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San Diego Premises Liability Lawyers

Are You in Need of a San Diego Premises Liability Lawyer?

In San Diego, property owners are legally responsible for keeping their premises safe for visitors. When they fail to do so, accidents can lead to serious injuries that could change the victim’s life forever. Slippery floors, unsafe stairways, violent dogs, inadequate security, and other hazards can all cause devastating harm.

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we have spent decades helping injured people across San Diego County hold negligent property owners accountable. We take a hands-on approach with every client, listening carefully to your story, and pursuing the compensation you need to recover.

If you or someone you love has been hurt on another person’s property, you may have the right to file a premises liability claim. We’re here to help you understand your options and fight for justice.

Premises liability cases can be difficult. Insurance companies often blame the victim, but the law is clear: if a property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to address it, they can be held liable for your injuries.

You may need a premises liability lawyer if:

  • You slipped and fell in a grocery store, restaurant, or shopping mall.
  • A dog attacked you on someone else’s property.
  • You or a loved one were injured at a hotel, pool, or apartment complex due to unsafe conditions.
  • Poor lighting, broken railings, or unsafe stairways caused an accident.

A skilled attorney can gather evidence, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and, if necessary, present your case in court.

Why Choose Us Over Other Premises Liability Lawyers in San Diego?

  • 85+ years of combined experience
  • 99.7% success rate in personal injury claims
  • Named among the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in San Diego by Expertise.com
  • Recognized as Best Car Accident Lawyers in San Diego & El Cajon by Expertise.com
  • Tens of millions recovered for injury victims
  • Listed in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
  • BBB Accredited Business with an A rating

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we take the time to truly understand your case and give you the personal attention you deserve.

What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for accidents that happen on their property due to unsafe conditions. Owners and managers have a duty to:

  • Maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition
  • Repair hazards they know about (or should know about)
  • Warn visitors about dangerous conditions

When they fail to meet this duty and someone is injured as a result, the injured party has the right to pursue a claim.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover for Premises Liability?

If you were injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation, which can include:

  • Medical expenses: hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, and medication
  • Lost wages: income you missed while recovering
  • Loss of earning capacity: if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job
  • Pain and suffering: both physical discomfort and emotional distress
  • Scarring or disfigurement: permanent effects of your injuries
  • Wrongful death damages: if a loved one died because of unsafe property conditions

We work with medical professionals and financial experts to calculate the full extent of your damages.

Don’t Wait: The Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability in California

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a premises liability claim is two years from the date of the injury.

If the accident occurred on government property, you must file an administrative claim within six months.

Missing these deadlines may mean losing your right to seek compensation. Evidence such as security footage can get destroyed or disappear quickly. That’s why it’s important to contact a San Diego personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Don’t Pay the Price for Someone Else’s Negligence

If unsafe property conditions caused your injury, don’t wait to get legal help. Call Eugene Bruno & Associates today at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for your free consultation.

Understanding Negligence in Premises Liability Cases

Negligence is the foundation of any premises liability claim. To hold a property owner accountable, you must demonstrate that their failure to act reasonably led to your injury. This involves proving four key elements:

  1. The Property Owner Owed You a Duty of Care
    Property owners, whether private individuals, businesses, or government entities, have a legal responsibility to maintain reasonably safe conditions for people who are lawfully on their property. This includes customers in a store, tenants in an apartment complex, or guests at a private residence.
  2. The Property Owner Breached That Duty
    A breach occurs when the owner fails to take reasonable steps to prevent or fix dangerous conditions. Examples include ignoring a broken handrail, failing to fix a leaky roof that causes slippery floors, or neglecting to post warning signs for known hazards like wet floors or uneven walkways.
  3. The Breach Directly Caused Your Accident
    You must show that the unsafe condition, and the owner’s failure to address it, was the direct cause of your injury. This is known as causation.
  4. You Suffered Actual Damages
    Your claim must involve real harm, such as physical injuries, medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress. Without measurable damages, there is no basis for compensation.

For instance, if a grocery store employee fails to clean up a spilled liquid in a timely manner, and you slip and break your arm, the store may be liable. They breached their duty to maintain a safe environment, and that failure led directly to your injury.

Common Types of Premises Liability Accidents We Handle

Each case is unique, but the underlying issue is always the same: a property owner failed to keep the premises safe.

  • A slip and fall can result in neck, back, or brain injury. You can also hurt your wrists, arms, and shoulders from the fall. As long as you were acting in a reasonable manner before you were hurt then you are able to seek compensation for your injuries. Property owners are responsible for keeping walkways clean and accessible.
  • Dog bites – As long as the bite occurred on the property of the owner then you can file a claim.
  • Trip-and-Fall Hazards – Uneven pavement, cracked sidewalks, or poorly maintained flooring can easily cause someone to trip and fall. Property owners have a duty to keep walkways safe for visitors. When they fail to make timely repairs, or if they don’t provide warnings for unsafe conditions such as wet floors, they may be held liable for resulting injuries such as sprains, fractures, or head trauma.
  • Elevator and Escalator Accidents – Mechanical failures, poor maintenance, or sudden malfunctions of elevators and escalators can cause severe injuries. Victims may suffer crushed limbs, broken bones, or back injuries if the equipment stops suddenly, jerks unexpectedly, or is not properly serviced. Regular inspections are required to ensure proper functioning of this dangerous machinery.
  • Poor Lighting – Dimly lit parking lots, stairwells, or hallways can create dangerous conditions where falls and assaults are more likely to occur.
  • Inadequate Security Leading to Assaults – Inadequate security measures such as the absence of cameras, locks, or security personnel may leave tenants, shoppers, or visitors vulnerable to violent crimes. Property owners and managers can be liable when they fail to provide reasonable safety measures.
  • Unsafe Stairways or Railings – Broken handrails, loose steps, or poorly designed stairways are common causes of serious falls. These hazards can lead to catastrophic injuries, especially for children or elderly individuals. Building owners and landlords have a responsibility to inspect and repair stairways and railings to prevent avoidable accidents.
  • Pool Accidents – Property owners must take extra precautions in their pool areas to ensure the safety of their guests and children who may wander onto their property if there is inadequate fencing and gates.

