Maurer Law represents individuals and families throughout California who have been injured due to unsafe property conditions. We help our clients navigate the difficulties of these cases and receive the compensation they and their families need.
Maurer Law represents individuals and families throughout California who have been injured due to unsafe property conditions. We help our clients navigate the difficulties of these cases and receive the compensation they and their families need.
If you or someone you love has been injured on someone else’s property, you may be dealing with far more than just the physical effects of that injury. Medical bills begin to add up, work becomes difficult or impossible, and everyday tasks can feel overwhelming.
Under California law, property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions for the people who enter their property. When they fail to do so—and someone gets hurt as a result—the law provides a path forward. These cases are known as premises liability claims.
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for injuries caused by unsafe conditions on their property.
In California, the expected “duty of care” that a property owner must exhibit has broad applications. Property owners must take reasonable steps to:
If they fail to meet this responsibility and someone is injured as a result, they may be held legally liable for damages.
Importantly, premises liability does not only apply to homeowners. It also applies to other parties, including:
Each premises liability case depends on specific facts, but the underlying principle is the same: people have a right to be reasonably safe when they enter someone else’s property.
While “slip and fall” accidents are one of the most widely recognized types of premises liability claims, they are only one part of a much broader category. At Maurer Law, we handle a wide range of cases involving unsafe property conditions.
These cases often involve:
The consequences of these types of accidents can vary widely, from minor bumps and scrapes to serious injuries such as fractures, head injuries, and spinal damage.
Unsafe stairs, broken railings, or poorly maintained structures can lead to severe falls. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that stairways and structural elements meet safety standards.
In retail stores, warehouses, or construction areas, improperly stored items can fall and cause serious harm. These cases often involve violations of safety procedures or improper maintenance.
Property owners may be responsible for failing to provide adequate security in situations where criminal activity is foreseeable. This can include:
Landlords in California have specific legal obligations under habitability laws. When they fail to maintain safe living conditions, tenants may be injured due to:
These cases often involve violations of building codes and housing regulations.
Property owners may also be liable for injuries caused by animals on their property, particularly when they fail to properly restrain or control them.
Please note this is not an exhaustive list of all possible premises liability cases. If you have a situation that is not represented here, please do not hesitate to talk with a premises liability lawyer to determine whether your case may apply.
Successfully pursuing a premises liability claim in California requires proving several key facts:
There must have been a hazardous condition on the property that created an unreasonable risk of harm.
The owner (or other responsible party) either:
If the property owner provided proper warning and attempted to keep people away from the dangerous situation, or there was no reasonable way they could have been aware of it, it could affect the potential success of your case.
BLOG: Property Owner Negligence
There must be a clear connection between the unsafe condition and your injury. If you were injured in the presence of a dangerous condition but not by the dangerous condition, then you might not have a case.
“Damages” often mean much more than just medical expenses. They can also include lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
These cases are often more complex than they appear. Property owners and insurance companies frequently argue that the hazard was “obvious” or that the injured person was at fault. That’s why a thorough investigation and strong legal representation are critical.
Premises liability claims are rarely straightforward. Even when it seems clear that a property owner was negligent, insurance companies often work aggressively to limit their responsibility.
At Maurer Law, attorneys Jordan Maurer and Marshal Parks understand these tactics and know how to respond.
Words mean little without evidence. We gather the facts needed to build a strong case through:
In many cases, our investigation uncovers violations of building codes or safety regulations that clearly demonstrate negligence.
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to minimize payouts, often by offering quick settlements that fall short of your needs or trying to get you to make recorded statements against your best interests.
Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation, regardless of whether your injuries turn out to be more serious than expected.
You have the right to not speak with an insurer or accept any settlement until you have had a chance to consult with a premises liability lawyer. We can handle all communication with insurers and push back against their tactics to protect your claim.
BLOG: Are Insurance Companies Really on Your Side?
A serious injury affects more than just your immediate medical bills. We work to ensure that your compensation reflects the full impact of the accident, including:
From your initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we provide clear guidance and dedicated representation. Our goal is to help you move forward with confidence and stability.
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.
However, if the claim involves a government entity, the deadline may be much shorter—often six months to file a claim. It’s important to act quickly to preserve your rights.
Not every fall will result in a valid claim. The key question is whether the property owner was negligent.
If the fall was caused by a dangerous condition that the owner knew about—or should have known about—you may have a case. Request a free consultation with a California slip and fall attorney to discuss the specifics of your case.
BLOG: Slip and Fall Injury Guide: Steps to Take and Mistakes to Avoid
California follows a comparative negligence system. This means you may still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible, although your recovery may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Every case is different. The value depends on factors such as:
An attorney can evaluate your situation and provide a clearer estimate.
Many premises liability cases are resolved through settlement. However, if the insurance company does not offer fair compensation, your case may proceed to court. At Maurer Law, we prepare every case thoroughly so we are ready for either outcome.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs. You only pay if we recover compensation for you.
If you have been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you do not have to navigate this process alone. Premises liability cases require experience, careful investigation, and a clear understanding of California law.
At Maurer Law, we are committed to helping you understand your options and pursuing the compensation you need to move forward. We approach every case with personal attention and a listening ear toward your needs.
We offer free consultations, and there is no financial obligation to speak with us. You pay no fee unless we recover money for you.
Contact our office today to discuss your case and learn how we can help.
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