If you’ve recently been hurt in an accident that occurred on someone else’s property in San Francisco, get help from the attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers. Whether you were injured at Mission Dolores Park, while shopping in Union Square or during a stay at a local hotel, our San Francisco injury lawyers can help you seek justice and fair financial compensation with a premises liability claim. Contact us today for your free case review.
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers for Your Premises Liability Case?
- Our law firm has spent more than 50 years aggressively protecting the rights of Californians injured in preventable premises liability incidents.
- We have a long track record of success, with over $2 billion collected in settlements for past clients. Our firm regularly achieves settlements over 10 times the initial insurance offer.
- Our team understands the ins and outs of premises liability cases in Northern California. We can help no matter what type of property defect or hazard injured you.
- You will have zero financial risk with us as your premises liability lawyers in San Francisco. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t charge our clients unless we win the case.
- You will benefit from the undivided care and attention of your San Francisco premises liability lawyer. We are on your side and will fight for justice with integrity, compassion and dedication.
The Advantages of Hiring a Premises Liability Attorney in San Francisco
Not every premises liability case needs oversight from an attorney. However, if you were involved in an accident in San Francisco that resulted in severe injuries or the tragic loss of a loved one, it is important to protect your legal rights by hiring a lawyer to represent you.
An experienced San Francisco premises liability lawyer can investigate your accident for signs of property owner negligence and preserve key evidence to support your claim. You can receive medical care and focus on healing while your attorney builds your case, hires experts, interviews witnesses, gathers documents and takes other steps to establish a strong injury claim on your behalf.
California’s Premises Liability Laws
In California, property owners have a legal duty of care to maintain safe, hazard-free premises. According to California Civil Code §1714, “Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property.”
Under this law, a property owner can be held liable, or legally and financially responsible, for injuries to others when the harm is caused by negligent property care, maintenance or management. A premises liability claim can be filed when a victim suffers an injury due to dangerous conditions on another person’s property.
Invitees vs. Licensees vs. Trespassers
The specific duties of care owed by a property owner in San Francisco change according to the classification of the visitor. There are three different visitor types:
- Invitee: someone with express or implied permission from the property owner to enter the premises, who does so for the owner’s benefit. Think customers at a store in San Francisco.
- Licensee: someone with lawful authority to enter a premises who does so for their own purposes. Examples are a contractor or salesperson.
- Trespasser: an individual who does not have the property owner’s permission or legal authority to enter a premises.
Identifying your status as a visitor at the time of your accident is important, as this will determine what responsibilities the owner legally owed you.
What Legal Responsibilities Do Property Owners in San Francisco Have?
Invitees are owed the highest duties of care; property owners must inspect their premises for new or hidden hazards, promptly repair any discovered defects, and warn invitees of potential sources of harm.
Licensees are also owed duties of care, but property owners are not required to inspect their properties before licensees enter. Property owners in San Francisco do not owe any duties of care to trespassers, besides a duty not to intentionally cause them harm.
If a trespasser is under the age of 18, however, a property owner must keep the premises free and clear of any potential hazards – paying particular attention to “attractive nuisances,” or dangerous property elements that are naturally attractive to children, such as swimming pools.
Injured on Someone Else’s Property?
Our Experienced San Francisco Premises Liability Attorneys Are Here To Help
Types of Premises Liability Cases We Accept in San Francisco
When searching for the right attorney to take your case in San Francisco, it’s important to look for a law firm with experience in your practice area.
Jacoby & Meyers has decades of experience in a wide range of premises liability cases, including:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dog bite injuries and animal attacks
- Assaults or crimes due to negligent security
- Elevator and escalator accidents
- Staircase accidents
- Falling objects
- Dangerous work environments
- Exposure to asbestos or other toxic substances
- School or daycare accidents
- Amusement park accidents
Jacoby & Meyers is California’s most respected personal injury firm. Since 1972, our law firm has been a pioneer in accessible legal representation in premises liability law.
What to Do After an Accident in San Francisco, CA
If you suffer an injury while on someone else’s property in San Francisco, try to stay calm. Take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries to make sure they are properly treated and documented.
- Report the accident to the property owner or manager right away.
- In an emergency, notify the police by calling 911.
- Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident.
- Take photos of the property defect before it is repaired.
- Search for surveillance cameras that may have captured the accident.
- Collect information from any witnesses before you leave.
- Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident.
- When you’re ready to file a claim, contact the property owner’s insurance provider.
- Before you accept a quick settlement, contact us for a free review of your case.
With help from the San Francisco premises liability attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers, you can navigate the aftermath of a premises liability accident in a way that protects your rights and optimizes your case outcome.
Contact Our San Francisco Premises Liability Attorneys Today
Don’t go through the legal process alone after an accident in San Francisco. Without a lawyer by your side, you may settle for less than you deserve. Property insurance companies are practiced at taking advantage of claimants and underpaying claims. With a San Francisco premises liability attorney from Jacoby & Meyers advocating for you, you can improve the results of your case and avoid the stress of the legal process. Contact us today to find out how we can help with a specific case. Call our local San Francisco office at (415) 855-4289 for a free consultation.