this responsibility also includes regularly inspecting the property to identify and address potential hazards. At our firm, our Mission Viejo premises liability attorney understand the complexities that come with cases like these. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
With over 15 years of experience handling complex premises liability claims, our dedicated personal injury attorneys know how to build strong cases. We ask the right questions, thoroughly investigate every detail, and work to identify all parties responsible for your injuries. Our goal is to maximize your recovery, hold negligent property owners accountable, and help you move forward after an unexpected injury.
If you’ve been hurt due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, contact us to learn how we can help you protect your rights and secure the compensation you need.
Common Types of Premises Liability Claims and How We Can Help
Premises liability cases arise when someone is injured due to unsafe conditions on another person’s property. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment, and when they fail to do so, serious accidents can occur. Here are some of the most common types of premises liability claims:
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall cases are among the most frequent premises liability claims. These accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. Common causes include:
- Cracked sidewalks
- Wet or slippery floors
- Missing handrails
- Uneven carpeting or loose floor tiles
When a property owner neglects these hazards, they can be held responsible for the injuries that result.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pools, whether private or part of a public facility like a water park, can be dangerous if not properly maintained. Property owners can be held liable for injuries or drownings caused by:
- Slippery pool decks
- Lack of proper supervision
- Defective pool equipment
- Unsecured pool areas leading to accidental access
These incidents can lead to devastating injuries, especially for young children.
Dog Bite Injuries
If you’re bitten or attacked by a dog, the pet’s owner may be legally responsible, especially if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior. Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and even long-term complications, depending on the severity of the attack.
Retail Store Accidents
Accidents in stores and shopping centers are more common than many people realize. Customers can be injured by:
- Falling objects from shelves
- Slippery floors
- Poorly maintained walkways
- Tripping hazards like loose rugs or exposed cords
Retailers have an obligation to keep their premises safe for shoppers, and failure to do so can result in liability.
Assaults Due to Negligent Security
Businesses like bars, hotels, and apartment complexes are responsible for providing adequate security to protect their patrons. If you’re assaulted due to poor security measures, such as:
- Inadequate lighting in parking lots
- Broken locks or unsecured entrances
- Lack of security personnel in high-risk areas
…the property owner may be held liable for your injuries.
Understanding Negligence in Premises Liability Cases
In California, property owners have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a safe condition. When they fail to do so, and someone gets hurt as a result, they can be held legally responsible. This concept is known as premises liability, and it often comes down to whether the property owner was negligent in the use or maintenance of their property.
When Is a Property Owner Considered Negligent?
A property owner (or person responsible for the property) is considered negligent if all the following conditions are met:
- There was an unsafe condition on the property that created an unreasonable risk of harm.
- The property owner knew about the dangerous condition—or should have known about it if they had exercised reasonable care.
- The property owner failed to take action to address the issue. This could mean:
- Not repairing the hazardous condition
- Failing to take steps to protect people from the danger
- Not providing clear warnings about the hazard
In simple terms, if a property owner knew (or should’ve known) about something dangerous on their property and didn’t do anything to fix it or warn people, they can be held responsible if someone gets hurt because of it.
What About Public Property?
Premises liability doesn’t just apply to private property—it also applies to public property, like roads, sidewalks, and government-owned buildings. In California, a public entity (like a city or county) can be held liable for injuries caused by dangerous conditions on public property if certain conditions are met:
- The property was in a dangerous condition at the time of the injury.
- The dangerous condition directly caused the injury.
- The dangerous condition created a foreseeable risk of the type of injury that occurred.
Additionally, one of the following must be true:
- A government employee’s negligence caused or contributed to the dangerous condition while they were doing their job.
- The public entity had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition. This means they either:
- Knew about the hazard, or
- Should have known about it (because it existed for a long enough period) and had enough time to fix it or take steps to protect people before the injury occurred.
Why This Matters
Understanding how negligence is determined is key if you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property—whether it’s a private business, someone’s home, or public property. If you can prove that the property owner or public entity knew (or should’ve known) about the hazard and didn’t take proper action, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
If you believe negligence played a role in your injury, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you determine the best course of action.
Reach Out to Our Mission Viejo Premises Liability Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Banner Attorneys in Orange County, CA, we’re dedicated to helping injury victims like you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
We take the time to understand your unique situation, working closely with you every step of the way. Our team is committed to fighting aggressively for the full compensation you’re entitled to, including coverage for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- And other damages related to your injury
Don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Contact our Mission Viejo premises liability attorney today for a free consultation and let us help you start the path to recovery.