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Premises Liability

People reaching through the door of a haunted house

Haunted House Legal Nightmares

By Brain Injury (TBI), Burn Injury, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Slip or Trip and Fall, Wrongful Death

When Thrills Turn Into Injuries

Haunted houses are designed to scare, but no one expects to leave with a serious injury. From poorly lit stairwells to unsafe props, a night meant for fun can quickly become dangerous. If you are injured in a haunted house, it is important to understand your rights and know the steps to take to protect them.

Who May Be Liable for Haunted House Injuries

Haunted houses fall under premises liability law in both California and Arizona. The property owner, event operator, or even a third-party vendor may be held responsible if their negligence caused the injury. Examples include:

These hazards can result in severe injuries such as fractures, concussions, or emotional trauma.

When Other Guests Cause Injuries

Not every haunted house injury comes directly from unsafe conditions. Sometimes another guest may panic, run, and knock someone over. Event operators still have a duty to prepare for this foreseeable risk. Haunted attractions are designed to frighten people, so it is reasonable to expect that some visitors may run, push, or collide with others.

If the operator fails to provide adequate lighting, safe walkways, or staff to manage crowd movement, they may still be liable. For example, injuries can occur if groups are allowed to move too closely together or if paths are too dark and narrow for safe passage. Even when another guest caused the initial contact, the operator’s negligence in managing the environment may have contributed to the accident.

Liability Waivers: Do They Always Protect the Business

Most haunted houses require guests to sign liability waivers. These documents are meant to limit the property owner’s responsibility for injuries. However, a waiver does not give businesses permission to act negligently. In both California and Arizona, waivers cannot protect against gross negligence or willful misconduct. If an operator ignored obvious safety risks, you may still have a claim even if you signed a waiver.

What To Do If You Are Injured in a Haunted House

Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can strengthen your claim:

  1. Report the incident: Notify staff or management right away and request a written report.

  2. Document the scene: Take photos of where the injury happened, including any hazards or unsafe conditions.

  3. Gather witness information: Ask for names and contact details of anyone who saw what happened.

  4. Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, a medical record can link the accident to your injuries.

  5. Avoid signing further documents: Do not sign statements or agreements beyond the initial waiver without legal advice.

Next Steps After a Haunted House Accident

Once you have reported and documented the incident, the next step is to speak with a personal injury attorney. An attorney can investigate liability, review the enforceability of the waiver, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf.

Why Hire Fielding Law

If you were injured in a haunted house, Fielding Law can help. Our team understands the complexities of premises liability and how waiver laws apply in both California and Arizona. We provide compassionate, capable representation and will work tirelessly to hold negligent businesses accountable. Call 833.88.SHARK today to learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

October 15, 2025
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Creepy person standing in the dark with a light behind them

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights: I Signed a Waiver — Can I Still Make a Claim?

By Assault, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Slip or Trip and Fall

Understanding Waivers at Halloween Horror Nights

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is one of the most popular and thrilling Halloween events. Many attendees love the scares and immersive experiences. However, before entering, guests often must sign waivers or agreements meant to limit the park’s liability.

But what does signing a waiver really mean? Does it prevent you from making a legal claim if you get injured during the event?

What Is a Waiver?

A waiver is a legal document where you acknowledge certain risks and agree to give up the right to sue for injuries resulting from those risks. These are common at high-risk events, like haunted houses or extreme amusement park attractions.

Waivers Do Not Always Bar Claims

If negligence or misconduct caused your injury, an experienced Halloween Horror Nights injury lawyer can help determine whether you have a case despite signing a waiver. In California and Arizona, waivers generally do not protect companies from liability for:

  • Gross negligence (extreme carelessness or reckless conduct)

  • Intentional harm

  • Defective equipment or unsafe premises beyond assumed risks

If your injury was caused by the event’s negligence—such as poor maintenance, inadequate safety measures, or employee misconduct—a waiver may not fully protect Universal Studios.

Common Injuries at Halloween Horror Nights

While many visitors enjoy the excitement safely, injuries can and do happen. Some common types of injuries reported at Halloween Horror Nights include:

If you experienced one of these injuries or another harm during the event, a Halloween Horror Nights injury lawyer can help evaluate your case.

What Should You Do If You Are Injured?

If you were hurt at Halloween Horror Nights despite signing a waiver, it is important to:

A skilled lawyer can review your waiver and circumstances to determine if you still have a valid claim.

