All You Need to Know About Premises Liability in California [2025 Update]

All you need to know about premises liability in California starts with understanding how the law holds property owners accountable for preventable injuries. Property owners in California have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. This includes promptly addressing known hazards, conducting routine inspections, and warning visitors about dangerous conditions.

When property owners don’t adequately address these issues, they risk someone getting hurt. When someone is injured as a result of their negligence, the injured party has the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other related damages.

Common Hazards That Lead to Premises Liability Claims

California premises liability lawsuits often arise because property owners neglect to manage common hazards. Common hazards include wet or uneven floors, unsecured rugs or cables, broken stairs, poor lighting, and falling merchandise.

Outdoor risks like cracked sidewalks or inadequate fencing around pools also lead to injuries. Negligent security practices can even lead to assault incidents and injuries from theft. Property owners must either inspect and keep their property safe or provide explicit warnings about any dangers. A reported 25.5 million people visited various American emergency room departments for unintentional injuries in 2021.

Steps to Take After a Premises Liability Injury

What you do after sustaining injuries on another person’s property can affect your legal choices. Immediately obtain a medical evaluation for your injuries, even if they appear minor. Contact the property owner or manager to file an incident report and obtain documentation in written form. Capture images of the scene as well as your injuries and any dangerous conditions present.

Get contact details from witnesses, and do not give insurance representatives detailed information about the incident. Preserve every piece of documentation, including medical bills and expenses related to your injuries. By following these steps, you can protect essential evidence, which enhances your compensation claim in California premises liability cases.

Time Limits for Filing a Premises Liability Claim in California

California has strict deadlines that must be followed when filing a premises liability claim. The standard time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from when the injury took place. When an injury happens on public or government property, you must file a formal claim within six months. Failing to meet these deadlines can block all potential compensation claims regardless of case strength.

Contact a California Premises Liability Lawyer

California premises liability laws exist to safeguard people who get hurt because of dangerous conditions on another person’s property. If you suffered an injury on a store’s property, in an apartment complex, or while in a public space, you could pursue compensation for your medical costs alongside lost wages and additional damages. Understanding your legal rights and taking immediate action are critical steps to consider.

The Heimanson & Wolf, LLP legal team stands ready to guide you through your claim process. Reach out now to book a no-obligation consultation and explore how we can help you pursue legal action against negligent property owners. You don’t have to navigate this process without legal guidance.