Premises Liability Lawyer in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and the Bay Area

Injured on Someone Else’s Property? Let’s Hold Them Accountable.

A slip on a wet floor. A fall down broken stairs. An injury from poor lighting or missing railings. These aren’t just accidents—they’re preventable failures by property owners. And under California law, you have the right to pursue compensation.


At Applegate Law Office, we represent individuals hurt because of unsafe, hazardous, or poorly maintained conditions across Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. Attorney Charles Applegate brings over 20 years of personal injury litigation experience to each case, helping clients hold property owners and businesses accountable when negligence causes harm. No upfront fees. No pressure. Just direct legal support from a Santa Rosa premises liability lawyer who knows how to win.

Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle

We represent clients injured in a wide range of property-related accidents, including:

Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Wet floors, loose rugs, uneven pavement, or cluttered walkways can all lead to painful falls—and legal claims.

Negligent Security

When property owners fail to provide adequate lighting, working locks, or trained staff in areas where crime is foreseeable, they can be held liable for injuries due to assaults or break-ins.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

If you were bitten or attacked by a dog on someone’s property, we pursue compensation from homeowners or business liability policies.

Injuries in Public or Commercial Spaces

From grocery stores and malls to apartment complexes and office buildings—property owners must identify and fix hazards. If they don’t, we take action.

Unsafe Stairwells, Elevators, or Entrances

Broken handrails, faulty steps, and malfunctioning elevators pose significant risks, especially to the elderly or mobility-impaired.

Code Violations & Structural Hazards

Properties that fail to meet fire codes, ADA accessibility standards, or local safety ordinances are lawsuits waiting to happen—and we hold those owners accountable.

How We Handle Your Premises Liability Case

01

Free Consultation

We listen to what happened, explain your legal rights, and give honest guidance—no cost, no commitment.

02

On-Site Investigation & Evidence Gathering

We act fast to preserve the scene, collect incident reports, obtain maintenance records, take photographs, and gather witness statements.

03

Insurance Negotiation or Legal Filing

We deal directly with the insurance company and push for a fair result. If they won’t pay what’s fair, we file a lawsuit and move forward.

04

Trial if Settlement Isn’t Enough

We build every case with the expectation of trial. If the insurer won’t deal honestly, we’re prepared to present your case in court and fight for full compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Is Premises Liability?

    Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility property owners have to keep their spaces reasonably safe. When they fail—by ignoring hazards, violating codes, or cutting corners—visitors can suffer serious injuries. That’s where we step in.

  • Do I have a case if the accident happened on private property?

    Yes. In California, private and commercial property owners have a duty of care to visitors. If unsafe conditions caused your injury, we’ll review the circumstances and help determine if a claim is warranted.

  • What will it cost to hire you?

    We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

  • Can you still help if the insurance company already made an offer?

    Absolutely. We can review the offer to see if it fairly covers your losses—and negotiate for more if it doesn’t.

  • What compensation can I recover?

    You may be entitled to payment for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, long-term disability, and future medical needs. Every case is different, but we’ll work to capture the full scope of your damages.

Why Hire Applegate Law Office?

Direct access to your attorney: You will work one-on-one with Charles Applegate — not get passed off to support staff.


Over 20 years of experience: We bring decades of litigation and negotiation experience to Santa Rosa personal injury cases of all kinds.


No fee unless we win: Our representation is contingency-based, so you pay nothing upfront and nothing at all unless we secure compensation for you.


Proven local track record: We have a proven track record of results throughout Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, earning the trust of clients in our community.

Let’s Talk It Through

If you’ve been injured because of unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, don’t wait. We’ll investigate, build your case, and fight for what you’re owed—so you can focus on recovery. We represent clients throughout Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, and across Sonoma County. Call for free consultation with a premises liability lawyer in Santa Rosa, CA.


Call 707‑806‑0163 for a free consultation 

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