Practice Area

Premises liability is founded upon the liability of an owner and/or lessor of property for injuries sustained by someone using or occupying the property and which result from a dangerous condition. A common example of premises liability is a customer slipping and falling on a wet floor at a store. At Harrison, Patterson & O’Connor, we believe that by retaining a San Diego premises liability lawyer, one who sustains injuries can often maximize his or her recovery. Our San Diego premises liability attorney now applies the experience gained through years of defending such matters to the representation of plaintiffs who have sustained injuries because of a slip/trip and fall or other premises liability matter.

Premises liability accidents involving slips, trips or falls may be caused by any number of hazards, including sidewalks, stairs and walkways that are unsafe for a variety of reasons including poor lighting, missing handrails or supports, faulty railings, uneven or damaged surfaces, poorly marked steps, and poorly maintained flooring. Other causes of slips, trips or falls include food, water or other substances on floors in restaurants or supermarkets and any number of other dangerous conditions.

These accidents often result in serious injuries and they are second only to motor vehicle accidents as the cause of serious injuries, such as broken bones, lacerations, back/spine injuries and head injuries. There are also often complicating factors that result in more serious injuries to certain individuals, including children, the elderly and those who have pre-existing medical conditions or illnesses. Inevitably, injuries may be more debilitating to certain people due to a variety of factors such as the person’s daily life requirements, activities and occupation.

Property owners, lessors, landlords and property managers are required to properly maintain the property over which they have control and, when they fail to do so, they may be liable for resultant injuries and damages. When such falls take place on property owned by a local, state or government agency, there are often additional hurdles and victims may have a shorter period of time in which to bring their claims, sometimes as little as six months. No matter who may bear responsibility, it makes sense to consult with an experienced San Diego premises liability attorney, one who knows how to secure the maximum compensation, whether through settlement or trial.

If you are injured in a slip, trip or fall accident, it is important to preserve the evidence of the accident in a timely fashion. Such evidence includes photographs of both the location of the accident before conditions are changed and the physical manifestations of any injuries. While it is also important to report the slip and fall accident to the owner, lessor and/or property manager, it is most often advisable to speak with an experienced premises liability attorney before providing any written or recorded statements. At Harrison Patterson & O’Connor, our San Diego premises liability lawyers take steps upon our retention to properly preserve the evidence and ensure that those measures taken immediately following the accident will enhance, not hinder, the potential claims.

Damages recoverable for slip and fall accident victims and their families with the help of a qualified San Diego premises liability lawyer may include: hospital and medical expenses; past and future lost earnings; compensation for any permanent physical disability or scarring; emotional distress damages; compensation for loss of love and companionship; reimbursement for damage or destruction of property; and compensation for physical pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trip/slip and fall accident in San Diego or greater Southern California, Harrison Patterson & O’Connor will provide a free initial consultation and, if retained, our San Diego premises liability lawyers will take immediate steps to preserve and secure evidence. We will then investigate the accident and pursue both a claim and litigation, if necessary, with the ever-present goal of securing the maximum possible compensation from those responsible.