Minimum Standards for Pool Fencing and Gates in California

  • Fence height must be at least 60 inches.
  • Gates must be self-closing and self-latching.
  • Gate latches must be located at least 60 inches from the ground or placed on the pool side at least three inches below the top of the gate, so children cannot easily reach it.
  • The gate must swing away from the pool (outward), to reduce the risk of children pushing it open.
  • There must be no gaps or openings in the fence that would allow a child to pass through or under it.
  • The barrier must completely enclose the pool area and isolate it from the home or other structures on the property.

Common Types of Injuries in Premises Liability Claims

Premises liability accidents can happen on sidewalks, in stores, at apartment complexes, or in public spaces, and the injuries they cause are often severe. Victims may face lengthy hospital stays, ongoing rehabilitation, and lifelong physical or emotional challenges.

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we understand how devastating these injuries can be and fight to ensure our clients receive full compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.

Some of the most common injuries in premises liability cases include:

  • Broken Bones and Fractures – Slips, trips, and falls frequently lead to broken arms, legs, hips, or wrists. These injuries can limit mobility and require surgery or physical therapy.
  • Head Injuries and Concussions – Falls on hard surfaces or falling objects can cause concussions or traumatic brain injuries, which may affect memory, focus, or speech.
  • Spinal Cord Damage – Falls down unsafe stairways or accidents involving unsafe property conditions can result in partial or complete paralysis.
  • Amputations – Severe accidents, such as machinery-related incidents or crush injuries, may lead to the loss of a limb.
  • Scarring and Disfigurement – Dog bites, burns, or lacerations from unsafe property conditions can leave permanent marks that impact both appearance and self-esteem.
  • Drowning or Near-Drowning – Poorly maintained pools without proper barriers, signage, or supervision can lead to tragic drowning and near-drowning accidents, especially involving children.
  • Emotional Trauma – Beyond physical injuries, victims often experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress, particularly after animal attacks or serious falls.

These injuries can have life-altering consequences. That’s why Eugene Bruno & Associates is committed to holding negligent property owners accountable and fighting for the resources victims need to rebuild their lives.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

“For Anyone Seeking Top-Notch Legal Assistance” – Jaclyn Osborne (5-Star Google Review)

Eugene Bruno & Associates are truly awesome to work with […] exceptionally nice and approachable, making the legal process much less stressful. Their friendly and supportive nature […] makes the experience all-around positive. I highly recommend them for anyone seeking top-notch legal assistance!

“Eugene Bruno & Associates […] Got Me What I Deserve” – Krispy Moses (5-Star Google Review)

Eugene Bruno & Associates really helped me through a hard time in my life and got me what I deserve. I recommend him to anyone I come across [in need of] a personal injury attorney.

“Incredibly Helpful with My Case” – Joshua Lopez (5-Star Google Review)

Eugene Bruno & Associates has been incredibly helpful with my case. Their […] support made the whole process a lot easier. Highly recommend them for anyone in need of a great law firm.

Injured on Someone Else’s Property?

Unsafe property conditions can change your life in seconds. You don’t have to face the aftermath alone.

Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) today for your free consultation, and let Eugene Bruno & Associates fight for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Premises Liability

What qualifies as a premises liability case in California?

Any injury caused by unsafe property conditions, such as a slip, trip, fall, pool accident, or dog bite.

Who can be held responsible?

Property owners, managers, landlords, or tenants responsible for maintaining the reasonably safe premises.

How long do I have to file a claim in California?

You have two years from the date of injury, or six months if the property is government-owned.

What damages can I recover?

You may be eligible to receive compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Do I need a lawyer for a premises liability case?

You have a much better chance of receiving full compensation in San Diego if you have an experienced attorney to gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and protect your rights.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

We work on a contingency fee basis; you don’t pay unless we win your case.

About Our Attorney

Eugene Bruno

California State Bar: #181301

Eugene Bruno is the founding attorney of Eugene Bruno & Associates, a respected San Diego law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of injury victims and employees facing unlawful treatment in the workplace., Mr. Bruno has earned a reputation as a trusted advocate who fights tirelessly for his clients. Known for his approachable style and hands-on representation, Eugene Bruno takes the time to listen, explain options, and pursue the justice his clients deserve.

Other Locations We Serve

Call for a FREE Case Evaluation Today

Our San Diego premises liability attorneys at Eugene Bruno & Associates work aggressively and tactfully for our clients. We are all too familiar with lawyers who don’t call their clients until it is time to collect from the claim. We believe that maintaining a relationship with our clients make for a better experience overall.

Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) so we can get the process started.

Premises Liability Case Results

  • $1.25 Million – Trip and Fall

These results were personally obtained by attorney Eugene G. Bruno. These case results are real but they do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your case. Your case result will be based on the specific facts of your case.

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