When a property in Ontario is not properly maintained or controlled, harmful accidents can happen. If you were recently injured due to a defect or hazardous condition while on someone else’s property, discuss your potential legal options with our Ontario premises liability attorney at Jacoby & Meyers. We have years of experience and have earned the trust of tens of thousands of clients. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Premises Liability Laws in Ontario, California
Premises liability law refers to the set of rules pertaining to the standards of care required when maintaining a property in Ontario. Under California Civil Code Section 1714, property owners are responsible for “an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person.”
Property owner responsibilities vary based on the type of visitor entering the premises:
- Invitee: someone with the owner’s explicit or implied permission to enter the property. They are owed the highest level of care and protection: owners must inspect for unknown hazards, remedy discovered defects and warn of known dangers.
- Licensee: someone with the owner’s permission to enter but who does so for their own purposes. They are owed a slightly lesser level of protection: owners must repair defects and warn of injury risks, but do not have to actively inspect their properties.
- Trespasser: someone who enters a property without permission or lawful authority. Trespassers are not owed any duties of care by property owners other than a requirement not to intentionally cause them harm.
In addition to state premises liability laws requiring general property care, Ontario also has municipal codes affecting property safety. All residential and commercial properties must follow the provisions outlined in the Municipal Code to create safe and quality environments for residents.
Common Premises Liability Accidents in Ontario
A dangerous premises in Ontario can expose visitors to many potential injury risks and hazards. Common examples include:
- Slip and fall incidents
- Trip and fall hazards
- Inadequate security
- Falling object injuries
- Swimming pool accidents
- Dog bites on property
- Elevator and escalator injuries
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Fire and electrical incidents
No matter what type of accident injured you, if you suspect that the owner of the property should be held accountable due to the failure to maintain a safe environment, consult with our attorneys about a potential claim.
Dangerous Property Conditions in Ontario
Property owners in Ontario have a responsibility to prevent foreseeable injury risks and a duty to regularly inspect their premises for potential hazards.
Premises liability accidents in Ontario are often traced back to avoidable safety issues, such as:
- Wet and slippery floors
- Uneven walking surfaces
- Cracked or broken sidewalks
- Poor lighting in common areas
- Obstructed walkways or obstacles
- Inadequate security measures
- Building code violations
- Unsafe or unguarded swimming pools
- Defective stairs and railings
- Parking lot hazards
- Dangerous dogs on the property
Property owners in Ontario are expected to take reasonable steps to fix known hazards in a timely manner. The failure to do so is referred to as negligence in premises liability law.
Liability for Different Property Types
At Jacoby & Meyers, we have been representing injured premises accident victims throughout California for many years. No other law firm in the state has secured higher settlements for clients for as long as we have.
Our premises liability lawyers in Ontario are prepared to handle all types of cases in this practice area, including:
- Commercial property accidents
- Residential landlord liability
- Government property claims
- Ontario Mills and shopping center cases
- Hotel and restaurant liability
- Apartment complex common areas
- Public park and recreation areas
We can go up against any defendant, including individual property owners, landlords, management companies, businesses and corporations, employers, and the government. Our team of Ontario personal injury attorneys does not back down from a fight.
Proving Negligence in Ontario Premises Liability Cases
As a plaintiff or injured party in a premises liability case, you bear the burden of proof. This means it is your responsibility to prove the truth of what you are saying. The burden of proof is “based on a preponderance of the evidence,” meaning more likely to be true than not true.
To win a premises liability claim in California, you or your attorney must establish using clear and convincing evidence that the property owner knew or reasonably should have known of the hazard that caused your injury but did not take reasonable measures to prevent harm from befalling you.
Our attorneys can help you prove your premises case by collecting evidence of negligence and documenting dangerous property conditions. We can interview eyewitnesses, hire expert witnesses for testimony, and gather any available photographs and video footage to support your case. We can also work with your doctors to prove the extent of your injuries and medical costs.
Compensation Available for Premises Liability Victims
Successfully holding a property owner in Ontario accountable for your accident could result in financial compensation for several economic and noneconomic damages. Securing a fair settlement or judgment award can help make it easier for you to rebuild after the incident.
Common types of compensation include:
- Medical expenses and treatment costs
- Lost wages and income
- Pain and suffering damages
- Emotional distress compensation
- Long-term care requirements
- Property damage recovery
When you hire our attorneys to advocate for your best interests, you get the benefit of a team that will do what is necessary to maximize your financial recovery. This includes bringing complex premises liability cases to court in San Bernardino County when needed.
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal premises liability accident, our experienced Ontario wrongful death lawyers can help you pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Why You Need a Specialized Ontario Premises Liability Lawyer
It’s important to protect your rights as a premises accident victim in Ontario by hiring the right attorney. Look for a lawyer with experience handling property hazard cases, knowledge of local building standards in Ontario, a track record with similar claims, relationships with expert witnesses and adequate resources for property investigation. This will ensure your lawyer has what it takes to get the best possible results for your case.
Contact Us for a Free Premises Liability Case Review in Ontario
At Jacoby & Meyers, we believe victims of dangerous premises deserve justice. We will guide you through your claim to get the results you need to get back to the life you love. We are seasoned premises liability attorneys in Ontario who specialize in negotiating with insurance companies and litigating cases at trial to leverage successful case outcomes for our clients.
Contact us today to schedule a free premises liability case review. We are right where you need us. We serve the whole of California with 14 office locations for your convenience. Our Ontario office is located at 3200 E Guasti Rd #100, Ontario, CA 91761. Call our 24/7 hotline at (909) 316-5154 to learn more.