If you got hurt on someone else's property in Los Angeles, you may have a legal right to money for your injuries. Property owners have a duty to keep their buildings, sidewalks, and land safe. When they fail and someone gets hurt, that is called premises liability.

 

Hakakian Law, founded by Shawn S. Hakakian, Esq., helps injury victims across Los Angeles with premises liability claims. The firm offers free consultations, charges no fee unless you get money for your case, and treats every client like family.

 

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal term, but the idea is simple. If a property owner does not keep their property safe and you get hurt because of it, the owner can be held responsible. Under California Civil Code § 1714, every property owner owes a "duty of reasonable care" to people on their property.

That means stores, landlords, restaurants, and nursing homes all have to fix dangers they know about or should know about. When they skip that responsibility and you suffer an injury, you have the right to file a claim.

 

Common Types of Premises Liability Cases in Los Angeles

Three of the most common premises liability cases in LA are slip and fall accidents, dog bite injuries, and nursing home abuse. Each one involves a different set of laws and steps, which is why having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can make a big difference.

Other premises liability situations include broken railings, pool accidents, falling objects, and dangerous conditions like exposed wiring or missing handrails. If you were hurt because of an unsafe property condition, you likely have a case worth looking into.

 

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall injuries are one of the most common personal injury claims in California. They happen fast, and the pain and medical bills can add up quickly.

 

What Causes Slip and Fall Injuries?

Wet floors in grocery stores are probably the first thing that comes to mind, and they are a frequent cause. Broken pavement, uneven surfaces, torn carpeting, and poor lighting in stairwells cause just as many falls.

Common locations in Los Angeles include restaurants, apartment buildings, parking garages, retail stores, and public sidewalks. If any of these hazards existed and the property owner did nothing to fix or warn about them, that is a strong sign of negligence.

 

What Do You Have to Prove?

California slip and fall cases require four things, often called the "elements of negligence." First, the property owner had a duty to keep the property safe. Second, they failed that duty (this is called a "breach").

Third, their failure caused your injury. Fourth, you suffered actual damages like medical bills or lost income. The key question is usually whether the owner knew about the hazard, or should have known about it, and did nothing.

 

What Can You Get Money For?

If you win a slip and fall case, you can recover money for medical bills (past and future), lost wages from missed work, pain and suffering, and the cost of future care if your injuries require ongoing treatment. Every case is different, so the amount depends on how serious your injuries are and how they affect your daily life.

 

What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall?

Take photos of the hazard and your injuries right away. Report the incident to the property manager or store manager and ask for a copy of the report.

See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel okay at first. Do not give a recorded statement to anyone's insurance company. Call a slip and fall attorney before you sign anything or accept any offer.

 

 

Dog Bite Injuries

The CDC reports about 4.5 million dog bites happen in the United States every year. California has some of the strongest protections for dog bite victims in the country.

California's Dog Bite Law

Under California Civil Code § 3342, the dog's owner is responsible for a bite even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. California does not follow the "one bite rule" that some other states use.

The law applies whether the bite happens in a public place (like a park or sidewalk) or on private property, as long as the victim was there lawfully. You do not have to prove the owner was careless. The owner is strictly liable, which means they are on the hook simply because their dog bit you.

 

What If the Dog Wasn't Vaccinated?

An unvaccinated dog creates serious health risks, especially rabies. If the dog that bit you was not vaccinated, get medical care immediately. Rabies is treatable if caught early, but it can be fatal if left untreated.

The dog's vaccination status does not change the owner's liability. They are still responsible for your injuries. An unvaccinated dog may actually strengthen your case because it shows the owner was not taking basic steps to protect others.

 

What If the Owner Says It Was Your Fault?

One common defense dog owners use is "provocation." They may claim you teased, hit, or scared the dog. If provocation is proven, it can reduce or eliminate the owner's liability.

A dog bite attorney can help counter that defense by gathering evidence like witness statements, photos, and veterinary records. Insurance companies and dog owners use the provocation argument often, so having a lawyer on your side early is important.

 

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

Get medical attention right away, even for bites that seem minor. Infections from dog bites can get serious fast.

File a report with LA County Animal Control so there is an official record of the incident. Take photos of your injuries, the location where it happened, and the dog if possible. Get the dog owner's name, address, and insurance information.

Call a dog bite attorney before you talk to the owner's insurance company. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to say something that hurts your claim.

 

 

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Discovering that a loved one may be suffering abuse in a nursing home is painful and frightening. California law gives families strong tools to hold abusive facilities accountable.

 

Signs Your Loved One May Be a Victim

Watch for unexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bones. Bedsores (also called pressure ulcers) are a common sign of neglect, especially if they appear suddenly or get worse over time.

Sudden weight loss, withdrawal from activities, poor hygiene, and fear around certain staff members are all warning signs. Any one of these could point to physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, or a combination.

 

California Law Protects Nursing Home Residents

The Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA) is the main California law that protects nursing home residents. It covers elders (65 and older) and dependent adults (ages 18 to 64 with physical or mental limitations).

EADACPA provides stronger remedies than a standard negligence claim. Cases filed under EADACPA can result in attorney's fees paid by the facility, punitive damages meant to punish the abuser, and survival of claims even if the victim passes away during the case. These added remedies exist because California recognizes that elder abuse is especially harmful.

 

What Can Families Recover?

Families can pursue money for medical costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Under EADACPA, courts can also award attorney's fees (so the facility pays your lawyer's costs) and punitive damages designed to punish the facility and discourage future abuse.

In cases involving wrongful death caused by abuse or neglect, surviving family members can file a separate claim for their losses. The types of abuse that qualify include physical harm, neglect, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, and medication errors.

 

What to Do If You Suspect Abuse

Document everything you see. Take photos of injuries, living conditions, and anything that looks wrong. Write down dates, times, and the names of any staff involved.

Request your loved one's medical records from the facility. You have a legal right to these records. Report your concerns to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) or Adult Protective Services.

Contact a nursing home abuse attorney before confronting the facility directly. Facilities sometimes try to cover their tracks once they know a family is suspicious, so getting legal help early can protect important evidence.

 

 

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in California?

For slip and fall accidents and dog bite injuries, the statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of the injury under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If you miss that deadline, the court will almost certainly refuse to hear your case.

Nursing home abuse cases filed under EADACPA also carry a 2-year statute of limitations, but the clock may start from the date you discovered the abuse (or should have discovered it), rather than when the abuse actually began. Either way, waiting too long weakens your case because evidence disappears and memories fade. If you think you have a claim, talk to a lawyer as soon as you can.

 

Why Choose Hakakian Law for Your Premises Liability Case?

Hakakian Law is a Los Angeles personal injury firm built on one idea: every client deserves personal attention. Shawn S. Hakakian, Esq. founded the firm to give injury victims the kind of care that high-volume firms cannot provide. Your case is not just a file number here.

The firm works on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and owe no legal fees unless Hakakian Law recovers money for you. Consultations are free, so there is zero financial risk in picking up the phone.

Hakakian Law combines aggressive representation with a personal touch. The firm keeps clients informed at every step, answers questions promptly, and fights hard to get the best possible outcome. Being based in Los Angeles means the team knows the local courts, local property owners, and the specific challenges injury victims face in this city.

 

Free Consultation: Talk to a Los Angeles Premises Liability Attorney Today

If you were hurt in a slip and fall, bitten by a dog, or believe a loved one is being abused in a nursing home, Hakakian Law is ready to help. Call for a free consultation with no obligation. You pay nothing unless the firm wins money for you.

Reach out to Hakakian Law today and take the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve. The sooner you call, the sooner your case can move forward.