California Apartment Accident Lawyers

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Our California Apartment Accident Lawyers Are Here To Make It Right When You’ve Been Wronged

Do you need money to cover your medical expenses after an accident in your apartment? If you’re injured due to negligence, don’t hesitate to call our California apartment accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391. We’ll stop at nothing until you receive justice and fair compensation for all your pain and suffering.

In 2022, the median asking rate for rentals in the U.S. crossed the $2,000 threshold for the first time. This figure represents a 15.2% year-over-year increase, with some states experiencing even more significant surges. Six regions in California, in particular, are among the top 11 metro areas with the highest asking prices.

Oakland (6th) – $3,752
San Francisco (7th) – $3,752
San Jose (8th) – $3,621

San Diego (9th) – $3,432
Anaheim (10th) – $3,400
Los Angeles (11th) – $3,400

With high rental rates and a significant number of the population renting in apartment buildings, you might expect the utmost safety and security offered by landlords. However, the opposite is true. Many accidents still occur due to cost-cutting and negligence.

Our lawyers regularly encounter cases where a tenant or guest gets injured because of someone else’s negligent actions or inactions. Landlords may be on the hook for premises liability, but accidents may also happen because of another party. Get the help of our experienced personal injury attorneys in California to determine the responsible parties.

How Can California Apartment Accident Lawyers Help You With Your Claims?

You deserve to be fairly compensated for any injuries you sustained due to someone else’s negligence. Our California apartment accident lawyers will help ensure that happens. Consulting with our experienced attorneys will help you navigate complicated laws regarding accidents on properties. We will also protect your rights against any legal challenges from landlords. Our legal team regularly takes on tough cases, but we’re highly adept at establishing a solid case in your favor. We’ll leave no stone unturned during the investigation and communication with relevant experts. You don’t have to deal with insurance companies, as your lawyers will do all the negotiating. We’ll also represent you in court if necessary. Get a free initial consultation with our apartment accident lawyers in California. Visit our offices in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco, Sherman Oaks, San Diego, and Pasadena.

Why Hire Our Apartment Accident Lawyers In California?

Getting our specialized team of California apartment accident lawyers on your side offers several distinct advantages:

Extensive Experience – Our lawyers have handled several similar cases, and we’re successful 99% of the time. We use our in-depth knowledge of state laws and regulations governing premises liability and personal injury.
Solid History of Success – Our proven track record speaks for itself. Arash Law is committed to achieving the justice and compensation our clients deserve.
Maximum Compensation – Insurance companies will try to intimidate you and us to avoid paying out your claim. However, their tactics don’t work for our lawyers. Our aggressive advocacy has helped secure over $500 Million in settlements and verdicts.
Compassionate Support – We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll that apartment accidents can take on individuals and families. Expect to receive warm support and guidance from our lawyers, who will treat you like family.

The peace of mind you get when hiring proficient apartment accident lawyers in California is priceless. We’ll make sure you can focus on your recovery while we handle your case with expertise.

Premises Liability

$750,000.00

Settlement in a premises liability case involving a fall due to a defectively placed aquarium within a classroom; the client suffered laceration injuries

– JUDD ROSS ALLEN

Types Of Accidents Common In Apartment Buildings

Unfortunately, apartment accidents are pretty common in California. They’re not limited to the usual ones, either, like trips, falls, and fires. Hit-and-run incidents are also possible, like when a minivan plowed into a tenant’s living room in 2023. This event in Orange County left two victims injured.

That aside, here are the most common apartment accidents our California lawyers see.

Slips & Falls

Slipping incidents in California apartments are among the most common cases our accident lawyers handle. They often result from hazardous conditions like:

Wet floors
Uneven surfaces
Poorly maintained common areas
Improper snow and ice removal

Landlords and property managers have to address any known risks and fix reported issues promptly. Failure to do so increases the risk of injuries from slips and falls, like back trauma and concussions.

Swimming Pool Accidents

California’s warm climate makes swimming pools a popular addition to apartment complexes. You’ll likely see this amenity in areas like Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego, which generally experience hot and dry summers.

However, swimming pools have high maintenance requirements. They must also adhere to California’s Health and Safety Code, which calls for regular disinfection, proper care of water treatment systems, and standard signs. The risks of accidents are high if the landlord fails to maintain it and implement safety measures properly.

