Injury cases
Premises liability in Riverside County
California holds property owners and managers responsible for injuries caused by a lack of ordinary care in managing their property (Civil Code § 1714). If you were hurt at a store, apartment complex or parking lot in Riverside County, photograph the hazard, report it to the manager and get medical care promptly.
What has to be shown
California's jury instruction on premises liability (CACI No. 1000) sets out the elements: the defendant owned, leased, occupied or controlled the property; was negligent in using or maintaining it; and that negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm. Knowledge of the hazard, how long it existed and what inspections were done are usually central.
Common situations
- Spills and debris in stores and markets
- Broken stairs, railings and lighting in apartment complexes
- Uneven pavement and poor lighting in parking lots
- Inadequate security where assaults were foreseeable
Steps to take
- Photograph the hazard, lighting and surrounding area before it changes.
- Report the incident to the manager and ask for a copy of the incident report.
- Get witness contact information and keep your shoes and clothing.
- Get medical care and keep all records and bills.
Dog bites
A dog's owner is liable for bites that happen in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property, regardless of the dog's history (Civil Code § 3342).
Public property
If the injury happened on property owned by a city, the County or the State, such as a sidewalk, park or public building, a written claim usually must be presented within six months (Gov. Code § 911.2). See our claims guide.
Related pages
- Swimming pool injuries and drowningsPool safety laws, County pool inspections and who is responsible.
- Slip and fall in stores and restaurantsSpills, notice and evidence when a customer falls at a business.
- Sidewalk and public property fallsDangerous conditions of public property and the six-month claim.
- Apartment and rental property injuriesLandlord duties to tenants and guests: repairs, inspections, security and dogs.
- Events, venues and amusement ridesGuest injuries at events and venues, and California's ride safety rules.
- Dog bites and animal attacksStrict liability, reporting, quarantine and deadlines.
- Claims against governmentThe six-month rule and where to file for each city.
- Pedestrian accidentsPeople on foot struck by vehicles.
Hurt in Riverside County?
Talk with our Riverside team about what happened. Consultations are free, in English or Spanish.