Pasadena Premises Liability Lawyer

Pasadena Premises Liability Attorney

California residents and visitors are the victims of a crime somewhere in this state almost every minute of every day. Many of these crimes – and the injuries they can cause – might never have happened at all if the property owners had provided adequate security. A skilled Pasadena premises liability lawyer can explain your legal rights under California law.

Property owners have a legal responsibility to keep others safe from injury and other harm including criminal assault and battery. If a property owner neglects to take proper safety precautions or to warn visitors about possibly dangerous conditions, the property owner can be held liable for negligent security.

If you are injured in Pasadena, CA – now or in the future – because of a property owner’s failure to provide adequate security, speak immediately to an experienced Pasadena premises liability attorney at the law firm of Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor.

Experienced Premises Liability Attorneys in Pasadena, CA

At Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, we are dedicated advocates for injury victims throughout Pasadena and the surrounding areas. For decades, our firm has focused exclusively on personal injury law, helping people rebuild their lives after serious accidents.

We handle a wide variety of cases, such as:

• Auto and pedestrian collisions
• Construction site injuries
• Unsafe premises
• Dangerous products
• Slip and fall accidents
• Dog bites
• Elder neglect
• Wrongful death claims

Our attorneys bring an unmatched combination of legal knowledge, courtroom experience, and community involvement. Managing partner Gregory Vanni is a recognized leader in the California legal community, having earned the state’s top honor for plaintiff’s attorneys.

Kevin Callahan, Daniel Powell, Michael O’Connor, and Raffi Ohanian are all accomplished trial lawyers with deep roots in California courts and professional associations. Every member of our team is committed to achieving results for clients and giving back to the communities we serve.

When to Hire a Premises Liability Lawyer

Under California Civil Code § 1714, every person must manage their property and take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of others. If they fail to do so and a person gets injured on their property, they can be held liable for the injuries. Because of the high number of homeowners in Pasadena, premises liability incidents can be high. As of 2023, 42.1% of the city’s residents were homeowners.

If you’re injured because of a property owner’s negligence, let a premises liability lawyer help you file a premises liability claim to recover your medical costs and related expenses. This law applies to businesses, landlords, homeowners, or even those organizing an event on their property. This also includes certain workplace injuries. In 2023, there were 363,900 reported workplace injuries and illnesses in California.

Security is generally required for privately-owned properties where crimes and subsequent injuries are most likely to occur, including:

• Parking lots
• Garages
• Hallways
• Lobbies
• Staircases

Depending on the circumstances of an injury, negligent security claims can be filed in cases involving injuries at

• Stadiums
• Arenas
• Restaurants
• Amusement parks
• Shopping malls
• Theaters

Important Filing Deadlines to Know

As outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, in most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file your claim. If you wait too long and miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to recover any compensation, no matter how serious your injuries are. These types of claims are civil cases, and they are usually overseen by the Pasadena Courthouse on 300 East Walnut Street.

In most cases, the two-year timeframe starts on the day you were injured. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, if you didn’t discover your injury right away, like if you were exposed to a harmful substance but didn’t know until much later, then the time limit may start when you could reasonably discover the injury. However, you’ll need to provide strong proof that the delay in the discovery was reasonable.

Also, in some situations, the statute of limitations may be put on pause. This can happen if the injured person is under 18 years old, legally insane, or otherwise unable to take legal action. In those cases, the countdown doesn’t begin until the person is legally able to file a claim, such as turning 18 or regaining mental capacity.

For those who have been injured by a government agency, the rules are different. In California, the law says you must file a written claim within six months of the injury. The claim tells the government agency about your incident and injury, and it gives them a chance to settle before going to court. If they deny your claim or don’t respond within 45 days, you may then file a claim.

Figuring out the correct deadline can be hard, so it’s important to hire a premises liability lawyer to make sure you don’t miss the deadline.

Why Choose Us?

At Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, our results speak for themselves. We’ve recovered millions for clients in cases that other firms might not have taken. When a 70-year-old man was crushed by a collapsing decorative arch at a festival, we secured a $2 million settlement to cover his spinal and pelvic fractures.

What makes us different is our commitment to trial readiness and our personal approach to every case. Our attorneys stay directly involved from the start, leading to building strong relationships and stronger cases.

Our team understands how devastating and life-altering injuries can be for you and your loved ones, and we take pride in helping our clients navigate traumatic times with compassion. We offer flexible appointment hours, can meet off-site when needed, and never charge any fees unless we win your case.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Defenses Against Premises Liability Claims in California?

A: In premises liability cases, the person who was injured typically must prove that the property owner failed to keep their premises reasonably safe. Property owners use several common defenses. They may claim they didn’t know about the dangerous condition and couldn’t have reasonably known before the injury occurred. They might argue that the hazard was open and obvious, so anyone should have seen and avoided it. Sometimes, they say the injured person was partly at fault for not paying attention.

Q: How Much Can I Recover in My Case?

A: If you are injured, recoverable damages can include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage (such as a broken phone or bag). You are also entitled to be compensated for non-economic damages, which can cover pain and suffering. There is no exact formula, but lawyers often use medical bills multiplied by a factor based on injury severity to estimate non-economic damages. Each case is unique, so your attorney can research similar cases and compile evidence to negotiate a fair settlement.

Q: What Are the Steps for Filing a Claim?

A: To start a civil claim in California, you must file a complaint, which outlines the details of your incident, injury, and desired compensation. Various other documents need to be filed as well, and your attorney can explain every requirement. Be sure to make copies when filing your documents with the court. After filing, serve the defendant with the filed documents to begin the legal process.

Q: What Evidence Do I Need in a Premises Liability Case?

A: Important evidence includes photos or videos of the accident site, surveillance footage, witness statements, and maintenance or inspection records. For those who are seen at a doctor’s office or the Huntington Hospital emergency room, having copies of your medical records can be vital evidence. Proving that the owner knew or should have known about the danger often relies on timelines, repair logs, or testimony from employees or others familiar with the property.

Contact Our Experienced Pasadena Premises Liability Lawyers Today

Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor has more than thirty years of experience representing injury victims in Pasadena, CA and throughout southern California. Our record and our reputation speak for themselves. Let an experienced premises liability attorney be your advocate and fight on your behalf if you are injured because a property owner failed to provide adequate security. Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor understand the physical suffering and emotional trauma that crime victims may endure.

We are committed to holding accountable those responsible for your injuries. Get the trustworthy legal representation you need and call our Pasadena premises liability lawyers today at 626-208-9906 or contact us online right now to schedule a free initial consultation.