Elevator Malfunctions

Elevators can be a nightmare for everyone – even landlords. They have complicated mechanisms and parts that must undergo regular maintenance. Even so, the overseeing party has the responsibility always to keep them running in their best condition.

Otherwise, they may cause sudden stops, door malfunctions, or even entrapment. Elevator accidents aren’t simply inconveniences, as they can progress into dangerous situations. A person may get caught between the doors, like the man whose arms had to be freed by firefighters in Los Angeles.

Stair Incidents

Accidents on stairs are also a high-risk concern in California apartments, resulting from factors like:

Poor lighting
Uneven steps

Loose handrails
Slippery surfaces

Staircases are one of the main thoroughfares in an apartment building. Anyone who goes through them may get into an accident if issues are not addressed promptly. Older people and those with disabilities are especially vulnerable to these hazards.

Toxic Mold Exposure

The California Housing Code protects renters who may have issues with mold in their living spaces. They can report the issue to a local enforcer, who will then force the landlord to remediate the problem.

Mold is a severe health hazard that must be reported and addressed quickly. If inhaled for long periods, it may cause long-term ailments.

A couple from Newport Beach even experienced cognitive issues on top of physical illnesses. They sued the owner of their apartment complex for compensation for their medical bills and emotional distress.

The main problem we often see is that landlords often refuse to cooperate even if the mold is already at hazardous levels. If you have a similar issue, reach out to our apartment accident lawyers in California to see if you have a case.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Malfunctioning heating systems or gas appliances in apartment buildings can lead to carbon monoxide leaks. This gas poses a serious health risk, so there’s no room for negligence and inadequate maintenance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CO2 is responsible for 420 deaths annually in the U.S.

The biggest danger is that carbon monoxide is silent and can kill in minutes. Its victims don’t usually know what’s happening to them until they pass out. They may experience headaches, dizziness, confusion, and general weakness. However, a regular person won’t immediately attribute these symptoms to CO2 poisoning.

Landlords must always inspect and properly maintain any heating systems. They should also install detectors so their residents can get quickly alerted of any issue. If they were negligent and caused a carbon monoxide incident, they may be liable for compensating victims.

Structural Problems

Accidents may also occur due to the building’s lack of structural integrity. Some issues commonly seen in apartments are:

Foundation cracks or shifts
Weak or deteriorating walls

Roof leaks or collapses
Building code violations

The responsible party for any accident caused by these problems will depend on the specific circumstances. Landlords may be found liable if they were negligent in performing the needed repairs and maintenance. The contractor may also have liability if they cut corners when building the apartment.

Parking Lot Incidents

Residents may also get into an accident in the apartment’s parking lot. They can get injured in a car collision, trip-and-fall incident, or falling debris from construction.

If the accident is due to negligence, the victim can pursue compensation from the responsible party. Landlords may have liability if they fail to provide adequate security, lighting, and signage in the parking lot.

Apartment Fires

The year 2022 saw a total of 3,790 civilian deaths and 13,250 injuries from 1,504,500 fires across the country. Apartment structure fires accounted for 12.4% of these deaths and 20.8% of injuries.

These accidents can occur due to negligent maintenance of electrical systems and water heaters. Malfunctioning appliances in a tenant’s unit may also lead to a fire, causing injuries like:

Burns
Smoke inhalation

Respiratory and pulmonary illnesses

If you’re suffering from fire-related injuries resulting from someone else’s negligence, it’s best to talk to our legal team right away. We’ll ensure you get money for your recovery expenses.

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My husband had an accident 2 years ago, a 85 years old man hit him, the Arash law group works very well on my husband case that took 9 month and he won the case and my husband was happy with the results. A year later I got into an accident as well and I’m still waiting in my case is almost resolving and it’s 9 months already. This people knows the law and they do their job right to help you out in getting the most for you to fight on your behalf. I strongly recommend the Arash Law firm they do things right in a efficient and professional manner.

Had a great experience with all the people at Arash law. Long story short was in a bad car accident. It was overwhelming and the whole process was a lot, but they kept me in the loop. They answered all my questions and gave me great advice. Couldn't be any happier. Would definitely recommend anyone looking for a personal injury lawyer. They'll guide you through the whole process!

