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Accidents can happen anywhere, from a grocery store to a neighbor’s house. When unsafe conditions on someone else’s property cause an injury, the consequences can be serious, including costly medical bills, ongoing pain, and disruption to your daily life. Florida law allows victims to seek compensation, but navigating the legal process can be complicated and overwhelming.
At Levin Litigation, we guide clients through every step, investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and holding negligent property owners accountable. Our Florida premises liability lawyers focus on protecting your legal rights and helping you recover the full compensation available under the law so you can concentrate on healing.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility property owners have to maintain safe conditions for visitors. Under Florida law, property owners, landlords, and managers must take reasonable steps to prevent hazards that could cause injuries. When they fail to do so, and someone is hurt as a result, they may be held legally liable.
Premises liability cases can arise from a wide range of dangerous conditions, including wet floors, broken stairs, inadequate lighting, or unsecured structures. Whether the injury occurs at a commercial property, private residence, or public facility, property owners have a duty of care to prevent foreseeable harm.
Types of Premises Liability Accidents
Premises liability accidents cover a wide spectrum of situations. Some of the most common types include:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Slips and falls are among the most frequent premises liability claims. These accidents often occur because of wet or uneven surfaces, spilled liquids, loose flooring, or poorly maintained walkways. Even minor hazards can lead to serious injuries if not addressed promptly.
- Trip and Fall Accidents: Trip and fall injuries happen when someone encounters obstacles, uneven surfaces, or debris on a property. Property owners are expected to address tripping hazards and maintain safe pathways for visitors.
- Negligent Security Incidents: Property owners can be held liable if inadequate security leads to assaults, robberies, or other criminal acts. For example, poorly lit parking lots or lack of security personnel can contribute to preventable injuries.
- Swimming Pool Accidents: Florida is home to countless pools, and accidents can happen if pool areas are not properly secured. Drowning or slip-and-fall injuries can result from faulty gates, broken fencing, or lack of safety measures.
- Structural Failures: Injuries can occur from collapsing floors, ceilings, or stairs. Property owners are required to maintain the structural integrity of their buildings to prevent foreseeable accidents.
- Dog Bites and Animal Attacks: Property owners may also be responsible for injuries caused by animals on their premises. Florida law holds pet owners accountable for ensuring their animals do not pose a danger to visitors.
These examples highlight just a few of the ways property owners may fail to maintain safe environments. Each accident is unique, and our experienced premises liability lawyers in Florida can help determine whether negligence played a role.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer for My Premises Liability Case?
Premises liability claims in Florida can be complicated, even when it seems clear that the property was unsafe. Simply showing that an injury occurred on someone else’s property is not enough. Florida law requires evidence that the property owner or staff were aware of the dangerous condition, or should have been aware, and failed to take appropriate action to prevent the accident.
These cases often hinge on timing, notice, and foreseeability. Was the hazard created moments before the injury, or had it been present long enough that the owner should have known? Did similar hazards occur in the past, making the property owner aware of a pattern of risk? Without clear evidence, even serious injuries may not result in compensation.
These legal complexities make it difficult to handle a premises liability claim without professional help. Understanding the specific rules that apply in Florida, collecting the right evidence, and presenting a case effectively requires experience. A Florida premises liability lawyer can identify the challenges early, build a strong case, and ensure that all critical details are addressed from the start.
How a Florida Premises Liability Lawyer at Levin Litigation Can Help
Levin Litigation understands how insurers evaluate claims, and we know what it takes to build strong, evidence-backed cases. Many of our premises liability attorneys have worked on the insurance side, giving us unique insight into the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts.
Our legal team helps clients by taking clear, concrete steps to strengthen their claim:
- Investigating the accident thoroughly: We document property hazards, examine the scene, collect witness statements, and consult experts when needed to support your case.
- Assessing damages accurately: We evaluate medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation needs, and long-term impacts to calculate the full extent of your losses.
