If you were hurt on someone else's property, you may have the right to compensation. Property owners in California have a legal duty to keep their spaces safe for visitors, customers, and residents. When they fail to do that, and you get injured because of it, that is called a premises liability case.

At Hakakian Law Group, a personal injury firm in Los Angeles, we represent people who have been hurt due to unsafe conditions on another person's or company's property. Whether you slipped on a wet floor, were bitten by a dog, or suspect a loved one is being abused in a nursing home, our team is ready to fight for you.

 

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal term, but the idea behind it is simple. If someone owns or controls a property, they are responsible for keeping it reasonably safe. When they ignore hazards or let dangerous conditions go unfixed, they can be held legally responsible for injuries that happen as a result.

These cases can involve anything from broken staircases and icy walkways to defective property conditions like faulty wiring or missing handrails. The key question is always the same: did the property owner know about the danger (or should they have known), and did they fail to fix it?

You do not need to prove the owner meant to hurt you. You just need to show they were careless with your safety.

 

Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall injuries are among the most common premises liability claims in California. They happen in grocery stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, parking lots, and on public sidewalks. A spilled liquid, a torn carpet, poor lighting, or an uneven surface can all lead to serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, and back injuries.

To win a slip and fall accident case, you need to prove four things: the property owner had a duty of care, they breached that duty, the breach caused your injury, and you suffered actual damages. In plain terms, you need to show the owner knew about the hazard (or should have known) and did nothing about it.

California gives you 2 years from the date of your injury to file a claim. Waiting too long means losing your right to seek compensation entirely.

 

Dog Bite Injuries

California has one of the strongest dog bite laws in the country. Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is strictly liable when their dog bites someone. That means the owner is responsible regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten anyone before.

You do not need to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous. If you were in a public place or lawfully on private property when the bite happened, the owner is liable. This applies even if the dog was vaccinated and had no history of aggression.

When a dog is unvaccinated, the bite carries added health risks, including rabies exposure. The owner is still strictly liable under the same law. Damages in dog bite cases can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and compensation for scarring or disfigurement.

 

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

When families place a loved one in a care facility, they trust that the staff will treat that person with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect happen far too often. California's Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act protects people aged 65 and older from mistreatment in these settings.

Abuse can take many forms: physical harm, emotional cruelty, neglect, abandonment, and medication errors. Warning signs include unexplained bruises, sudden weight loss, bedsores, fearfulness around staff, and unsanitary living conditions.

The statute of limitations for nursing home abuse claims is 2 years. Settlements in these cases range from under $100,000 for minor neglect to over $2 million in cases involving serious misconduct or wrongful death.

 

What to Do After a Premises Liability Injury

The steps you take right after an injury can make or break your case. Acting quickly protects both your health and your legal rights.

 

After a Slip and Fall

1. Get medical care right away. Even if you feel okay, some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms. A medical record also creates important evidence for your case.

2. Document the scene. Take photos of what caused your fall, including wet floors, broken tiles, poor lighting, or anything else that contributed. Get contact information from any witnesses.

3. Report the incident to the property owner or manager. Ask them to create a written incident report. Keep a copy for yourself if possible.

4. Do not give a recorded statement. The property owner's insurance company may contact you quickly. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.

5. Call a slip and fall attorney. An experienced lawyer can preserve evidence, handle the insurance company, and protect your right to full compensation.

After a Dog Bite

1. Seek medical care immediately. Dog bites can cause infections, nerve damage, and scarring. If the dog is unvaccinated, your doctor will need to evaluate you for rabies exposure.

2. Identify the dog and its owner. Get the owner's name, address, and phone number. If there were witnesses, collect their contact information too.

3. Report the bite to your local animal control agency. This creates an official record and helps protect others in the community.

4. Document your injuries. Take photos of the bite wound over time as it heals (or worsens). Save all medical records and receipts.

5. Contact a dog bite attorney before speaking with insurance. The dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance will likely be involved. Having a lawyer on your side before those conversations start gives you a stronger position.

After Nursing Home Abuse

1. Document the signs of abuse. Take photos of bruises, bedsores, unsanitary conditions, or anything else that concerns you. Write down dates, times, and what you observed.

2. Report your concerns to the facility's management. Put your complaint in writing so there is a record.

3. Contact Adult Protective Services (APS). APS investigates reports of elder abuse in California and can intervene to protect your loved one.

4. Call a nursing home abuse attorney. A lawyer can help you understand your options, gather evidence, and hold the facility accountable for the harm done to your family member.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you were hurt because of someone else's negligence on their property, you may be able to recover several types of compensation. The exact amount depends on the severity of your injuries and the facts of your case.

Common types of compensation in premises liability cases include:

• Medical bills, including emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical care

• Lost wages from time missed at work, and lost earning capacity if your injury affects your ability to work long-term

• Pain and suffering, which covers the physical pain and emotional stress caused by the injury

• Scarring and disfigurement, which is especially common in dog bite cases

• Emotional distress, particularly in nursing home abuse cases where a loved one has been mistreated

• Wrongful death damages if a family member died because of abuse, neglect, or a dangerous property condition

Every case is different. A free consultation with Hakakian Law Group can help you understand what your claim may be worth.

Why Choose Hakakian Law Group?

Personal Attention From Day One

At Hakakian Law Group, we treat every client like family, not a case number. When you call us, you get direct access to the attorney handling your case. You will never be passed off to a call center or left wondering who is working on your file.

We know that getting hurt is stressful and confusing. Our team, including attorneys Shawn S. Hakakian and Domenic Reyes, stays in close contact with you throughout the process so you always know where things stand.

Aggressive Representation, No Upfront Cost

Hakakian Law Group works on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. There are no hourly fees, no retainers, and no surprise bills.

We also offer free consultations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us at (310) 759-9663 anytime to talk about your case.

Founded by Shawn S. Hakakian, Esq.

Shawn S. Hakakian, Esq. founded the firm with a clear purpose: to give injury victims in Los Angeles the aggressive, personal representation they deserve. His commitment to the people of West Hollywood and greater Los Angeles is at the heart of everything the firm does.

When you hire Hakakian Law Group, you are hiring a team that is personally invested in your recovery and your future.

Serving Los Angeles and All of California

Hakakian Law Group is based in West Hollywood and serves clients throughout Beverly Hills, all of Los Angeles County, and statewide across California. No matter where in California your injury happened, we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Visit our FAQ page for additional answers.

Do I need a lawyer for a slip and fall?

Yes. Property owners and their insurance companies have legal teams whose job is to pay you as little as possible. A slip and fall attorney levels the playing field and works to get you the full compensation you deserve.

Who pays after a dog bite in California?

The dog owner is strictly liable under California law. In most cases, the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy covers the claim. You should not have to pay out of pocket for someone else's dog injuring you.

What are the signs of nursing home abuse?

Look for unexplained bruises, sudden weight loss, bedsores, fearfulness around staff, medication errors, and unsanitary living conditions. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and take action.

How long do I have to file a claim in California?

In most premises liability and nursing home abuse cases, you have 2 years from the date of the injury to file a claim. Missing that deadline usually means you lose your right to seek compensation, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to hire Hakakian Law Group?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, which means we only get paid if we win money for you. Your initial consultation is completely free.

Talk to a Premises Liability Attorney Today

If you or someone you love was hurt on another person's property, you do not have to face this alone. Hakakian Law Group is here to help you understand your rights, hold negligent property owners accountable, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

 

Call us at (310) 759-9663 for a free consultation, available 24/7. You can also reach us online to schedule a time that works for you.

 

There is no fee unless we recover money for your case. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by making that first call.