Sue a landlord for injury in Los Angeles — it’s not something any tenant expects to consider. But if you’ve suffered an injury in your apartment or rental home due to a landlord’s negligence, California law gives you the right to seek compensation. In a city where nearly 64% of residents rent, it’s crucial to know your rights and legal options.
Under California law, landlords have a duty to maintain rental properties in a condition that’s safe and habitable. According to California Civil Code §1941, landlords must repair conditions that threaten a tenant’s health and safety. If they fail to do so, and an injury results, they can be held liable.
Many rental injuries stem from issues that should have been addressed by the landlord. Common examples include:
In 2022, a 33-year-old woman in a Koreatown apartment fell from a second-floor balcony when a loose railing gave way. The issue had been reported to the landlord several months earlier. After surgery and a long recovery, she filed a premises liability claim. With legal assistance, she secured a $420,000 settlement. The landlord was cited by the city for multiple code violations.
Prioritize your health. Visit a hospital or clinic and keep all medical records, bills, and treatment plans. These documents will become key evidence in your injury claim.
Take photos of the dangerous condition that caused the injury (e.g., broken steps, mold, exposed wires). Photograph your injuries and gather witness statements from neighbors or roommates if possible.
Even if the landlord was already aware of the problem, notify them again in writing (email or certified letter) after the incident. This builds a paper trail for your case.
You can report unsafe housing conditions to the Los Angeles Housing Department. Their inspection may uncover additional violations that support your claim.
An experienced attorney can assess whether you have a valid premises liability case against your landlord. They’ll handle negotiations, legal filings, and ensure you’re not bullied by insurance companies trying to minimize your claim.
Yes. To successfully sue a landlord for injury in Los Angeles, you must prove:
California follows a “comparative negligence” model, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. For example, if a jury finds you 20% responsible and your total damages are $100,000, you can still receive $80,000.
Arpine Navasardyan of ANTN Law has helped Los Angeles tenants win complex injury cases against negligent landlords. Her team understands the local housing laws, code violations, and how to collect crucial evidence like inspection reports and repair logs.
Schedule a free consultation here to learn if you have a case — and what your next legal move should be.
