If you suffered injuries on another person’s property, contact the Bakersfield personal injury attorneys of Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers immediately. You might be entitled to compensation if the incident was due to the property owner’s or another negligent person’s actions. We could represent you in your case against the at-fault party and hold them liable for their misconduct.
Homeowners and business owners must maintain their properties in such a way that guests are safe and free from harm. If dangerous conditions exist on the property, the owner should know about it and take immediate action to repair or replace the defect. They must also provide adequate warning of hazards so visitors know to avoid those areas. Without taking the necessary precautions, an owner could be liable for any injury that happens on the property.
Property owners don’t always admit when they are at fault for someone’s injury. Many don’t want to accept liability and be held liable for the accident victim’s medical bills and other expenses. Proving fault in a premises liability case can be challenging. That’s why it’s critical to hire Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers immediately. We can investigate and gather evidence to prove you are entitled to compensation. We have represented injured clients since 2007 and have a proven track record of success.
At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, our premises liability attorneys in Bakersfield, CA, know how stressful it is to treat an injury while pursuing compensation in a claim or lawsuit. You face various responsibilities and might feel overwhelmed. You can count on us to take over the legal aspects and handle them for you so you can focus on getting better. Our legal team will advocate for your rights and try to resolve your case favorably.
Call us at (619) 233-5020 or reach out to us online for your free consultation and learn more about what we can do for you.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases
You might encounter dangerous conditions without realizing it and sustain an injury. You could fall down the stairs or trip over a pothole in the parking lot. Premises liability involves a range of scenarios that can lead to someone’s injury.
The most common types of premises liability cases Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers take are:
- Collapsing porch or balcony – A poor design or unrepaired structural damage could cause a balcony to collapse. Anyone standing on it could fall and get hurt. Life-threatening injuries and even death could result from a collapse at great heights.
- Flooding – A leaking roof or busted pipe could cause flooding inside the building. If the floor is wet and no one mops up the water, someone could slip.
- Dog attacks – Dog owners must secure their dogs at all times while they’re out in public. They are not allowed to let their dogs roam free. The owner could be liable for injuries from a dog bite or attack.
- Fires – A property owner might not meet the required building and safety codes. Faulty wiring could spark a fire. Guests might not have a way of escaping or protecting themselves if safety equipment isn’t available.
- Parking lot accidents – Accidents in parking lots don’t only include car crashes. Someone could trip over an inconspicuous parking curb or hazard they don’t notice due to a lack of lighting.
- Slip/trip and falls – Anyone could slip or trip and fall upon encountering dangerous conditions on commercial or residential property. The property owner must address the dangers promptly or place warning signs to prevent accidents.
- Swimming pool accidents – Spending time at the local swimming pool is enjoyable for anyone. However, a range of factors, such as unsecured drain covers or unmarked slippery surfaces, can contribute to an accident and injuries.
- Construction sites – Construction is necessary for many reasons. Owners might add new structures to the property, repair the exterior, or rebuild an outdated office space. It’s their job to ensure there are barriers, cones, and other warnings to inform guests of the restricted hazardous area.
- Elevator and escalator accidents – Routine maintenance is necessary, so escalators and elevators run correctly. Malfunctions caused by inadequate maintenance and repairs could lead to injuries.
If a negligent property owner is responsible for causing any of these or another dangerous situation in which you were injured, contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers right now. We can review the circumstances and determine whether you have a premises liability case you can pursue.
Common Causes of Injuries on Dangerous Properties
Business owners and their employees must keep their guests safe. That means they should promptly address any issues and provide adequate warning of defects that could cause injuries. Without fulfilling the required duties, property owners can be liable for an accident.
The most common causes of accidents on commercial and residential properties include:
- Inadequate lighting – Parking lots, stairwells, and other poorly lit areas should have enough lights to guide people safely to where they’re going. Visibility issues can cause someone to fall.
- Damaged or missing railings – Handrails are necessary in many areas so visitors have something to grab if they’re unsteady on their feet or about to fall. If a railing isn’t sturdy, it doesn’t serve its purpose.
- Lack of security guards – Security might be necessary on some commercial properties. The owner should hire trained and experienced personnel to protect guests during dangerous and emergency situations.
- Loose mats, carpeting, and rugs – Carpeting should be secure on the floor, and mats and rugs should contain slip-resistant materials. Loose flooring can lead to a slip and fall.
- Defective steps – Defects, such as broken steps, are dangerous. Visitors could step on or trip over the defect and lose their balance.
- Uneven or cracked sidewalk – The exterior of the property must also be in good condition. Owners should maintain the sidewalks, so people walking into the building don’t fall and sustain an injury.
- Wet floors – Floors become wet for many reasons. Someone could spill their drink, or an employee might mop the floor without placing warning signs.
- Potholes – Normal wear and tear, damage, and severe weather can cause potholes to form in parking lots. It’s crucial for owners to repair them or block off the area, so no one walks near them.
Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers are ready to represent you against the negligent business owner or homeowner. We can determine the available insurance coverage, file a claim, and negotiate a settlement on your behalf. You won’t have to face the complex process alone. We will guide you through each step and remain by your side until the end.
Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases
You don’t have to suffer a severe or life-threatening injury to seek compensation. Even a minor injury might entitle you to pursue action against the property owner. As long as someone else is responsible for the incident, you could file a claim for a settlement to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs.
The most common injuries associated with premises liability cases include:
- Paralysis
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Sprained ankles
- Pulled muscles or tendons
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns
- Dislocated joints
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Toxic substance exposure
- Electrical shock
- Broken bones
Psychological injuries are also common in premises liability matters. Some people develop phobias because of the traumatic incident or depression due to chronic pain or a disfiguring injury. Even if the physical wounds heal, the emotional strain could last long after the accident.
At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, our premises liability attorneys in Bakersfield, CA, know the various challenges ahead. We have the resources and experience to assist you in your recovery and get your life back on track.
Compensation Available for Premises Liability
Even a mild sprain or minor cut requires medical attention. You receive a bill every time you get an X-ray, see a specialist, or fill a prescription. The cost of treating an injury can be expensive, and many people end up in debt because they can’t afford their medical bills.
The negligent property owner or another at-fault party should be financially responsible for your expenses. Their wrongdoing put you in this situation, so they should face the consequences. When you file a claim or lawsuit, you could recover compensation for your accident-related losses, such as:
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
You might also recover exemplary damages. This form of compensation is only available in a lawsuit and punishes the defendant for their actions. To receive this financial award, you must provide clear and convincing evidence of the at-fault party’s oppression, malice, or fraud.
Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability
If you want to sue a business owner or homeowner for the dangerous property conditions that caused your injury, you must meet a strict deadline. California’s statute of limitations for premises liability cases provides a two-year window. That means you have two years from the date of your injury to file your lawsuit.
If the statutory deadline expires before you file, you could lose your right to compensation for your losses. However, two exceptions could pause the clock and extend the two-year filing window if either applies to your case:
- Minority – If you are under 18 when the incident occurs, you must initiate your lawsuit within two years after your 18th
- Legal disability – If you are of unsound mind when you sustain an injury, you don’t have to file suit until you gain mental competency.
Contact Us
Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers fight hard for people in need of quality legal representation. We take our job seriously and always strive for the best possible result no matter what type of case we handle. Our Bakersfield premises liability attorneys have built a stellar reputation and have received various awards for our work. You can expect open and honest communication, one-on-one attention, and aggressive representation from start to finish.
If you suffered injuries in an accident due to a negligent property owner’s or homeowner’s actions or failure to act, call Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers at (619) 233-5020 for your free consultation today.
