Earthquake Injury Claims in California: Your Legal Rights

When California experiences a 5.2-magnitude earthquake, it doesn’t just rattle buildings—it puts lives and safety at risk. While many may walk away unharmed, others are left with an earthquake injury that could have been avoided if property owners had taken proper precautions.

At KAASS LAW, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that earthquake injuries can cause. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, missed work, or denied insurance claims, our legal team is here to protect your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Earthquake Injuries

An earthquake injury can result from direct physical impact or unsafe property conditions. Common injuries include:

• Head trauma from falling objects or ceilings

• Broken bones from collapsing stairways or unstable furniture

• Cuts or puncture wounds from shattered glass

• Burns from ruptured gas lines or fires

• Spinal or neck injuries due to falling debris or tripping hazards

These injuries often happen in homes, apartment complexes, retail stores, parking garages, or workplaces. While the earthquake may be a natural occurrence, the injuries can stem from human negligence, and that’s where legal responsibility comes into play.

Earthquake Safety: What to Do During a Quake

The first step in avoiding an earthquake injury is knowing what to do when the ground starts shaking. Experts recommend the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique:

1. Drop to the ground to avoid being knocked over.

2. Cover your head and neck with sturdy furniture or near an interior wall.

3. Hold on to your shelter and stay in place until the shaking stops.

Avoid doorways, windows, and elevators. If you’re outside, move away from buildings, power lines, or anything that might collapse. Inside a vehicle? Pull over in a safe location and stay inside until the quake ends.

Stay Prepared to Prevent Earthquake Injury

The key to minimizing injuries in earthquakes is proper preparation techniques. Every person who lives in California should follow these essential procedures to prepare themselves.

• Secure heavy furniture, water heaters, and appliances to the walls
• Install latches that control access to cabinets and drawers to stop objects from flying during seismic events.
• Each household should maintain an emergency pack that includes water supplies, nonperishable food, emergency lights, and medication.
• All residents of California should become familiar with procedures to switch off gas and electricity supplies in their homes.
• Schedule earthquake drills both for your family members and staff members. All educational facilities, together with commercial entities and property owners, need to enforce advanced seismic standards for their building construction. Legal penalties and preventable medical injuries will occur when appropriate safety measures are not implemented.

Who Is Liable for an Earthquake Injury?

Nature produces earthquakes, which trigger numerous injuries, yet such accidents do not necessarily follow all natural disasters. Many result from negligence. Examples include: T

• The owner of a property does not carry out necessary retrofits for an elderly building according to mandated requirements.
• Businesses neglect to maintain secure connections of overhead shelves and their merchandise
• Neglecting to fix broken stairs and maintain proper lighting in common areas is part of property maintenance.
• The absence of inspections causes the school to fail in preparing students for emergency situations.

Under California premises liability law, owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions, even in an earthquake-prone region. If their failure causes injury, they may owe damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What to Do If You Suffer an Earthquake Injury

If you get hurt during a quake, take these steps right away:

1. Seek Medical Attention

Your health comes first. Go to a doctor or emergency room, even if symptoms seem mild. Keep all medical records and receipts.

2. Document the Scene

Take photos or videos of where and how the injury happened. Include images of unsafe conditions, structural damage, or hazardous materials.

3. Report the Incident

Notify the property owner, manager, or employer. Request a written report if possible, and save all related communications.

4. Contact an Attorney

Reach out to KAASS LAW. Our experienced team will review your case, gather evidence, and fight for your right to fair compensation. To learn more about earthquake safety and insurance options in California, visit the California Earthquake Authority.

Earthquake Insurance and Injury Claims

Most individuals think earthquake insurance serves to protect property from damage. Your earthquake injury claim would need examination under either home, renter, worker protection, or liability policies. Insurance companies tend to reduce compensation payments, along with outright rejection of claims in many situations. Insurance companies try to establish that injuries were impossible to prevent or disconnected from any act of negligence.

The reason why legal backing becomes essential for these situations is. The law firm of KAASS LAW uses its expertise to handle negotiations with insurers and defend against denied claims while taking legal action as needed.

How KAASS LAW Supports Earthquake Injury Victims

Our firm takes a personal and aggressive approach to each case. When you hire KAASS LAW, you get:

• A consultation to assess your earthquake injury claim

• Thorough investigations to identify unsafe conditions and responsible parties

• Legal guidance on insurance issues, negligence laws, and financial recovery

• Skilled representation in negotiations and court proceedings

We serve clients throughout California and represent both individuals and families affected by earthquake-related injuries. If negligence played a role in your injury, we’re ready to hold the at-fault party accountable.

Earthquakes are unpredictable—but your legal rights don’t have to be. If you or a loved one suffered an earthquake injury, don’t try to handle it alone. You may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, and more.

Let KAASS LAW guide you through the legal process with care and confidence.