Premises Liability Lawyer in Bakersfield

If you were injured on unsafe property in Bakersfield, you may be able to recover damages under California law.
Premises liability cases often involve preventable hazards.

California premises liability law generally requires property owners and occupiers to take reasonable safety measures and to address hazards within a reasonable time.
When they fail to do so, they may be held liable for injuries that result.

Our firm represents injured people in Bakersfield, throughout Kern County, and nearby communities including Arvin, California City, Delano, and Maricopa.
Acting quickly can help preserve evidence before conditions change or evidence disappears.

Premises Liability Basics for Injured Visitors

Premises liability law explains when a property owner, business, landlord, HOA, or property manager can be held responsible for injuries caused by unsafe conditions.
Understanding these basics can help you avoid costly mistakes after an accident.

The short video below provides a general overview to premises liability claims, including why insurers dispute these cases and how claims are proven.
Watching it can help you understand the steps that protect your rights.

Property Injury Claims in Bakersfield, California

Premises liability is the area of California law that may hold property owners and occupiers responsible when someone is injured because a property was not kept reasonably safe. These cases often involve unsafe conditions that required warnings or correction.

Premises liability claims can arise on mixed-use properties and may involve businesses, landlords, homeowners, HOAs, management companies, or maintenance contractors. Our office represents injured clients in Bakersfield, across Kern County, and nearby areas including Arvin, California City, Delano, and Maricopa.

Frequent Property Injury Locations

Premises liability injuries occur in many everyday places where people have a right to expect safe walkways. Common locations include:

• Commercial stores and shopping plazas
• Dining and nightlife locations
• Apartment complexes and condominium properties
• Hospitality properties and vacation rentals
• Business properties and parking facilities
• Common paths of travel and stairwells

Common Dangerous Conditions

Many premises liability cases center on a hazardous property condition that should have been repaired. Examples include:

• Slippery floors that were not properly marked
• Damaged walkways and uneven surfaces
• Loose steps and unsafe stairwells
• Inadequate illumination creating fall or security risks
• Unrepaired flooring and walkway obstructions
• Unstable shelving or dangerous product displays
• Inadequate security measures leading to assaults

Key Elements of a Property Injury Claim

To recover compensation, it is generally necessary to show that a property owner or occupier had a legal duty to maintain safe premises and that a dangerous condition existed. A central issue is often whether the owner failed to discover the hazard through reasonable inspections and did not take reasonable steps to correct it or warn visitors.

Helpful evidence may include photos and video, along with medical records that document injuries. Because hazards can be fixed shortly after an incident, acting promptly can make a major difference.

Common Injuries in Premises Liability Accidents

Premises liability accidents can cause injuries ranging from serious orthopedic trauma. Common injuries include:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Neck, back, and disc-related injuries
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions
• Knee, shoulder, and joint injuries
• Long-term pain conditions after a fall

What to Do After a Property Injury in Bakersfield

What you do after an injury can affect both your health and your claim. If you can do so safely, consider taking these steps:

• Notify management and ask for an incident report
• Document the scene before it changes
• Identify people who can confirm what happened
• Ask that video be saved and not overwritten
• Follow through with treatment and recommendations
• Avoid recorded statements to insurers

Common Defense Arguments

Insurance companies often try to deny or reduce premises liability claims by arguing the hazard was easy to see, that warnings were adequate, or that you were not paying attention. They may also attempt to shift fault using California’s comparative negligence rules. We focus on evidence that shows why it should have been corrected.

What a Property Injury Claim Can Include

Depending on the facts and severity of injuries, a premises liability claim may include compensation for pain and suffering and emotional distress. In more serious cases, damages may also include long-term impairment.

Premises Liability Questions & Answers in Bakersfield

What is premises liability under California law?

Premises liability is the body of law governing injuries caused by unsafe or poorly maintained property. If an owner fails to keep the property reasonably safe, they may be legally responsible for resulting injuries.

What if there were no witnesses to my injury?

Yes. Property injury cases are often proven without direct witnesses. These cases are commonly supported by maintenance records and video evidence.

What if the property owner claims they didn’t know about the hazard?

A property owner may still be responsible if the condition existed long enough that it should have been discovered. California law looks at whether the owner had actual or constructive notice.

Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault?

California follows a comparative negligence rule. This means you may still recover compensation even if you were not completely blameless, although your recovery may be reduced proportionally.

What is the deadline to bring a property injury case?

Deadlines depend on whether the owner is a private party or government entity. Because evidence can disappear quickly, it is best to seek legal guidance promptly.

Do you represent clients in nearby areas?

Yes. Our firm represents injured individuals throughout Bakersfield, across Kern County, and in nearby communities including Arvin, California City, Delano, and Maricopa.

Why Choose The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez

The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez represents injured individuals in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County. We focus on fast investigations and evidence preservation and preparing every case with the seriousness it deserves. There are no cost unless we win.

Speak With a Bakersfield Premises Liability Lawyer Today

If you were injured on unsafe property in Bakersfield or anywhere in Kern County, do not wait to get help. Evidence can become difficult to obtain, and property conditions can be repaired or cleaned. Early legal action can help protect your rights and strengthen your claim.

The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez offers free consultations and represents clients throughout Bakersfield and nearby communities including Arvin, California City, Delano, and Maricopa. There are no fees unless we recover compensation.

Call today to discuss your options and get clear guidance on next steps.