Dangerous Property Conditions
In order to prevent accidents and assaults on property premises, property owners are required by California state and local law to take certain precautions. This applies to owners of residential homes, retail stores, construction sites and office buildings. Failing to keep up a reasonable level of safety entitles injured persons to claim for premises liability.
Since 1976, attorney Reuben J. Donig has been helping San Mateo clients as a premises liability lawyer to receive compensation for their claims. If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligence on private property, please contact our San Mateo premises liability lawyer to schedule a free consultation with Mr. Donig who will review your potential liability claim.
Types of Dangerous Property Conditions We Handle
- §Slip, Trip & Fall Accidents: The most common premises liability claim. Falls are often caused by wet floors, poor lighting, or broken walkways.
- §Dog Bites & Animal Attacks: California holds dog owners strictly liable for bites, regardless of the dog’s history.
- §Dangerous Roadways & Public Property: Injuries caused by hazards on government-owned or government-maintained property.
- §Building & Facility Hazards: Structural defects, faulty elevators, and negligent security.
What Is Premises Liability?
Property owners who know about dangerous conditions on their property have the legal duty to either fix the problem or to warn visitors about the risks. Premises liability occurs when a property owner’s negligence causes injury on their property. Our San Mateo premises liability lawyer helps victims pursue compensation for such accidents.
Proving a Premises Liability Claim
Generally, a premises liability claim needs to establish three things:
- 01A dangerous condition existed
- 02The owner knew or should have known (this is referred to as actual or constructive notice, depending on the circumstances)
- 03The owner failed to fix it or warn within a reasonable time
Point 2 is often the most complicated detail in a premises liability case. A skilled attorney can help you collect the documentation you need to argue that the property owner had actual or constructive notice of the dangers and is therefore liable for failing to warn or repair.
Private Property vs. Government-Owned Property
Premises liability claims work differently when the defendant is a government agency rather than a private property owner. If you were hurt in an accident that happened on government-owned or -maintained property, like a public sidewalk or a public building, your claim is governed by the California Government Claims Act.
The process of filing a formal claim under this Act is very different than a standard premises liability case. The Law Offices of Reuben J. Donig are available to assist with accidents that occurred on public property.
Common Injuries in Premises Liability Accidents
Premises liability covers a wide variety of potential accidents and injuries. Falls can lead to complex fractures and traumatic brain injuries, while animal attacks can lead to lacerations, scarring, amputation, and psychiatric complications such as post-traumatic stress disorder. We represent clients in complex and catastrophic injury cases.
Damages Available
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be able to pursue damages including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and compensation for scarring or disfigurement.
We know how to build the notice argument that these cases turn on, and we understand the very different procedural rules that apply when a government entity is involved. For 50 years, we’ve helped Bay Area clients hold negligent property owners accountable.
