Phone Consultation: (213) 516-4165 or (323) 648-6602

Experienced Premises Liability Attorneys Protecting Victims’ Rights

Representing Victims Injured on Unsafe Property

Property owners have a legal responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe. When they fail—and someone gets hurt as a result—they can be held liable for the injuries and losses caused by their negligence.

At Shakhnis Law, we represent individuals who have been seriously injured due to unsafe conditions on another person’s property. Whether your accident happened in a store, apartment complex, office building, or public space, our legal team is here to investigate, build your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve suffered injuries due to a property owner’s negligence, you don’t have to go it alone. We’re here to help you take legal action and pursue justice.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners, landlords, managers, and businesses responsible when their negligence causes harm to others. These cases are more common than most people think—and often involve serious, long-term injuries.

Common types of premises liability cases include:

  • Slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents
  • Poor lighting or visibility leading to injury
  • Broken handrails or unsafe staircases
  • Wet floors without warning signs
  • Falling merchandise in stores
  • Structural collapses or unsafe walkways
  • Fires, electrocution, or exposed wiring
  • Lack of security leading to assault or robbery
  • Dog bites or animal attacks on private property

We take on cases involving both residential and commercial properties—including retail stores, apartment buildings, parking lots, restaurants, and government buildings.

Common Causes of Premises Liability Accidents

Unsafe property conditions often result from neglect, poor maintenance, or failure to follow safety protocols. In Los Angeles, common causes include:

  • Water leaks that leave slippery surfaces in hallways or restrooms
  • Uneven or cracked sidewalks that cause trip-and-falls
  • Loose railings or missing handrails on stairs
  • Dim or broken lighting in parking garages or stairwells
  • Failure to fix damaged flooring, carpets, or tiles
  • Negligent security in areas with a history of criminal activity
  • Unattended spills in grocery stores or restaurants
  • Building code violations in rental properties

Property owners are not automatically liable for every injury—but when they knew (or should have known) about a danger and failed to act, they can be held accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Premises liability isn’t just about homeowners. Many parties may bear legal responsibility for injuries on unsafe property.

Potentially liable parties include:

  • Residential landlords
  • Property management companies
  • Commercial property owners
  • Tenants leasing space in commercial buildings
  • Store owners and retail chains
  • Security companies
  • Government entities (in parks, sidewalks, or municipal buildings)

Each case is different. At Shakhnis Law, we conduct thorough investigations to determine who had control over the property, who failed in their duty of care, and how their negligence caused your injury.

Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases

Injuries sustained on unsafe property can range from minor to life-altering. A fall on wet tile might seem like a small incident—but if it leads to a head injury, spinal trauma, or broken hip, the consequences can be devastating.

We represent clients suffering from:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
  • Spinal cord damage and herniated discs
  • Fractured wrists, hips, or ankles
  • Torn ligaments and soft tissue injuries
  • Severe lacerations or facial trauma
  • Electrical burns or fire-related injuries
  • Assault-related trauma from negligent security
  • Chronic pain, anxiety, and PTSD

Many victims face hospital stays, physical therapy, time off work, and long-term medical care. We fight to ensure your claim reflects the true cost of what you’ve endured.

What Must Be Proven in a Premises Liability Case?

To win a premises liability claim in California, you must prove that:

  1. A dangerous condition existed on the property
  2. The property owner (or another responsible party) knew or should have known about the danger
  3. They failed to fix it or warn about it in a reasonable time
  4. You were injured as a direct result of this failure

It’s not enough that an accident happened—you must demonstrate negligence. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced premises liability attorney on your side.

We gather surveillance footage, maintenance records, witness statements, and expert testimony to build strong, evidence-backed cases for our clients.

Can Renters Sue Their Landlords for Unsafe Conditions?

Yes. If you were injured in your apartment or in a common area due to unsafe or poorly maintained conditions, you may be able to file a claim against your landlord or property manager.

Common scenarios include:

  • Broken stairs or handrails in shared areas
  • Poor lighting in parking areas leading to assaults or falls
  • Mold, exposed wiring, or unsafe heating systems
  • Slippery common hallways due to leaks or spills
  • Failure to repair hazards reported by tenants

Philip has extensive experience advocating for tenants harmed by landlord negligence. We know how to document habitability violations and pursue claims for both injuries and unsafe living conditions.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Premises liability victims may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. At Shakhnis Law, we pursue full and fair recovery—not just surface-level settlements.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Emergency room and hospital bills
  • Ongoing medical care or rehabilitation
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress or PTSD
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Property damage
  • Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury

