When you are injured as a direct result of someone else’s actions, it’s pretty easy to see how and why they are responsible. But what if you are injured by someone’s property? Well, depending on the cause of the injury, that person may still be liable if they are responsible for creating the conditions that led to your injury, whether through action or inaction. Let’s take a look at two common types of personal injuries caused by property.
Premises Liability in California
Under California law, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their property in the form of a “duty of care.” This obligation is known as premises liability. This duty of care requires that property owners maintain their property, perform regular inspections to identify issues, repair potentially dangerous conditions in a timely manner, and provide warnings about any dangerous conditions. If a property owner fails to perform any of these duties and you are injured on their property as a result of this failure, then you may be entitled to compensation for your injury.
Dog Bite Liability in California
When it comes to dog bites, California is a “strict liability” state. This means that the owner is always responsible for damages that result from dog bites as long as the victim was in a public place or lawfully in a private place at the time of the injury. Even if the owner did not engage in negligent behavior, the dog has never bitten anyone before, and the victim did not take action to prevent a dog bite, the owner is still liable. The only exceptions are for dog bite damages incurred from a dog performing a task for the military or police.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Southern California
Although pursuing a personal injury claim may seem complicated, an experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation understands how challenging a personal injury can be. That’s why we are committed to helping our clients get justice for their injuries with personal service and individualized attention. If you’d like to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney, call our office today at (951) 489-3320.