If you were injured on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation under California Premises Liability Law. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. When they fail to do so and someone is injured as a result, they can be held financially responsible.
If you’re unsure whether you have a case, speaking with an experienced premises liability attorney is the best way to protect your rights. The legal team at Colvin Accident Lawyers proudly serves injured victims in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County. Call (661) 616-1177 today for a free consultation.
Premises liability refers to injuries that occur due to unsafe or hazardous conditions on someone else’s property. To successfully bring a premises liability claim in California, you generally must prove:
You were lawfully on the property (not trespassing)
The property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition
The owner failed to fix or warn about the hazard
That negligence directly caused your injury
A skilled premises liability lawyer in Bakersfield can evaluate your situation and determine whether you may be owed compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Slip and fall accidents are the most common premises liability claims in California. These incidents often occur due to:
Wet or slippery floors
Uneven sidewalks or pavement
Poorly maintained stairways
Parking lot hazards
Loose carpeting or flooring
Unmarked spills or freshly mopped floors
Ice, snow, or debris
If you were hurt in a slip or fall accident, consulting a knowledgeable slip and fall lawyer can help you understand your legal options.
Negligent Property Maintenance
Property owners must properly maintain appliances, lighting, staircases, elevators, and escalators. Failure to do so can result in serious injuries. An elevator and escalator liability attorney can investigate whether improper maintenance played a role in your accident.
Lack of Adequate Security
Business owners may be liable if insufficient security—such as broken locks, missing lighting, or lack of surveillance—leads to injuries from assaults, robberies, or vandalism.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Property owners are responsible for keeping their dogs properly restrained. If a dog attack occurs due to negligence, the owner may be liable for resulting injuries.
In most cases, property owners do not owe a duty of care to trespassers. However, there are important exceptions, including:
Known Trespassers: If the owner knows someone is regularly trespassing and does nothing to stop it, they may still be liable for injuries.
Attractive Nuisance (Children): Property owners can be held responsible if a hazardous condition (such as a pool or abandoned structure) is likely to attract children and proper precautions were not taken.
An experienced premises liability attorney can explain how these exceptions may apply to your case.
Premises liability claims may involve:
Slip and fall accidents
Trip and fall injuries
Poorly maintained buildings or structures
Elevator and escalator accidents
Swimming pool accidents
Assaults due to inadequate security
Unsafe staircases, broken handrails, uneven concrete, and slippery surfaces are just a few examples of hazards that can lead to serious injuries.
Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of serious injury nationwide:
Falls account for over 8 million emergency room visits each year
22% of slip-and-fall incidents result in 31+ days away from work
Slip and fall injuries cost approximately $70 billion annually
Fractures are the most serious and common injuries resulting from falls
Floors and flooring materials cause over 2 million injuries annually
These accidents can happen anywhere—and the consequences can be life-changing.
Attorney Donald Colvin is committed to protecting individuals who have been injured due to a property owner’s negligence. At Colvin Accident Lawyers, we fight aggressively to help injured victims recover the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured on someone else’s property in Bakersfield, CA, call (661) 616-1177 today to schedule your FREE consultation. We’re here to help you take the next step toward recovery.