If you have been injured on someone else’s property, you could seek compensation through a premises liability claim. However, the process to recover total and fair compensation is often complex, and you can benefit from having an experienced and skilled premise liability attorney on your side. Not only can they help you build a strong case, but they can also allow you to focus on your recovery from the injuries suffered in the incident.
A slip and fall or other types of accidents on someone else’s property can lead to severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, leading to unexpected medical bills, disruption to work life, emotional distress, and other undesirable outcomes. The medical expenses can add up to a substantial amount.
If you are looking for top-quality legal representation for premises liability cases in Westlake Village, CA, you are welcome to get in touch with us at the King Law Firm. We have the required experience and legal expertise to help you get justice.
Common Types Of Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability is a legal doctrine under which the property owner or occupier can be held liable for accidents that occur on their site. As a subset of personal injury law, premises liability focuses on the duty of property owners and occupiers to maintain a safe environment for visitors.
One of the most common types of premises liability cases is related to slip and fall accidents. If the property had a slippery floor, broken stairs, poor lighting, or any other dangerous condition that led to a fall accident, the property owner or occupier could be held liable for the damages.
Another common type of premises liability case is dog bites and animal attacks. If the owner was not able to restrain their pet or take proper safety precautions, then any injuries caused by their pet could provide legal grounds for a premises liability case.
Inadequate security on the property that led to criminal activity such as assault or robbery also falls under premises liability law. Other common types of premises liability cases include swimming pool accidents and elevator accidents.
California Premises Liability Law
In California, premise liability law requires property owners and occupiers to protect others from unsafe conditions at their property. This can be done by either fixing the dangerous situation on-site or clearly informing the visitors on-site about the danger. Of course, the property owner or occupier must be aware of the threat on site and have reasonable time to fix the issue.
The statute of limitations for premises liability cases in Westlake Village, CA, is two years from the date of the injury. This means that victims have a maximum of two years to take legal action. The time frame could be shorter if the case is against a government entity.
The victim has to prove that the defendant owed a duty of care toward them, and this duty was breached, resulting in damages. Based on California premises liability laws, the duty of care extends toward invitees, who are invited onto the property for business purposes, such as customers in a retail shop. It also extends to licensees who are social guests or others on the property for commercial reasons.
The property owner or occupier’s duty of care is limited to trespassers, except to avoid willful harm and to warn of unsafe conditions if the trespasser is discovered on site. Premises liability lawyers can provide you with more specific information on applicable California laws for your premises liability case.
Building a Strong Premise Liability Case
There are several key steps you need to take to ensure you have a strong foundation for a premise liability case. One of the first steps is to ensure you get all the required medical treatment for your injuries. Not only is this vital for your health and safety, but it also helps establish a record of the severity of the injuries.
Ideally, you want to document the scene of the accident. Take photos or videos of the unsafe condition that led to your injury. If there were any witnesses to the incident, ask them if they would be willing to provide statements, as that could play a vital role in the outcome of the case. Other helpful evidence includes a police report for the incident and surveillance footage showing how you got injured.
You want to consult with a Westlake Village premises liability attorney early in the process to get expert guidance on how to proceed with your case. The personal injury lawyer will assess your case to identify liability and determine if your case qualifies for a premise liability claim or if other legal routes should be considered.
If the defendant is covered by an insurance policy, you can seek competition from the insurance company. Keep in mind that the insurance company will try to minimize their liability so make sure you have an attorney on your side when communicating with the insurance company.
General liability insurance or homeowners insurance can provide coverage for premises liability claims. Our premises liability attorneys can offer more in-depth guidance on matters related to insurance claims.
If you don’t get full and fair compensation from negotiations, you can file a lawsuit. To start the claims process, you will need to draft an official complaint and file it with the relevant court in Westlake Village. The opposing party will also need to be provided a copy of the complaint and summons to appear in court, where a judge or jury will hear your case and render a verdict. Your attorney can represent you in court, presenting evidence and arguing in your favor.
Why The King Law Firm Is A Trusted Choice In Westlake Village
Did you suffer a premises liability accident in Westlake Village, California? It is the legal responsibility of the property owner or occupier to provide a reasonably safe environment to visitors at their property. If you feel that the property owner or occupant was negligent, you can seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
At the King Law Firm, we are proud to be a trusted choice for personal injury cases in Westlake Village, CA. We take a client-centered approach to our cases, ensuring we understand their unique needs and concerns and build a strong case.
Our experienced premises liability attorney in Westlake Village has an in-depth understanding of the legal complexities in a premises liability case and can use their expertise to fight for your rights. With our open and transparent communication, we keep our clients informed through the entire legal process so they understand their legal options and get guidance on each step of the way. To experience our top-quality legal representation, please call us to schedule a free consultation with our premises liability lawyer in Westlake Village. If you need assistance with personal injury, check out the services we offer on our personal injury page in Westlake Village.