Why Hire Fielding Law

If you or a loved one suffered an injury at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, do not assume the waiver ends your legal options. Fielding Law has experience handling event injury claims in California and Arizona. We provide kind, capable guidance through this complex area of law. To discuss your case, call 833.88.SHARK today.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

October 13, 2025
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People at a Halloween event outside with costumes on

Halloween-Themed Events: Who is Responsible for Safety?

By Personal Injury, Premises Liability

Legal Considerations for Organizers and Attendees

Halloween brings a season of themed parties, haunted houses, trunk-or-treat events, and community festivals. While these celebrations can be fun and festive, they also carry unique risks. Knowing when to contact a Halloween event injury lawyer can make all the difference in protecting your rights. Both event organizers and attendees have responsibilities when it comes to safety — and when those responsibilities are neglected, injuries can occur.

Responsibilities of Event Organizers

Organizers have a duty of care to ensure their premises and activities are reasonably safe for guests. This applies whether the event is held at a private venue, public park, or residential property. Common safety measures may include:

  • Adequate lighting in walkways and entrances

  • Clear and visible signage for exits

  • Well-secured props and decorations

  • Sufficient crowd control and supervision

  • Safe pathways free of tripping hazards

In California and Arizona, failure to maintain a safe environment can result in premises liability claims. If a guest is injured due to hazards that could have been prevented, the organizer may be held legally responsible.

Responsibilities of Attendees

Guests also play a role in event safety. Attendees should:

  • Follow posted rules and instructions from event staff

  • Avoid reckless behavior that could endanger themselves or others

  • Wear costumes that do not impair vision or movement

  • Remain aware of their surroundings, especially in dark or crowded areas

While an attendee’s negligence does not excuse an unsafe condition created by an organizer, it can affect how liability is determined in an injury claim.

Common Halloween Event Risks

Halloween-themed events can involve hazards not seen at other times of year. Examples include:

  • Fog machines reducing visibility

  • Dim lighting creating tripping hazards

  • Props and decorations blocking pathways

  • Loud noises startling guests and causing falls

  • Slippery surfaces from drink spills or outdoor weather

Preventing these risks often requires both proactive planning and active monitoring during the event.

Why Hire Fielding Law

If you or a loved one was injured due to unsafe conditions or poor planning, Fielding Law, your Halloween event injury lawyer, can help. Our experienced attorneys are familiar with the specific laws in California and Arizona that govern event-related injuries. We take a compassionate yet capable approach to every case, working to ensure you receive the legal support you deserve. To discuss your situation, call 833.88.SHARK today.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

October 9, 2025
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Scales of justice on a desk

Comparative Fault Explained

By Bicycle Accident, Car Accident, Dog / Animal Bite, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Wrongful Death

Understanding Comparative Fault

Comparative fault is a legal principle that may impact how much compensation you recover in a personal injury case. It applies when both the injured person and the at-fault party share responsibility. A court or jury will assign percentages of fault, and your award is reduced by the amount of fault assigned to you.

Comparative Fault in California

California follows a pure comparative fault system. Even if you are found 99 percent at fault, you may still recover damages for the 1 percent caused by someone else. For example, if you are injured in a car accident and awarded $100,000 but are found 40 percent at fault for speeding, your recovery would be $60,000.

Comparative Fault in Arizona

Arizona also follows a pure comparative fault system. This means you can pursue compensation even if you bear the majority of the blame. For example, if you are injured in a bicycle accident and the court finds you 30 percent at fault for riding against traffic, you would still recover 70 percent of your damages. If the total damages were $50,000, you would receive $35,000.

How Comparative Fault Applies to Different Cases

Dog Bites

In California and Arizona, dog owners are strictly liable when their dog bites someone. However, if the injured person provoked the dog or was trespassing, comparative fault may reduce the compensation.

Car Accidents

Car accidents often involve multiple factors. One driver may run a red light while the other sends a text. Both actions contribute to the crash. In these cases, the court assigns fault to each driver and reduces recovery according to those percentages.

Premises Liability

Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe. However, if an injured person ignores posted warnings or engages in risky behavior, comparative fault may reduce recovery.

Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents frequently raise disputes over responsibility. A driver might fail to yield, while a cyclist ignores traffic laws. Both sides play a role. The court weighs each person’s actions and adjusts damages based on the percentage of fault.