- Managing insurance communications: We handle all interactions with insurers, ensuring your claim is presented accurately and protecting you from lowball offers.
- Negotiating strategically and preparing for trial: We negotiate assertively and prepare for litigation as needed, so your settlement reflects the true impact of your injury.
By combining in-depth knowledge of insurers, modern legal strategies, and thorough preparation, Levin Litigation ensures your premises liability claim is handled with precision and focus from start to finish.
What Damages Can You Receive in Florida Premises Liability Cases?
Florida law allows victims of premises liability accidents to recover several types of damages, and we carefully evaluate each one to ensure nothing is overlooked:
- Medical Expenses: We account for all costs related to your premises liability injury, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing or future medical care that may be required for full recovery.
- Lost Wages: We calculate income lost while you recover, including time away from work and reduced earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work long-term.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical discomfort, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the accident. This can include limitations on daily activities, emotional impact, and ongoing physical challenges.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for personal property that was damaged or destroyed during the accident, such as clothing, electronic devices, or other items.
We thoroughly review the facts of your case to ensure all potential damages are included, building a comprehensive claim that reflects the full scope of your losses.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Premises Liability Accident?
Liability in premises liability cases can extend to different parties depending on the circumstances of the accident. Understanding who may be responsible is a critical part of building a strong claim.
- Property Owners or Landlords: Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain safe conditions for anyone on their property. If an unsafe condition was present and they failed to address it, they may be held liable.
- Business Operators or Managers: Businesses are responsible for ensuring that their facilities are safe for customers, employees, and visitors. This includes addressing hazards promptly and maintaining proper safety protocols.
- Maintenance Companies or Contractors: If outside companies are hired to maintain or repair a property and negligence in their work leads to an injury, they can share liability.
- Security Personnel: In some cases, inadequate security measures can contribute to accidents or injuries, making security providers or staff partially responsible.
Determining liability often requires a detailed investigation of the property, the circumstances of the accident, and any prior knowledge of hazards.
It is also important to note that Florida follows a comparative negligence system. This means that if an injured person is found partially responsible for their own accident, their compensation may be reduced in proportion to their share of fault. For example, if you are determined to be 20% at fault for slipping on a wet floor, your total damages would be reduced by 20%. If your fault is greater than 50%, you may not recover any damages at all.
In many premises liability cases, determining how much fault the victim shares can itself be a point of dispute, making careful documentation and legal guidance essential for protecting your recovery.
How Do You Prove Negligence in a Premises Liability Claim?
In a premises liability case, the key to success is collecting clear, convincing evidence that shows the property owner’s actions or inactions led to your injury. This often involves:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene and any hazardous conditions
- Witness statements from people who saw what happened or noticed the danger
- Medical records and bills documenting your injuries and treatment
- Expert reports when specialized knowledge is needed to explain how the accident occurred
Proper documentation can help show the severity of the hazard, how it caused your injury, and why the property owner is responsible. At Levin Litigation, we guide you through this process, making sure every piece of evidence is gathered, organized, and presented effectively to strengthen your claim.
Florida Premises Liability Lawyer: FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a Florida premises liability attorney?
Most premises liability lawyers, including Levin Litigation, work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. The lawyer is paid a percentage of the settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk if your case is unsuccessful.
What types of injuries are most common in premises liability cases?
Common injuries include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, cuts and lacerations, and sprains and strains. Some cases may also involve psychological trauma from assaults or dangerous conditions.
What is the statute of limitations for premises liability claims?
In Florida, you generally have four years from the date of the accident to file a premises liability lawsuit. However, there may be exceptions that extend or reduce this deadline, so we recommend reaching out for legal guidance as soon as possible after your accident.
Can you still file a claim if you were partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages even if you share some responsibility. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Take the Next Step: Reach Out to Our Florida Premises Liability Lawyers
If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, our Florida premises liability lawyers at Levin Litigation are here to guide you along the road ahead. Contact our office today to schedule a free initial consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