Having Arash Law handle my auto accident was the best decision I could have made. Everyone I interacted with was kind, professional and detail oriented. I am extremely happy with the outcome and would recommend them highly.

From start to finish, Arash Law firm is there every step of the way with close, constant, personal contact and attention. I never knew a Law firm could actually care so much for me as a person and what I was personally going through as well as the settlement I was going to recieve once my case was finally completed. Thank you to everyone at Arash Law for your ongoing support and communication. You are the ONLY firm I will ever recommend to someone who is need of a great attorny.

I had an excellent experience with Arash Law. I will definitely recommend to my family and friends. I interviewed a few firms before deciding to work with Arash Law. What made my experience excellent was (i.e. head attorney being accessible to talk to and he answered all my questions and concerns, sensitive and thorough personel who completed in home intake & follow up process, being connected immediately to quality Physicians who addressed my injuries and recovery process, clear contract-read throughly to ensure its something you can commit to). Being in a car accident is a traumatic experience and I had a sense of peace knowing Arash Firm was walking with me throughout the whole process. Thank you Arash Firm for all your hard work and help. I am so grateful and appreciative for you all! 🙏 With Gratitude, Monica Parra

Common Apartment Building Accident Injuries

Natural risks and negligence-caused hazards in apartment buildings can cause various injuries. Examples are:

Broken Bones – Falls from heights, like staircases and balconies, can result in fractures.
Head Trauma – Collisions, falls, and accidents involving falling objects may damage the head. These injuries can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Back Injuries – Accidents involving slips and falls may affect the muscles and ligaments in the back. They may also cause herniated discs or more severe spinal cord injuries that can lead to paralysis and long-term disability.
Soft Tissue Damage – Sudden movements like twisting can lead to sprains and strains. Accidents may also cause bruises, muscle tears, and contusions.
Dog Bites – An animal attack may also occur in apartment buildings. Neighbors may improperly train or restrain their dogs.
Lacerations – Broken glass, sharp objects, or jagged surfaces in poorly maintained areas may cause cuts, abrasions, and other bodily injuries.
Wrongful Death – In tragic cases, an accident may lead to the loss of a loved one. In this case, the negligent party must absolutely be held accountable for their actions (or inaction).

Any injury, big or small, will need proper medical care. That’s why you must seek the help of our apartment accident lawyers in California. We will ensure you get fair compensation for all your medical expenses and other losses.

Responsibilities Of A Landlord In California Apartments

In California, landlords have various legal responsibilities to ensure the safety and well-being of their tenants. State laws and regulations, as well as local ordinances, help govern these obligations. Here are some essential pointers for landlords that you also need to know as a tenant:

Habitability Landlords have a responsibility to keep their units and the building “habitable.” California defines this term as a condition wherein the premises are safe, sanitary, and fit for human occupation.
Essential Services The building must be equipped with basic amenities, such as water, heat, and electricity. Tenants must always have access to them, even if they are delinquent in payments.
Building Codes The apartment building must adhere to federal, state, and local building codes. Failure to follow these regulations is punishable, even if they haven’t led to an accident yet.
Repairs and Maintenance Landlords and property managers must perform regular repairs and maintenance to keep the building habitable. Their duties include inspecting their electrical, mechanical, and technological systems to ensure they’re functioning well and safely. If someone brings an issue to their attention, they must address it promptly.
Disclosures and Notices Any issue must be appropriately disclosed to renters. Some examples are the presence of lead-based paint and the existence of known hazards.

Knowing your rights as a renter will help you understand what you should expect from your landlord. You’ll also learn what actions you can take if an accident occurs. In any case, you can talk to our California apartment accident lawyers to know more about the rules and regulations applicable to your case.

Premises Liability In California

As property owners, landlords have a duty to maintain safe surroundings. Premises liability comes into effect. This legal concept holds them accountable for injuries caused by dangerous conditions on their property as long as (a) they knew or should have known about the hazard and (b) they failed to take reasonable steps to address it.

However, liability can be complicated when it comes to apartment buildings. In general, landlords don’t have to inspect for everyday wear and tear inside occupied apartment units. They may not be negligent unless the tenant informs them of a potential hazard.

