San Diego Premises Liability Attorney

If you were injured on unsafe property in San Diego, you may be entitled to pursue a premises liability claim.
Premises liability cases often involve unsafe property conditions that were ignored.

California premises liability law generally requires property owners and occupiers to maintain reasonably safe premises 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 San Diego, throughout San Diego County, and nearby communities including Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, and Del Mar.
Prompt legal guidance can strengthen your case before conditions change or evidence disappears.

California Premises Liability Law Explained

Premises liability law explains when a property owner, business, landlord, HOA, or property manager can be held responsible for injuries caused by dangerous property hazards.
Understanding these basics can help you make informed decisions after an accident.

The short video below provides a clear explanation to premises liability claims, including why insurers dispute these cases and how claims are proven.
Watching it can help you understand how these claims work.

Premises Liability Claims in San Diego

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 safe for lawful visitors. These cases often involve conditions that should have been repaired.

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 San Diego, across San Diego County, and nearby areas including Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, and Del Mar.

Common Locations for Property Injury Accidents

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

• Markets, big-box stores, and local retailers
• Dining and nightlife locations
• Condos, apartments, and HOA common areas
• Lodging and rental accommodations
• Office buildings, commercial plazas, and parking structures
• Sidewalks, walkways, stairs, ramps, and entryways

Hazards That Frequently Cause Injuries

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

• Slippery floors that were not properly marked
• Cracked concrete and dangerous walking surfaces
• Defective stairs, missing handrails, or unstable railings
• Poor lighting in hallways, stairwells, or parking areas
• Loose carpeting, torn flooring, or unsecured mats
• Store display hazards causing impact injuries
• Inadequate security measures leading to assaults

What Must Be Proven in a Premises Liability Case

To recover compensation, it is generally necessary to show that a property owner or occupier was responsible for property safety and that a dangerous condition existed. A central issue is often whether the owner knew or should have known and did not take reasonable steps to correct it or warn visitors.

Helpful evidence may include witness statements and maintenance records, along with medical records that document injuries. Because hazards can be altered before evidence is preserved, acting promptly can make a major difference.

Typical Injuries After a Fall or Hazard Exposure

Premises liability accidents can cause injuries ranging from life-changing head and spine injuries. Common injuries include:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Back and neck injuries
• Head trauma from falls or impacts
• Knee, shoulder, and joint injuries
• Soft tissue injuries and chronic pain

What to Do After a Property Injury in San Diego

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

• Report the incident and request documentation
• Take photos or video of the condition that caused the injury
• Get witness details if anyone saw the hazard or incident
• Ask that video be saved and not overwritten
• Seek medical care promptly
• Be careful when speaking with insurance adjusters

Common Defense Arguments

Insurance companies often try to deny or reduce premises liability claims by arguing the hazard was open and obvious, that warnings were adequate, or that you were not paying attention. They may also attempt to shift fault using California’s comparative fault rules. We focus on evidence that shows why reasonable safety steps were not taken.

Damages You May Recover

Depending on the facts and severity of injuries, a premises liability claim may include compensation for lost wages and reduced earning capacity. In more serious cases, damages may also include long-term impairment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Property Injury Claims

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 warn visitors about known dangers, they may be legally responsible for resulting injuries.

Do I have a case if no one saw my fall?

Yes. Many premises liability claims do not involve eyewitnesses. These cases are commonly supported by medical documentation and circumstantial evidence.

Does the owner have to know about the dangerous condition?

A property owner may still be responsible if the condition existed long enough that it would have been found through reasonable inspections. California law looks at whether the owner failed to conduct reasonable inspections.

Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault?

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

How long do I have to file a premises liability claim?

Deadlines depend on who owns the property. 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 San Diego, across San Diego County, and in nearby communities including Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, and Del Mar.

Experienced Premises Liability Representation

The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez represents injured individuals in San Diego and throughout San Diego County. We focus on holding negligent property owners accountable and preparing every case with the seriousness it deserves. There are no cost unless we win.

Speak With a San Diego Premises Liability Lawyer Today

If you were injured on unsafe property in San Diego or anywhere in San Diego County, do not wait to get help. Evidence can become difficult to obtain, and property conditions can look completely different shortly after an incident. 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 San Diego and nearby communities including Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, and Del Mar. There are no fees unless we recover compensation.

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