Injured due to an unsafe property condition in California? Call (818) 988-7300 for a free consultation.

Person slipping on uneven sidewalk

Premises Liability Cases

Property owners and businesses have a duty to keep their property reasonably safe. When they don’t, serious injuries can happen.

If you were injured because a property was unsafe — including a slip and fall, trip and fall, sidewalk injury, or a negligent security incident — I can help you understand your options and pursue fair compensation.

I represent clients throughout California, including Van Nuys, the San Fernando Valley, and surrounding communities.

  • No fees unless we recover money.
  • You never pay anything upfront — including fees or costs.
  • I remain personally involved in your case and oversee all major decisions.
  • Free, no-pressure consultation.
  • Straightforward advice about your options.

Do I Have a Case?

Get a Straight Answer From an Attorney

Submitting this form does not create an attorney–client relationship. Please do not include confidential or time-sensitive information.

What happens next

  • I’ll review your information as soon as I receive it
  • I will contact you to discuss the next steps

Injury Cases Have Strict Deadlines

California injury claims are governed by strict legal deadlines. Important evidence can also be lost if a case is not investigated early.

Insurance companies often continue “investigating” or “negotiating” while deadlines are quietly approaching. Once a legal deadline passes, your case may become worthless — even if the insurance company was still communicating with you when the deadline passed.

Part of my job is making sure deadlines are identified, evidence is preserved, and your rights are protected from the start — so you’re not pressured into a decision before you understand your options.

If you’re unsure what time limits apply to your situation, a free, no-pressure consultation can help clarify your options.

Direct Communication
You’ll receive clear answers, honest guidance, and straightforward communication.
We Handle the Insurance Claim
From adjuster calls to insurance paperwork, we deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to.
Help With Liability Disputes
If the insurance company denies responsibility, we know how to successfully challenge their position and protect your claim.
Pursuing Fair Compensation
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and how the injury affects your life.

Premises Liability Cases We Handle

People have a duty to keep their property safe. Here are some common premises liability cases I handle.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Injuries caused by wet or slippery floors, recently mopped floors without adequate warnings, slippery debris or substances on the floor, and other slip hazards.

Trip and Fall Injuries

Injuries caused by uneven, cracked, or broken flooring, holes in flooring, dangerous floor mats, cords, poor lighting, hazards left in walkways, and other trip hazards.

Sidewalk Injuries

Cracked, raised or uneven sidewalks, potholes, tree-root uplift, and other dangerous walking surfaces.

Unsafe Property Conditions

Injuries caused by broken or dangerous stairs or handrails, broken or missing guardrails, unsafe ramps, falling store merchandise, and other dangerous conditions.

Negligent Security

Injuries caused by assaults or attacks at bars, clubs, restaurants, concert venues and other businesses where reasonable security measures were not in place.

Unsafe Parking Lots

Injuries caused by poor lighting, broken curbs, broken or dangerous wheel stops or parking blocks, unmarked hazards, and other dangerous conditions in parking lots.

What to Do After a Slip, Trip, or Fall

In the event of a fall injury, here are some steps to protect yourself.

  1. Get medical care

    If you feel pain or symptoms, get evaluated. Some injuries — especially head, neck, and back injuries — do not appear immediately.

  2. Report the incident

    Ask the business or property manager to create an incident report. Get a copy if possible.

  3. Photograph the hazard

    Take photos or video of what caused the fall and the surrounding area. If you tripped due to an uneven sidewalk or walkway, use a ruler or tape measure to show the height difference. If that’s not available, include a common object (such as a penny) in the photo to provide scale.

  4. Get witness information

    Names and contact information of witnesses can be very important later.

  5. Be careful with statements

    After reporting the incident, do not make further statements or provide a recorded statement until you have discussed the case with an attorney.

  6. Talk with an attorney

    A free, no-pressure consultation can help you understand your rights, protect evidence, and avoid common mistakes.

Important Warning: Signing Insurance Company Documents

Insurance companies sometimes contact injured people very quickly — sometimes the same day or within days of a collision — and ask them to sign paperwork. This is often an attempt to settle the case for far less than it is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries or have a chance to speak with a lawyer.

Once you sign a release or settlement agreement, your case is usually over — even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected. Do not sign any documents related to an injury claim until you’ve spoken with an attorney who can explain what you’re giving up.

A Quick Note About Calls With Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters protect the insurance company — not you. If you’re asked for a recorded statement, it’s almost always better to speak to an attorney first so you better understand your rights.

California Sidewalk Cases and the “Trivial Defect” Defense

In many California sidewalk fall cases, defendants argue the hazard or defect was “trivial.” These cases are highly fact-specific and depend on size of the defect, visibility, lighting, and surrounding circumstances. Photographs or video showing size and scale of the defect and surrounding circumstances of the defect can be important when this defense is raised.

Premises Liability Q&A

Clear answers to common questions after a slip, trip, fall, or other injury caused by unsafe property conditions.

I want an attorney, but I don’t have money for one. What can I do?
I work on a contingency fee. That means you never pay anything upfront — including fees or costs — and you do not owe attorney’s fees unless money is recovered in your case. If there is no recovery, you do not owe me a fee.

What if the property owner says they didn’t know about the hazard?
Many premises liability cases turn on whether the property owner or business had notice of the hazard (i.e. whether they actually knew about it or should have known about it). Things like how long the hazard existed, prior complaints, cleaning logs, and inspection routines can matter.

What evidence should I collect after a slip or trip and fall?
Photos or video of the hazard or defect and the surrounding area (lighting, warning signs, floor condition), incident reports, and witness contact information can all be important.

What is the “trivial defect” defense?
Defendants in premises liability cases sometimes argue that a defect is so minor that it cannot be held legally responsible for your fall. This is a common defense in sidewalk defect cases. Trivial defect cases are fact-specific and depend on the size of the defect and surrounding circumstances like lighting, visibility, and your familiarity with the area where you fell.

What damages can I recover in a premises liability case?
In a premises liability case, damages may include medical expenses, lost income, compensation for pain, suffering, and the impact the injuries have on your life. The specific damages available depend on the facts of your case.

If I am an undocumented immigrant, can I make a personal injury claim?
Yes. Undocumented immigrants can pursue personal injury claims. Immigration status is not a defense to negligence, and the parties in the case generally cannot use the lawsuit as a way to inquire into immigration status.

What if I cannot travel to your Van Nuys office to sign up?
That’s not a problem. Most clients sign up remotely. We can review your situation by phone or video, and documents can be sent for electronic signature so you can retain our office without traveling.

Talk to an Attorney About Your Premises Liability Case

Confidential consultation. No upfront fees. Straightforward guidance about your options.

Call Free Consultation