Los Angeles Building Accident Lawyer

Buildings in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a wide variety of building types. In downtown LA, you’ll find high-rise office buildings, such as the Wilshire Grand Center, and residential towers like the Ritz-Carlton Residences. In the Hollywood Hills, luxury single-family homes dominate, including mid-century modern designs like the Stahl House and contemporary mansions. Coastal areas like Santa Monica feature low-rise apartment complexes, beachfront cottages, and Art Deco buildings such as the Georgian Hotel. In neighborhoods like Silver Lake and Echo Park, you’ll find Spanish Colonial Revival homes, Craftsman bungalows, and modernist homes. Industrial buildings, like the former American Apparel factory, are often repurposed as lofts or creative office spaces.

Types of Building Accidents

• A slip and fall accident can occur when you lose your footing due to a slippery or uneven surface. You might also experience a trip and fall if there are obstacles in your walking path, such as loose wires or poorly placed objects. Falling objects, like tools or building materials, can cause serious injuries if they strike you from above.
• Elevator accidents can happen when the elevator malfunctions, causing sudden drops or stops. Stairway accidents might occur if the stairs are unstable, broken, or poorly designed.
• Fires and electrical accidents can result from faulty wiring or electrical malfunctions in the building.
• Lastly, structural collapses are another type of building accident, which may involve a wall, ceiling, or other part of the structure failing and collapsing onto you.

Causes of Accidents

• Poor maintenance of a building is one of the most common causes of accidents. If the property owner or manager fails to repair broken steps, faulty handrails, or leaking pipes, you might be injured due to their negligence.
• Defective construction is another cause, where improper building materials or methods are used, leading to unstable structures. Inadequate lighting can cause accidents, especially in stairways or walkways, where you cannot clearly see hazards. Wet or slippery surfaces, such as unmarked spills or recently mopped floors, are a major cause of slip and fall accidents.
• Poorly secured objects, such as tools or equipment, can fall from a height and strike you. Faulty elevators or escalators, when not properly maintained, can malfunction and result in serious injuries.
• Finally, inadequate fire safety measures, such as a lack of alarms or fire extinguishers, may contribute to accidents in the event of a fire or electrical failure.

Who to Sue for a Building Injury in California

If you are injured due to unsafe conditions, the building owner is often the first party you can hold responsible. California law requires property owners to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition under premises liability laws. If they fail to address hazards like broken stairs, slippery floors, or poor lighting, they could be liable for your injuries.

Additionally, if the building is under construction or renovation, a contractor, subcontractor, or even an architect might be liable if their negligence in following safety regulations led to the accident. For instance, if they failed to secure scaffolding or follow the California Occupational Safety and Health Act (Cal/OSHA) standards, they could be responsible for your injuries.

Product manufacturers could also be liable if a defective piece of equipment or a faulty material caused your injury. Finally, if a worker’s negligence directly caused your injury, the employer of that worker might be liable. In California, employers are responsible for the negligent acts of their employees while on the job.

Impact on Victims

A building accident can completely change your life in an instant. Whether it’s a fall from faulty stairs, being struck by falling debris, or any other type of incident, the physical injuries you suffer can be severe. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment, time away from work, and long-term rehabilitation. Beyond the physical toll, you may also face emotional trauma, anxiety about your future, and financial hardship from mounting medical bills and lost income.

In addition to the physical and emotional challenges, you may find it difficult to hold the responsible party accountable while juggling your recovery. Building accidents often involve complex legal and insurance issues and managing these on your own can add unnecessary stress during an already difficult time.

Filing an Insurance Claim or Lawsuit

When considering a lawsuit, keep in mind that you’ll need to show that someone else was responsible for your injury. This means proving that the building owner, property manager, or another party was careless in maintaining the property and that their actions (or lack of action) caused your injury.

When you are injured in a building, you have the right to seek compensation for the damages you have suffered. This compensation, known as “damages,” is intended to help you recover the financial, physical, and emotional losses you have experienced. There are several types of damages you may be entitled to recover:

• Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of surgeries, physical therapy, hospital stays, medications, and any other medical treatment you need as a result of the accident.
• Lost Wages: If you have missed work due to your injuries, you can recover compensation for the income you lost during your recovery. This also includes loss of future earnings if you are unable to return to work at the same level.
• Pain and Suffering: Injuries from a building accident can cause significant physical pain and emotional suffering. You may be compensated for the emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life that your injuries have caused.
• Property Damage: If any of your personal property was damaged in the accident, such as a phone or clothing, you can seek reimbursement for the repair or replacement costs.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits

In the unfortunate event that a loved one loses their life due to a building accident, your family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. While no amount of money can ever replace your loved one, wrongful death damages are meant to ease the financial burden and offer some sense of justice. In a wrongful death case, you may be able to recover damages for funeral and burial expenses, the loss of your loved one’s future income, and the loss of companionship or emotional support they provided. Additionally, damages may be awarded for the pain and suffering your loved one endured before their passing.

How a Premises Liability Lawyer Helps

A premises liability lawyer understands the challenges you’re facing from a property-related injury and can guide you through the process of getting the compensation you deserve. After an accident, dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. The lawyer will gather evidence from your accident, including witness statements, photos, and expert opinions.

Insurance companies often try to settle for less than what you deserve. A lawyer will negotiate on your behalf, making sure the insurance company takes your injuries seriously. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, they can file a lawsuit and take your case to court to fight for what you’re owed.

Contact The Los Angeles Building Accident Attorney Samer Habbas

If you’ve been hurt in a building accident, you know how quickly life can change. Whether you slipped on a wet floor, were hit by falling debris, or faced another unexpected danger, the physical pain and emotional stress can be overwhelming. You shouldn’t have to fight this battle alone. Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC injury lawyers can help. Call 949-727-9300 or contact us online for a free consultation with a building accident attorney. You’ll learn how we can fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.