Why Hire Fielding Law

At Fielding Law, we understand that comparative fault cases are often complicated. Insurance companies may attempt to exaggerate your share of fault to minimize payouts. Our attorneys will stand by your side to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. We are committed to guiding you and your family with care, compassion, and determination.

Call 833.88.SHARK today to speak with a comparative fault lawyer who will protect your best interests.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

October 6, 2025
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puddle of Grease Soap or Oil on pavement

Slipped on Grease, Soap, or Oil?

By Premises Liability, Slip or Trip and Fall

Slipped on grease, soap, or oil? You are not alone. These are some of the most common causes of falls in restaurants, grocery stores, parking lots, and gas stations. Property owners must take reasonable steps to clean up spills and post warning signs. When they fail to do so, innocent people get hurt. If this happened to you, preserving your clothing, shoes, and photo evidence could make the difference in your case.

Keep Your Clothes as Evidence

Slipping and falling in a public place is painful and disorienting—but what you do next could make or break your case. Whether it was grease from a kitchen, oil from a parking lot, or soap from freshly mopped floors, the substance you slipped in matters. Even more importantly, your clothing can hold key evidence.

After a fall, many people go home and wash their clothes. That is a mistake. Your clothing and shoes may hold residue, stains, or patterns that help prove what happened. These materials can support your claim that the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment.

How to Preserve Your Clothing

To protect the evidence, follow these simple steps:

  • Do not wash or clean your clothes or shoes

  • Place items in a paper bag—not plastic

  • Take clear photos of the clothing before storage

  • Avoid touching or brushing off the substance

Your clothing could help identify the slippery material and show how much was present. It may also indicate where and how the fall occurred.

Take Photos and Videos Right Away

If you can, document the area before leaving the scene. If you are injured and unable to do so, ask someone nearby to help. Photos and videos are powerful tools.

Be sure to capture:

  • The exact area where you fell

  • A close-up of the grease, soap, oil, or substance

  • Your shoes and clothing after the fall

  • A wide shot showing whether warning signs were posted

  • Contact information for any witnesses

  • Security cameras or nearby recording devices

This documentation can support your case and help your attorney prove that the property owner was negligent.

Understanding Liability in Arizona and California

Arizona and California both require property owners to keep their premises safe for visitors. That includes mopping spills promptly, posting visible warnings, and inspecting the area regularly. If an owner knew or should have known about a slippery substance and did nothing, they may be held legally responsible.

However, proving negligence requires strong, clear evidence—which is why preserving your clothing and documenting the scene are so important.

Why Hire Fielding Law

At Fielding Law, we understand how frustrating and overwhelming a slip and fall injury can be. You are dealing with pain, medical bills, and lost time—all because someone else failed to take proper care. Our team is here to help you rise together.

We treat each case with care, professionalism, and urgency. We are not a big, cold firm. We are focused on your recovery and your future.

Call 833.88.SHARK for a free consultation about your injuries. Contact Fielding Law today to speak with a slip and fall lawyer who will stand up for you.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

September 30, 2025
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Students looking at test tubes in a laboratory

What to Do After a Laboratory Injury Happens

By Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Public Entity

Science labs should be a place of discovery—not danger. Unfortunately, when safety is ignored, these environments can lead to serious harm. This is why high school labs require strict supervision, thorough training, and clear protocols. When these standards are overlooked, the results can be devastating.  

Real Stories, Real Injuries

These real-world examples underscore how quickly a simple chemistry lesson can intensify into a medical emergency. That is why proper equipment, genuine supervision, and safety training are essential, not optional. 

Marietta, Georgia – December 2023

Two high school girls suffered chemical burns during a routine lab experiment involving sulfuric acid and magnesium. They were rushed to the hospital with visible injuries. (USA Today)

Malvern, Iowa (WOWT) – October 2023

An explosion during a science experiment in an Iowa classroom sent two students to the hospital with burn injuries. (First Alert 6)

Berlin, CT (WFSB) – November 2024

A science experiment conducted at Berlin High School went awry, causing a gas leak serious enough to send a teacher and a student to the hospital. (Eyewitness News) 

What Questions Should Parents Be Asking?

Parents should stay informed about the safety protocols in their child’s high school science laboratory. Doing so helps hold schools accountable and reinforces the importance of protective measures for students.

  • Do students receive formal lab safety training at the beginning of the year? 
  • What qualifications or training do teachers have to supervise lab experiments?
  • How are students supervised during experiments? 
  • Are instructors providing goggles, lab coats, and gloves? 
  • What is the school’s emergency response plan in the event of a lab accident? 

