Understanding Premises Liability in Los Angeles: A Guide for Property Owners and Visitors

Article from Feb 15, 2025

Premises liability in Los Angeles holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their premises. When visitors or tenants suffer injuries due to unsafe property conditions, they may have the right to seek compensation. Understanding how premises liability laws work is crucial for both property owners and accident victims.

What is Premises Liability in Los Angeles?

Premises liability is a legal principle that holds property owners and managers accountable for accidents and injuries that occur due to hazardous conditions. These laws apply to private homes, businesses, rental properties, and public spaces. To establish a premises liability claim, the injured party must prove that the property owner was negligent in maintaining a safe environment. This negligence could include failure to repair a known hazard, lack of proper security, or failure to provide adequate warnings about potential dangers.

Common Premises Liability Hazards

Legal Responsibilities of Property Owners

Under California law, property owners have a duty of care to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. This includes making timely repairs, providing adequate security, and posting warnings about potential dangers. If a property owner is aware of a hazardous condition but fails to address it, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries. This responsibility extends to landlords, business owners, and homeowners.

What Visitors Need to Know About Premises Liability

Visitors on another person’s property fall into different legal categories, including invitees, licensees, and trespassers. While property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees (such as customers in a store), they may still be held liable for injuries sustained by licensees or, in some cases, trespassers, especially if there were known hazards present. In cases where children trespass onto a property due to an attractive nuisance (such as an unsecured swimming pool), the property owner may still be held accountable.

How ANTN LAW Can Help

ANTN LAW, led by attorney Arpine Navasardyan, specializes in premises liability cases, ensuring that injured victims receive the compensation they deserve. Whether you are a property owner facing a lawsuit or an injured party seeking justice, our legal team is here to help. Schedule a free consultation today. You can also visit our office in Burbank: ANTN LAW Office.

FAQ

Who can file a premises liability lawsuit?

Anyone injured due to unsafe property conditions, including visitors, tenants, and employees, may have grounds to file a premises liability claim. The key is proving that the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment and that this negligence directly caused the injury.

What compensation is available in a premises liability case?

Victims may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to their injury. In cases involving extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the responsible party and prevent future incidents.

How can a property owner defend against a premises liability claim?

Property owners can defend against claims by proving they took reasonable steps to maintain safety or that the injured person was acting negligently. For example, if a visitor ignored warning signs or engaged in reckless behavior, their claim may be reduced under California’s comparative negligence rule.

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

In California, the statute of limitations for premises liability claims is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, if the claim involves a government entity (such as a slip and fall in a public building), the deadline is much shorter—typically six months. It’s crucial to consult an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing important legal deadlines.

What if the property owner claims they were unaware of the hazard?

Even if a property owner claims they were unaware of the hazard, they may still be liable if they failed to conduct regular inspections or maintain the property properly. Courts often examine whether a reasonable property owner would have discovered and addressed the hazard in a timely manner.

How can an attorney help with my premises liability case?

An experienced personal injury attorney can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. They will ensure that you receive fair compensation and that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Where can I find legal help for a premises liability case?

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to unsafe property conditions, contact ANTN LAW for a free consultation. You can also visit our office in Burbank: ANTN LAW Office. Our experienced legal team will evaluate your case and provide expert guidance on the best course of action.