If you slipped, tripped, or got hurt on someone else’s property in California, one of your first questions might be: Who’s responsible? The answer isn’t always straightforward, and figuring it out is one of the most important parts of your personal injury case.
It’s Not Always the Property Owner
Many people assume that the owner of a building or property is always legally responsible for keeping it safe, but that’s not always the case. In California, responsibility could fall on:
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The property owner
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The business leasing the space
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A management company
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Or even a government agency
Each case depends on who had control of the property and who had the duty to maintain it at the time of the accident.
What Does “Duty of Care” Mean?
Under California premises liability law, the person or entity responsible for the property has a legal duty of care. That means they must keep the property in a reasonably safe condition and fix hazards in a timely manner. If they knew—or should have known—about a dangerous condition and failed to act, they could be held liable for your injuries.
Common examples include:
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Wet floors with no warning signs
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Broken stairs or handrails
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Uneven walkways or potholes
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Poor lighting in parking lots
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Negligent security leading to assaults
These types of hazards may seem minor, but they can cause serious harm—especially to older adults, children, or people with mobility issues. Medical bills pile up fast, and lost income can make recovery even harder. If you’ve suffered injuries due to a hazard like this, here’s how to get the full compensation you deserve for medical expenses.
What If It’s Public Property?
If you were injured on government property—like a sidewalk, school, or public building—you may still have a case. However, claims against public entities have special rules and strict deadlines (sometimes as short as six months), so it’s important to act fast. Evidence can disappear quickly, and the sooner you speak with a lawyer, the stronger your case can be.
Also, if other people were injured under the same circumstances, you might benefit from filing or joining a multi-plaintiff lawsuit to strengthen your claim and reduce legal costs.
How We Can Help
At Lipeles Law Group, we’ll help you figure out who’s responsible, gather the evidence you need, and fight for the compensation you deserve—whether it’s for medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team has helped countless Californians navigate complex premises liability cases with compassion, clarity, and results.