That said, landlords and property managers must check and maintain certain parts of the building, such as:

Common area entrances
Hallways and staircases

Elevators
Parking lots

Swimming pool
Amenities

Additionally, they must also regularly inspect the building’s structural integrity, plumbing, electrical wiring, and other systems. They may also be responsible for preventing and controlling pests if an infestation renders their property uninhabitable under California laws.

Granted, landlords aren’t liable for every accident that happens within their premises. A tenant who slipped on the water they spilled is usually not the responsibility of the property owner. Here are some specific scenarios where they may be held negligent:

A tenant reported a leaky pipe that created a puddle on the floor. The landlord didn’t repair it right away, causing a slip-and-fall accident.
The elevator’s maintenance schedule isn’t strictly followed. Then, it malfunctioned and trapped an unsuspecting tenant.
The building owner didn’t adhere to building codes regarding fire safety. A fire broke out as a result, causing several burn injuries and property damage.
The landlord knew of a loose railing in the staircase but didn’t take any action to fix it. A guest uses it for support but instead falls down the steps.

As long as there’s negligence involved in your injury, you may have a case. Talk to our experienced apartment accident lawyers in California for a free initial consultation.

Proving Negligence In Your Apartment Accident

To successfully hold the responsible party accountable for your damages, you must first establish negligence. Our California lawyers have to demonstrate four elements of an apartment accident, which are as follows.

Duty of Care
The first step is establishing that the defendant owed you a duty of care. In a landlord-tenant relationship, it’s a given that they have a legal responsibility to maintain the building in a reasonably safe condition. Our apartment accident lawyers can demonstrate this element through your lease agreement, local housing codes, and applicable California injury laws.
Breach of Duty
The second element involves showing that the landlord breached their duty of care. They failed to take reasonable steps to maintain the safety and security of the property. Documentation like time-stamped videos, maintenance records (or lack thereof), and filed complaints about the hazard can work as evidence.
Causation
Next, we must prove that the breach of duty led to the accident, causing your injury. For example, the landlord was negligent in repairing the decrepit stairs that they were aware of. Then, you fell and broke your hips when the steps fell apart under your feet. In this case, you can establish that inaction eventually caused your fall.
Damages
Another vital element is the loss you suffered as a result of the accident and the landlord’s negligence. If there are no damages, there’s nothing to compensate for them. In general, you can pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. This part is where your hospital bills, receipts, invoices, and other documentation will be helpful.

Your case must fulfill all elements and present compelling evidence to pursue compensation. Consult with the best apartment building accident lawyer California has to offer to ensure you get a favorable outcome.

Determining The Negligible Parties In Apartment Accident Cases

Sometimes, the landlord is not the only one responsible for an accident. Our accident lawyers specializing in California apartment complex negligence will identify all responsible parties for your injuries.

There may be other multiple parties whose negligence contributed to the incident. Some potentially liable individuals or entities are:

Property management company
Maintenance personnel

Contractors and service providers
Other tenants or visitors

We’ll look at every detail and determine whose actions or failures contributed to the accident.

Comparative Fault Laws In California

California follows a comparative negligence system, where multiple parties can share fault for an accident. The court will determine the percentage of liability of each party based on their respective responsibility toward the incident.

Even the victim can be partially responsible for their own injuries. They can still receive compensation, but it will be reduced by their percentage of fault. An example is when they are found to be 30% for the accident, and their total damages amount to $100,000. They would only be entitled to recover $70,000 ($100,000 minus 30%).

Reach out to our lawyers to know more about California laws that might apply to your apartment accident. Our team is ready to answer your questions and concerns.

Tenant’s Rights For Compensation After An Apartment Injury

Apartment residents have specific rights after sustaining an injury in an apartment building. The legal principles governing your safety and well-being allow you to seek compensation for damages caused by negligence.

These damages can include:

Medical Bills – This may include past, current, and future expenses related to your injury. Some common damages for apartment accidents are hospitalization, surgery, doctor visits, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy.
Lost Wages – If your injury causes you to miss work, you can claim compensation for your lost income.
Reduced Earning Capacity – A long-term or permanent disability may affect your future earning potential.
Property Damage – The costs for repair or replacement of property are recoverable.

Our California personal injury lawyers also win non-economic damages for our clients. These losses are subjective and will vary depending on your injury’s impact on your life. Examples are:

Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life

Loss of consortium
Psychological trauma

As a tenant, you also have the right to seek legal assistance. Contact our accident lawyers who sue apartment complexes in California fearlessly to obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.

Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Personal Injury Claim

After an apartment accident in California, we highly advise talking to our lawyers right away. The state’s statute of limitations imposes a two-year deadline for personal injury claims. Missing the time limit could mean losing our right to compensation.

One of the purposes of these rules is to ensure the freshness of evidence and availability of witnesses. After all, you can’t build a strong case if you can’t provide reliable proof. However, deadlines can be extended in certain circumstances. Examples are when the victim is a minor, or the defendant is out of state.

Reach out to our qualified apartment building claims lawyers after an accident in California. We’ll protect your rights and gather evidence to prove the responsible party’s negligence.

What To Do After Suffering Injuries In An Apartment Building

Take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:

Stay calm and ensure your safety first. Leave the scene if there are present dangers, such as carbon monoxide leaks or a crumbling floor. Otherwise, stay where you are.
Assess your injuries. Call 911 if you need immediate medical assistance.
Report the incident to the apartment owner or manager. Call their contact numbers or ask someone to file a report. Make sure you obtain a copy.
Document the scene by taking pictures and videos. Include any hazardous conditions, injuries, property damage, and other essential details that may help your case.
Collect the contact details of neighbors, guests, and any witnesses on the scene.
Notify your health insurance company as soon as possible. If applicable, report the incident to your renter’s policy provider, as well.
Contact our California apartment accident lawyers immediately. We’ll discuss your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation.

Knowing what to do in any type of accident can help you preserve and collect evidence. But what if you missed some steps? Regardless, our California personal injury lawyers will ensure you have a strong claim for pursuing compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apartment Accidents In California

Can I Sue My Apartment Building For My Injuries?

You can get help from our California accident lawyers to sue the owners of apartment complexes. If you have an injury and there’s negligence involved, we may be able to build a case. Landlords have a legal duty to provide safe premises. If they fail to fulfill this responsibility and you get harmed as a result, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.

When Should I Hire An Attorney For My Personal Injuries?

We highly advise you to contact our expert California attorneys immediately after sustaining an injury in an apartment accident. Promptly seeking legal action helps with the following:

Securing evidence before it becomes unavailable due to natural or malicious actions
Investigating the accident early to strengthen your claim
Ensuring that insurance companies don’t get the chance to pressure you into accepting a low settlement
Allowing our experienced California apartment accident lawyers to guide you from the start

How Much Do Accident Attorneys Charge In California?

It depends on your agreement with your accident attorney. But at Arash Law, we charge on a contingency fee basis. This means that we don’t bill you any fees before or after accepting your case. In fact, we only get paid when we successfully recover compensation for you.

How Do I File A Personal Injury Lawsuit In California?

First, determine which jurisdiction would cover your case. Then, hire a legal team who is knowledgeable in the local laws. If the apartment accident happened in Encino, for example, reach out to our skilled lawyers in the area. We’ll handle the rest, including filing the lawsuit. You can focus on your recovery instead.

You can also seek a law firm specializing in your specific circumstances. For instance, talk to our slip-and-fall lawyer if you slipped in a poorly maintained Los Angeles apartment building. For burn injuries, get help from our apartment fire lawyer.

Can You Sue A Landlord For Emotional Distress?

You may be able to sue a landlord if their negligent actions caused you emotional harm. It’s usually a part of personal injury claims. The court will assess the extent of an accident’s impact on your life and mental health.

Can I File A Claim For Apartment Injuries If I’m An Undocumented Person?

Undocumented immigrants have the right to pursue justice and compensation. California’s legal system doesn’t discriminate based on one’s residency status. If you get injured in an apartment building, don’t let the landlord scare you into dropping your case. Trust our legal team, consisting of multilingual case managers, to hear you out properly.

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Looking For Dedicated California Apartment Accident Attorneys Near You? Call Arash Law Today!

Getting an injury in a place where you should feel safe can be highly distressing and traumatic. At times like these, you need skilled California lawyers to hold the responsible party accountable for your apartment accident.

Our personal injury attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 or use our online form for a free initial consultation.

Our apartment accident lawyers have various offices in California, including Los Angeles, Riverside, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco, Sherman Oaks, San Diego, and Pasadena.