Your Laboratory Injury Attorney 

At Fielding Law, your child’s safety matters to us. We know how helpless it can feel when your child is hurt in a place that is supposed to protect them. If your child sustained a laboratory injury at school, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and explore your options. Call us at 833.88.SHARK for your free consultation today.  

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

September 26, 2025
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a person sitting on a cliff with a dog standing next to them.

Bitten? Know California’s Dog Bite Law

By Dog / Animal Bite, Premises Liability

Understanding California’s Dog Bite Law

A dog bite can be both physically and emotionally traumatic. In California, the law is clear—dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.

This means that if you were bitten in a public place or lawfully on private property, the dog’s owner is responsible for your injuries.

California Civil Code § 3342 sets this rule in place and provides important protections for victims.

What Does “Strict Liability” Mean?

Under strict liability, the dog owner is automatically responsible for the bite, regardless of whether:

  • The dog has a history of aggression

  • The owner knew the dog might bite

  • The owner tried to prevent the bite

The only requirements are that the victim was either in a public place or lawfully on private property (such as a guest or delivery worker). There is no need to prove that the dog owner was negligent.

Where and When This Law Applies

California’s dog bite law applies in many common situations:

  • Bites in public parks, sidewalks, or neighborhoods

  • Attacks on private property where the victim was invited

  • Bites that occur at a dog owner’s home or during a visit

  • Injuries to workers such as mail carriers or landscapers

It does not apply if the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or if the dog was a police or military dog performing its duties.

Injuries Covered by the Law

Dog bites can cause serious harm, including:

  • Deep lacerations or puncture wounds

  • Infection and scarring

  • Nerve damage or loss of function

  • Emotional trauma, including fear or PTSD

Even a single bite can result in emergency room visits, surgeries, and long-term recovery. The law allows victims to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.

What To Do After a Dog Bite

If you or your child has been bitten:

Speak with an attorney who understands personal injury and dog bite laws before accepting any settlement.

Why Hire Fielding Law

At Fielding Law, we understand the physical pain and emotional toll that dog bites can cause. Whether your case involves a child bitten at a neighbor’s home or an adult attacked in public, we take your injury seriously. Our team will guide you through the legal process with compassion, professionalism, and the experience needed to pursue maximum compensation.

We represent injured clients throughout California and Arizona. You do not have to go through this alone.

Contact Fielding Law at 833.88.SHARK today for a free consultation.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

September 24, 2025
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Dog sitting on a lawn

Arizona’s Dog Bite Law Explained

By Dog / Animal Bite, Personal Injury, Premises Liability

Understanding Arizona’s Dog Bite Statute

Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional injuries—especially to children. Arizona law gives bite victims strong legal rights under A.R.S. § 11-1025, which holds dog owners strictly liable when their dog bites someone in public or lawfully on private property.

Strict liability means that the victim does not need to prove that the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner was negligent. If a dog bites, the owner is responsible.

When the Law Applies

Arizona’s strict liability dog bite law applies when:

  • The victim is in a public place or

  • The victim is lawfully on private property, such as a guest, postal worker, or delivery driver

The law does not apply if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog. In those cases, the owner may have a defense.

This statute applies even if the dog has never bitten before and has no known history of aggression.

Key Differences from California

Although similar to California’s law, Arizona’s statute includes some important differences:

  • Time limits: Arizona has a one-year statute of limitations for strict liability dog bite claims under A.R.S. § 11-1025. After that, victims may still bring a negligence claim, which has a two-year limit.

  • Provocation defense: If the dog was provoked, the owner may avoid liability under this law.

  • Trespassing defense: Unlike California, Arizona emphasizes the victim’s legal status on the property at the time of the bite.

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

Dog bite victims in Arizona may recover compensation for:

  • Emergency room and hospital bills

  • Future medical care and plastic surgery

  • Lost wages or missed school

  • Pain and suffering

  • Scarring or disfigurement

  • Emotional trauma or anxiety

These cases can be especially complex when a child is the victim. Arizona courts take extra care to ensure the settlement is in the best interest of the minor.

What To Do After a Dog Bite

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog:

A dog bite can lead to infection, nerve damage, and long-term emotional distress. It is important to take action quickly to protect your rights.

