Types of Premises Liability Cases in San Diego

When you visit a store, restaurant, apartment complex, or even a friend’s home, you expect a safe environment. When property owners fail to maintain their premises, serious injuries can occur. Under California premises liability law, negligent property owners can be held responsible for accidents that occur on their property.

At Hulburt Law Firm, we specialize in helping victims of premises liability accidents in San Diego. Whether you’ve suffered a slip and fall, an assault due to poor security, or a dog bite injury, our experienced premises liability attorneys, Conor and Leslie Hulburt, are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of premises liability cases in San Diego.

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1. Slip and Fall Accidents

One of the most common premises liability claims, slip and fall accidents occur when a property owner fails to address unsafe conditions like:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Uneven sidewalks or flooring
• Loose carpeting or rugs
• Poor lighting in walkways
• Unsecured cords or debris in walkways
• Broken stairs or missing handrails

Who is Liable?
Business owners, landlords, and homeowners can be held liable if they fail to repair dangerous conditions or warn visitors of hazards. For example, if a grocery store neglects to clean up a spilled liquid, causing a customer to slip and suffer a serious injury, they may be responsible for damages.

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2. Trip and Fall Accidents

Similar to slip and fall cases, trip and fall accidents occur when a person trips over an obstacle that shouldn’t be there, such as:

• Cracked sidewalks or potholes
• Cluttered store aisles
• Misplaced extension cords
• Uneven flooring

Even minor tripping hazards can result in serious injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and spinal cord injuries.

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3. Negligent Security

Property owners have a duty to provide reasonable security measures to protect visitors from foreseeable harm, including criminal acts. Negligent security cases often arise in:

• Apartment complexes with broken locks or inadequate lighting
• Hotels that fail to prevent assaults or thefts
• Parking garages with poor security cameras or guards
• Bars and nightclubs where bouncers fail to intervene in violent altercations

If you or a loved one was assaulted, robbed, or attacked due to inadequate security, the property owner may be liable for failing to prevent foreseeable dangers.

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4. Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

In California, dog owners are strictly liable if their dog bites someone, even if the dog has never shown aggression before. Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is responsible if:

• The victim was lawfully on private or public property
• The bite caused injuries

Dog bite victims often suffer deep lacerations, nerve damage, infections, and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog in San Diego, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

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Premises liability cases often involve multiple defendants. For example, Conor Hulburt represented the parents of a child who wandered out of a home daycare and drowned in a neighbor's pond. The defendants included the daycare, multiple homeowners, property managers, and the homeowner's association. An experienced personal injury attorney is essential to ensure your case is thoroughly investigated and all responsible parties are identified.

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5. Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pool injuries often occur due to:

• Lack of proper fencing (leading to child drownings)
• Slippery pool decks
• Poorly maintained diving boards or ladders
• Malfunctioning drains or filters

In California, pool owners must comply with strict safety laws, including having proper fencing, self-latching gates, and pool covers. If they fail to meet these standards and an accident occurs, they may be liable.

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6. Elevator and Escalator Accidents

Elevator and escalator malfunctions can lead to:

• Sudden drops or stops
• Entrapment injuries
• Trips or falls due to misalignment

Property owners and maintenance companies must inspect and repair elevators and escalators regularly. If they neglect safety standards, injured victims may have a strong premises liability claim.

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7. Structural Defects and Building Code Violations

When property owners ignore building codes or fail to maintain their premises, dangerous conditions can arise, including:

• Collapsing ceilings or walls
• Faulty railings or balconies
• Exposed electrical wiring
• Gas leaks or fire hazards

Landlords, business owners, and property managers must ensure their buildings are safe. If they cut corners and someone gets hurt, they can and should be held accountable.

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8. Toxic Exposure Cases

Toxic substances in buildings can cause serious long-term health issues, especially for tenants and employees who are regularly exposed. Common hazardous substances include:

• Mold infestations
• Asbestos exposure
• Carbon monoxide leaks
• Lead-based paint

If a property owner knew about these dangers but failed to take action, victims may have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit.

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How Hulburt Law Firm Can Help

Premises liability cases can be complex, requiring strong evidence and aggressive legal representation. At Hulburt Law Firm, we have a proven track record of fighting for injury victims in San Diego. Our dedicated premises liability attorneys have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for clients who suffered due to property owner negligence.

Why Choose Us?

• Decades of experience in serious injury and wrongful death cases
• Aggressive trial attorneys who fight for maximum compensation
• Compassionate legal team that listens and cares about your case
• No upfront fees – You don’t pay unless we win

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Injured on Someone Else’s Property? Get a Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

Call Hulburt Law Firm today at 619.821.0500 for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the justice you deserve—because The Truth Demands Justice.

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‍Related Content:

• Premises Liability Laws in San Diego: What You Need to Know
• Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases in San Diego

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