Common Property Hazards in San Bernardino Injury Claims

Common Property Hazards in San Bernardino Injury Claims

If you have been injured due to someone’s negligence in keeping a location safe in San Bernardino, CA, call us today at 844-844-9119, and let us assist you with handling the legal process.

When someone gets hurt on another person’s property, the underlying cause often comes down to a preventable hazard. Whether it’s a slick restaurant floor, a broken handrail, or poor lighting in a parking lot, these conditions can lead to serious, life-altering injuries. In San Bernardino, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. When they fail, they can be held liable through a premises liability claim.

Understanding the most common property hazards can help you recognize when negligence played a role in your injury and what steps you can take to protect your rights.

Slippery Floors and Wet Surfaces

One of the leading causes of premises-related injuries in San Bernardino is slippery flooring. These incidents often occur in grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and commercial buildings, especially around entrances or restrooms.

Common culprits include:

• Spilled liquids that aren't cleaned up promptly
• Recently mopped floors with no warning signs
• Rainwater tracked in from outside, especially during winter storms
• Condensation from freezers or HVAC leaks

In a busy store along E Street or Hospitality Lane, a simple oversight in maintenance can result in a painful slip-and-fall. Victims may suffer broken bones, back injuries, or head trauma; all because a property manager failed to follow basic safety practices.

Uneven Surfaces, Cracked Pavement, and Broken Stairs

San Bernardino has many older neighborhoods and commercial areas where sidewalks, steps, and walkways may be poorly maintained. Uneven pavement, large cracks, and missing or broken stair treads are common trip hazards.

These dangerous conditions are often found:

• Outside retail stores or strip malls in Inland Center
• Along sidewalks in residential areas like Del Rosa or Verdemont
• In stairwells of aging apartment complexes

Falls caused by uneven walking surfaces often result in wrist fractures, knee injuries, or even spinal cord damage. Property owners have a duty to fix these issues or, at the very least, warn visitors with clear signage or barriers.

Inadequate Lighting

Dim lighting might not seem like a serious issue at first glance, but it’s one of the most overlooked property hazards and one that can have severe consequences. Poorly lit areas make it difficult for visitors to spot steps, obstructions, or even other people.

This issue frequently arises in:

• Parking lots behind businesses or apartment complexes
• Exterior walkways or stairwells
• Entryways and hallways in multi-unit buildings

In addition to increasing fall risks, inadequate lighting can contribute to criminal assaults, especially in isolated areas near public transportation hubs like the San Bernardino Transit Center. Property owners may be liable if they failed to address known security risks or ignored prior complaints.

Broken Gates, Fences, and Negligent Security

In some premises liability claims, the hazard isn’t physical but rather a lack of protection. Broken gates or fencing can allow intruders into secured areas, while missing locks or malfunctioning security systems can leave tenants vulnerable.

This is especially problematic in:

• Apartment complexes in areas like Muscoy or Arrowhead
• Hotels near the I-215 corridor
• Public venues and event spaces

When property owners fail to provide adequate security, they can be held responsible if someone is injured or attacked. In many cases, victims suffer emotionally and physically from assaults that could have been prevented with simple precautions.

Falling Objects and Unsafe Retail Displays

Retail environments in San Bernardino, especially warehouse-style stores and home improvement outlets, sometimes present hazards above eye level. Heavy items stacked improperly or unstable displays can cause serious harm if they fall on shoppers.

Examples include:

• Overstocked shelves tipping in a big-box store
• Promotional displays in grocery stores falling over
• Items dislodged from high racks due to poor organization

These types of injuries are often overlooked but can be devastating. Victims may suffer concussions, facial injuries, or shoulder damage from unexpected impacts.

Hazards in Rental Units and Multi-Family Housing

Tenants in San Bernardino often encounter property hazards in their own homes due to landlord neglect. Renters have a right to expect that their units are safe and habitable, but that isn’t always the case.

Common issues include:

• Loose or missing handrails on stairs
• Faulty electrical wiring or exposed outlets
• Leaking ceilings, black mold, or pest infestations
• Flooring that is warped or poorly installed

Landlords are required by law to maintain their properties and respond promptly to safety complaints. If they fail to do so and a tenant is injured as a result, they can be held accountable through a premises liability claim.

What to Do If You’re Hurt by a Property Hazard

If you’re injured due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, taking the right steps immediately can protect both your health and your legal rights.

Here’s what to do:

1. Get medical help: Always seek treatment, even if the injury seems minor at first. Delayed symptoms can worsen.
2. Document the scene: Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and anything that could be used as evidence (wet floors, lack of lighting, etc.).
3. Report the incident: Notify the property owner or manager and request a written report.
4. Collect witness information: If anyone saw the accident or hazard, get their name and contact details.
5. Contact a premises liability lawyer: An attorney can help investigate your case, preserve evidence, and pursue compensation.

Time is critical. In many cases, property owners quickly fix the hazard after an injury occurs, making it harder to prove negligence later.

Contact our Premise Liability Lawyers today

At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we understand how overwhelming an injury can be, especially when it was caused by someone else’s carelessness. We’re here to help you stand up to negligent property owners and demand the compensation you deserve.

Our legal team has experience handling complex premises liability claims across San Bernardino, from residential trip hazards to commercial security failures. We work quickly to investigate, document, and build a compelling case on your behalf. You won’t pay anything unless we win, and our lawyers are fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.

If you’ve been hurt by a property hazard in San Bernardino or surrounding areas like Colton, Highland, or Rialto, don’t wait. Let’s talk about your rights and what we can do to protect them.

Contact us today at 844-844-9119 for a free, confidential consultation.