Why Hire Fielding Law

At Fielding Law, we fight for dog bite victims across Arizona. Whether your child was attacked at a neighbor’s home or you were bitten while walking in your neighborhood, our team is here to help.

We understand the emotional stress and physical pain dog bite injuries cause—and we take them seriously. Our goal is to protect your rights, hold negligent owners accountable, and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Contact Fielding Law at 833.88.SHARK for a free consultation today. We are ready to listen and help.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

September 18, 2025
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Tailgate bbq grill

Injured at Tailgate Party?

By Burn Injury, Car Accident, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Slip or Trip and Fall

The Fall season brings a sense of renewal and tradition as many head back to school. It is a time with familiar celebrations like the excitement of tailgate parties before college football games. With all the fun, it is important to stay mindful of your safety and understand who might be responsible if someone gets hurt. As grills, games, and gatherings increase, so does the risk of slip and falls, vehicle accidents, and alcohol related injuries.  

What is a Dram Shop? 

  • A dram shop is a business that sells alcohol and may be legally responsible if they serve someone who poses dangers to others after drinking. 

What are Social Host Laws? 

  • These laws hold the person hosting the tailgate responsible if they knowingly provide alcohol to underage guests or know about underage drinking on site. 

Common Misunderstandings of Tailgate Party Injury 

If you or a loved one is injured due to someone’s irresponsible drinking, many people assume the intoxicated individual is solely responsible. However, others — such as the bar, restaurant, or party host who served them — could also be legally responsible. You may be able to pursue a claim not just against the drunk individual, but also against the business or host who served them.  

Documenting the Scene 

After a tailgate party injury—as with all accidents— documenting the scene is essential. The details you write down shortly after the accident can make a significant difference in building a strong case. Here are a few things to document: 

  • Date and time of the incident  
  • Location of the tailgate  
  • The specific type of accident that occurred  
  • Description of all the non-visible injuries  
  • Photos of the visible injuries  
  • Who was involved, and if there were any witnesses  
  • The company or the name of the individual who was giving out the alcohol  

Why Hire Fielding Law 

Party, tailgating accidents can turn a sharp turn south when alcohol is involved. These situations can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when there are unanswered questions about who is liable. At Fielding Law, we understand the emotional toll an accident can take on a person. Our priority is to carry the legal burden so you can fully focus on healing. We are here to support you. Reach out to us for your free consultation today to see if you have a claim.  

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

September 16, 2025
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open books on a table

Terms to Know in Personal Injury

By Bicycle Accident, Boating Accident, Car Accident, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Public Entity

Personal Injury law can seem unnerving at first, especially if it is your first time going through the process. Following an accident that was not your fault, it is completely natural to feel uncertain or overwhelmed about what comes next. That’s why we have created this simple guide to help you understand some of the key terms in personal injury law. Our goal is to make things clearer and help you feel more confident as you move forward in the legal process. Even a basic understanding of terminology can help the path feel a bit more approachable and less overwhelming.

Personal Injury

Negligence

  • Failure to take proper care or act with a level of caution that then results in the harm or damage to another person.
  • Example: A driver is texting while driving and runs a red light, hitting another car. The driver has failed to follow traffic laws and pay attention.

Plaintiff

  • You! The party who initiates a lawsuit by filing a complaint against another party. They are the one bringing the legal action and seeking a remedy for damages, and who we as Fielding Law represent.

Defendant

  • Them! The person, company or organization being blamed or sued in a legal case, whichever party is believed to have acted wrongfully.

Claim

  • When someone seeks legal justice for harm they’ve experienced, often because they are trying to find support, accountability, and sense of closure.

Liability

  • Being legally responsible for causing an accident or harm. They are responsible for covering medical bills, lost wages, or other costs after an accident.

Compensation

  • Money or support that someone receives after being hurt or harmed because of someone else’s actions or negligence. This helps cover things like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Medical Lien

  • Money given to someone who has been hurt or suffered a loss because of another person’s actions.

How Fielding Law Can Guide You

At Fielding Law, we are committed to more than just guiding you through the legal terms. We are here to make sure you feel supported and understood throughout the entire process. If you or a loved one has any questions or concerns, please contact us at 833.88.SHARK. Your peace of mind matters to us and we want you to feel empowered in moving ahead.

Nota: La información proporcionada es para fines educativos y no constituye asesoramiento legal. Siempre consulte con un abogado calificado para inquietudes legales.

September 2, 2025
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