If you were hurt on someone else's property, you have rights under California law. A premises liability claim applies when a property owner knew (or should have known) about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn you. California Civil Code § 1714 says every person is responsible for injuries caused by their lack of ordinary care.

 

Hakakian Law, founded by Shawn S. Hakakian, Esq., represents injured people in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, and throughout California for three types of premises liability cases: slip and fall accidents, dog bite injuries, and nursing home abuse. The consultation is free, and there is no fee unless you get a recovery. You will never pay anything out of pocket to get started.

 

Slip and Fall Accidents

What Is a Slip and Fall Case?

A slip and fall case is a type of premises liability claim. You file one when you get hurt because a property owner did not keep their space safe. The owner must have known about the hazard, or should have known about it, and failed to fix it or post a warning.

 

These cases happen in grocery stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, parking lots, and on sidewalks. Wet floors, broken stairs, uneven pavement, and poor lighting are common causes. If a dangerous condition caused your fall, the property owner may owe you money for your injuries.

What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall?

Get medical attention right away, even if you feel okay at first. Some injuries, like back or head injuries, show symptoms hours or days later. A medical record created close to the accident is strong evidence.

Take photos of the scene before anything gets cleaned up or fixed. Report the incident to the property manager or store and ask for a copy of the incident report. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney.

Evidence disappears fast. Surveillance footage gets recorded over, spills get mopped, and hazards get repaired. Contacting a slip and fall attorney in Los Angeles early helps protect your case while the proof still exists.

What Can I Recover?

If you fell at a store, restaurant, or other property in California, you can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future treatment costs. The amount depends on how serious the injury is and how it affects your daily life.

California follows a comparative fault rule. If you were partly at fault (for example, you were looking at your phone), your recovery gets reduced by your share of the blame, but you are not completely shut out. A person found 20% at fault would still recover 80% of the total damages.

Do I Need a Slip and Fall Attorney?

Yes, in most cases. Property owners and their insurance companies will look for reasons to blame you or deny the claim. An experienced slip and fall attorney knows how to gather evidence, counter those arguments, and negotiate for fair compensation.

 

Hakakian Law handles slip and fall cases on a contingency fee. That means no upfront costs, and the firm only gets paid if you get a recovery. A free consultation lets you understand your options without any financial risk.

 

Dog Bite Injuries

California's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

California has one of the strongest dog bite laws in the country. Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is liable for bite injuries regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before. You do not need to prove the owner was careless or that the dog was known to be dangerous.

Strict liability applies when the bite happens in a public place or when you are lawfully on private property (as a guest, delivery person, or invited visitor). If a dog bites you in Los Angeles or anywhere in California, the owner is responsible for your injuries under the statute.

What If the Dog Wasn't Vaccinated?

Seek medical care immediately. An unvaccinated dog bite carries a serious risk of rabies and other infections. Go to an emergency room or urgent care, and tell the doctor the dog's vaccination status is unknown or unconfirmed.

Ask animal control to investigate and quarantine the dog. Document everything you can about the animal, including the owner's name, address, and any information about vaccination records.

The owner's liability does not change based on vaccination status. The strict liability rule still applies. However, if the dog was unvaccinated, your medical treatment may be more extensive (rabies shots, longer monitoring), which can increase the total damages you recover.

What If the Owner Says It Was My Fault?

Dog owners and their insurance companies often try to shift blame. They may say you provoked the dog, trespassed, or ignored warning signs. California's comparative fault rule means that even if you were partially responsible, you can still recover compensation.

Your recovery gets reduced by your percentage of fault, but it does not go to zero. A dog bite attorney near you can gather witness statements, medical records, and animal control reports to build a clear picture of what happened. Hakakian Law fights these blame-shifting tactics aggressively while keeping you informed at every step.

What Can I Recover After a Dog Bite?

Dog bite victims in California can recover compensation for medical costs, scarring and disfigurement, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and lost income from missed work. Children, who are common dog bite victims, may need plastic surgery or long-term therapy.

The statute of limitations for a dog bite claim in California is 2 years from the date of the bite. Waiting too long to file means you could lose the right to any compensation. If you were bitten, contact a dog bite attorney in Los Angeles as soon as possible to protect your claim.

When it comes to opening a claim after a dog bite, you typically file against the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance. An attorney handles this process for you, including all communication with the insurance adjuster.

Why Choose Hakakian Law for Premises Liability in Los Angeles?

Hakakian Law was founded by Shawn S. Hakakian, Esq. with a clear purpose: give injured people the personal attention that large, high-volume firms cannot provide. At Hakakian Law, you are a person, not a case number. The firm takes the time to understand your situation, answer your calls, and keep you updated throughout the process.

 

The approach combines aggressive litigation with genuine compassion. Shawn Hakakian and his team prepare every case as if it is going to trial, which puts pressure on insurance companies to offer fair settlements. At the same time, clients always know what is happening with their case because responsive communication is a core value of the firm.

There is no cost to get started. Hakakian Law offers a free consultation for premises liability cases in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, and throughout California. The firm works on contingency, so there is no fee unless you receive a recovery. If you or a family member was hurt on someone else's property, calling Hakakian Law is a risk-free first step.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You have 2 years from the date of injury for most premises liability claims, including slip and fall accidents and dog bites. Elder abuse claims under EADACPA have a 3-year statute of limitations. Missing the deadline can permanently bar your case, so contact a premises liability attorney in Los Angeles as soon as you can.

Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?

Yes. California uses a comparative fault system. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not prevented from recovering. If you were 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could still recover $70,000.

How much does a premises liability attorney cost?

Hakakian Law charges no upfront fees. The firm works on a contingency basis, which means you only pay a legal fee if you receive a recovery. The initial consultation is free.

What is the first step after getting hurt on someone else's property?

Seek medical care right away. Then document the scene with photos, report the incident to the property owner or manager, and save any evidence (receipts, clothing, shoes). Contact a premises liability lawyer before giving any recorded statement to an insurance company. Hakakian Law offers free consultations to help you understand your options immediately.

 

Hakakian Law Group proudly serves accident victims across Los Angeles, West Hollywood, and surrounding communities. If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver, contact us for a free consultation. You don’t pay unless we win.