Bakersfield Premises Liability Lawyer

When visiting someone else’s home or business, you naturally expect it to be safe. Unfortunately, not all property owners maintain their spaces with the same level of care. This neglect can lead to accidents and injuries, ranging from slip-and-fall incidents to injuries caused by falling objects.

These injuries can be serious, and dealing with mounting medical bills and lost wages can be overwhelming. If you are in such a situation, a Bakersfield premises liability lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities and secure the compensation you need for recovery. Reach out today to begin working with a trusted personal injury attorney from CD Law.

Identifying the Responsible Party

Determining who is responsible for an injury on someone else’s property is crucial. The responsible party is typically the person or entity whose actions or inactions led to the accident. This can often be the property owner, homeowner, or business operator. Visitors to the property can include friends, customers, employees, vendors, and contractors. If the injured party is a contractor or vendor, liability might extend to their employer.

In California, the level of duty a property owner owes varies depending on whether a person is an invitee or a licensee. Invitees on the property for the owner’s benefit are owed the highest duty of care. Property owners must regularly inspect for hazards, maintain a safe environment, and provide warnings for any dangers. In contrast, licensees who visit for their own purposes receive a lower duty of care. While property owners are not required to actively inspect for hazards, they must avoid willfully harming licensees and warn them of any known dangers. A Bakersfield premises liability attorney could explain these differences in more detail during a consultation.

Common Types of Premises Liability Injuries

Premises liability covers a broad range of accidents and resulting injuries. Common types of incidents include slips, trips, and falls, structural failures, and unsafe conditions in parking lots or walkways. These accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, including:

  • Fractured and broken bones
  • Cuts and bruises
  • Internal bleeding
  • Back injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Head and neck injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries

The severity and type of injury play a significant role in determining the amount of compensation you may be entitled to. Your Bakersfield premises liability attorney can help you evaluate your damages and identify the types of compensation you could claim.

Typical Damages You Can Claim

If you have sustained serious injuries, medical expenses can quickly add up. You may be entitled to various types of damages to cover the economic and non-economic impacts of an accident, including:

  • Surgical expenses
  • Hospital stays
  • Medical testing, such as X-rays
  • Prescriptions
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Future medical bills
  • Lost wages due to missed time at work
  • Loss of future income
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Emotional trauma
  • Damage to personal property
  • Pain and suffering

Your Bakersfield attorney will review all your expenses and losses to determine the full extent of your damages for your premises liability claim. Economic damages like medical bills and lost wages have clear, quantifiable costs. Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering or loss of quality of life, are less tangible but equally important in assessing your total compensation.

The Process of a Premises Liability Case

You might have many questions after an accident on someone else’s property and feel uncertain about the next steps. Our firm’s Bakersfield premises liability attorneys have a structured process to guide you through your case efficiently.

At CD Law, we start with a free initial consultation to understand your situation and address your concerns. Once you decide to move forward, we will work with you to gather details about your case. This includes reviewing accident reports, witness statements, and any available video footage. We use this information to negotiate a settlement with the responsible party.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will take your case to trial. This involves filing a lawsuit, engaging in the discovery process where both sides exchange information, and possibly participating in mediation to seek a settlement. If mediation fails, your case will be tried before a judge and jury. Throughout this process, your attorney will represent your interests and advocate on your behalf.

Choose a Reliable Bakersfield Premises Liability Attorney

At CD Law, we pride ourselves on our personalized, hands-on approach and are always in contact and easy to access by text. We are committed to fighting for your rights and obtaining the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explore your options with a Bakersfield premises liability lawyer.