We’ll work closely with you, your medical team, and experts to fully document your losses and fight for the financial security you need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What should I do after an injury on someone else’s property?
    Report the incident to the property owner or manager immediately. If possible, take photos of the dangerous condition, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Get contact info for witnesses, and seek medical attention right away. Then contact a premises liability attorney to evaluate your options.
  • Can I sue if there was a warning sign?
    Possibly. A warning sign doesn’t automatically release the property owner from liability. If the danger was unreasonably hazardous or the sign was poorly placed or insufficient, you may still have a claim.
  • How long do I have to file a premises liability claim in California?
    In most cases, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. If a government agency is involved (like a city-owned sidewalk or park), you may have just six months to file a notice of claim.
  • Do I need an attorney?
    Yes. Property owners and their insurers often deny liability or argue that you were at fault. An experienced premises liability lawyer can gather evidence, protect your rights, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

What Our Clients Say

“My wife and I had a fantastic experience working with Philip. He showed a lot of care and attention to detail with us, and our case, during a really difficult time in our lives. We are so grateful that he worked so hard to achieve a great outcome.”
Andrew E.

“The Shakhnis Law Firm has been helping us to achieve justice for our injuries. We are thankful for all that they have done for us.”
Bina M.

“Excellent service, highly recommended, help and very fast. I recommend it 100 percent.”
Yesenia Y.

Why Choose Shakhnis Law?

  • 25+ Years of Experience with Premises Liability and Tenant Injury Cases
  • Millions Recovered for Injured Clients in Los Angeles
  • Personalized Attention from Start to Finish
  • Strong Track Record with Landlord, Retail, and Public Property Claims
  • No Fee Unless We Win — You Don’t Pay Unless We Recover for You

Contact Our Los Angeles Premises Liability Attorneys Today

If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property—whether in a store, apartment, or public space—don’t let the property owner or their insurance company minimize your injuries. You deserve answers. You deserve accountability. You deserve justice.

Call (213) 516-4165 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

We’re ready to fight for you—so you can focus on healing.

Results


At Shakhnis Law, we are passionate about protecting the rights of the injured throughout Los Angeles.

  • $1,700,000 Lead Poisoning / Slum Housing Settlement

    A family of four with a lead poisoned child resided in slum housing that included deteriorated lead based paint, lack of heat, plumbing leaks and a severe cockroach infestation.  The lead poisoned child had a blood lead level as a ranging from 2 mcg/dl to  12 mcg/dl with neurocognitive deficits that included a severe speech and language delay, attention deficits and behavioral issues.

  • $1,675,000 Slum Housing Settlement

    Thirty-five tenants in 10 apartments resided in slum conditions that included cockroaches, rats, mold, plumbing leaks, lack of hot water, lack of heat and structural damage.

  • $1,450,000 Slum Housing Settlement

    Twenty-Six tenants in five apartments resided in slum conditions that included cockroaches, mold, plumbing leaks and lack of heat.  A young child with Down Syndrome was especially impacted with multiple bacterial infections from the unhealthy conditions.

  • $1,000,000 Lead Poisoning / Slum Housing Settlement

    A family resided in a rental home in slum conditions that included a deteriorated roof, lack of heat, rainwater leaks, mold, cockroach infestation, rat infestation and lead-based paint hazards. The youngest child suffered from a blood lead level of 5 mcg/dL and demonstrated developmental delays.

  • $985,925 Unhealthy Rental Housing Verdict

    A family residing in a rental home was exposed to lack of heat and a substantial mold contamination that caused sinus and respiratory health impacts to all family members. The mother of the family developed an Immune Complex Disorder triggered by the mold contamination in a water heater closet which caused a seizure and neurological damage. Link to Verdict.

  • $932,000 Slum Housing Settlement

    Tenants in three apartment units lived with lack of heat, cockroach infestation, plumbing leaks, mold, faulty plumbing and neglected common areas. Several tenants experienced an exacerbation of underlying health conditions from the daily stress of living in these unsafe and unhealthy conditions.

  • $825,000 Wrongful Eviction/Lead Poisoning Settlement

    A family was forced to move out of their rent-controlled apartment of many years after their young child was lead poisoned and the landlords refused to properly address the lead hazards. The child had an elevated blood lead level of 5 mcg/dL and demonstrated development delays.

  • $630,000 Lead Poisoning/Slum Housing Settlement

    A family resided in slum housing conditions that included deteriorated lead-based paint. The child development delays that included attention deficits.

  • $575,000 Unhealthy Housing

    A family resided in slum housing conditions that included deteriorated lead-based paint. The child developed delays that included learning problems and attention deficits.

(213) 516-4165 or (323) 648-6602