Tallahassee Slip and Fall Lawyer Explains Premises Liability Laws

Florida businesses and property owners owe their guests a duty of care. In Florida, these parties must ensure properties are free of known hazards that could cause harm. If you suffer an injury on another person’s property, then you may be able to pursue legal action against the property owner or party that maintains the property. Premises liability is a practice area in personal injury law that deals with claims involving injuries on properties, such as a business, home or public facility.

If you or a loved one suffered harm in an incident on another person’s property, then you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. For example, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering. Below, we answer common questions about Florida premises liability law.

What Are Common Premises Liability Claims in Florida?

There are different types of premises liability cases in Florida. Common reasons to file a premises liability claim include:

• Dog attacks. Property owners must secure dangerous animals, including dogs, on the premises. Under state law, dog owners may be liable for damages caused by attacks.
• Slip and fall accidents. Slip and fall accidents in grocery stores, boardwalks or storefronts may be a reason to file a personal injury claim. Property owners may be liable for paying damages caused by slip and fall injuries.
• Swimming pool accidents. Florida’s hot and humid weather means that our state has an abundance of private and public swimming pools. However, property owners can be liable for swimming pool accidents under the right circumstances.
• Negligent security. Property owners may be liable for damages if an assault or murder occurs on their premises. A lack of lighting, fencing, locks, cameras or general security can make a property dangerous for guests and visitors.
• Lack of maintenance. Property that is poorly maintained could pose a risk to guests and visitors. In such cases, a property owner may be liable for injuries or deaths.

Whether a person can file a claim depends on the circumstances. We encourage you to contact our Florida personal injury lawyer for a free consultation if you have questions about filing a claim after an accident on another person’s property.

Who Can File a Premises Liability Claim in Florida?

Only certain people can file a premises liability claim. Invitees and licensees might qualify for compensation after an accident on another party’s property. Property owners may also be liable for damages suffered by trespassers under the right circumstances.

• Invitees. An invitee is a person who has permission from a property owner to be on the premises. Invitees might be on a property to conduct business. Store customers or repairmen are examples of an invitee. In Florida, property owners owe the highest level of care to invitees.
• Licensees. A licensee is a person who enters a property for his or her own purposes. While a licensee may not receive a direct invitation, he or she is not forbidden by the landowner to be on the premises. An example of a licensee can include a person who enters a store to use the bathroom, but not to shop.
• Trespassers. A trespasser does not have permission from the property owner to be on the premises. There are cases where a property owner could be liable for the damages of a trespasser.

There are additional requirements for filing a Florida premises liability claim. For example, you would need to be within the statute of limitations. In most cases, the statute of limitations is four years for injuries and two years for wrongful death.

There are additional requirements that you must meet to hold a property owner liable for your damages. We encourage you to contact us if you have questions about Florida law and the duty of care owed to invitees, licensees and trespassers. Our personal injury lawyer can help you determine whether it would be possible to file a claim during a free consultation.

What Should I Do After an Accident on Another Person’s Property?

If you suffer harm on another person’s property, you should seek medical attention. Certain types of injuries may not cause symptoms right after the accident. Depending on the injury, you could suffer death or permanent disability if you fail to seek medical care. Internal bleeding is a great example of a potentially fatal injury that does not always cause symptoms right away. Medical records also establish a record of your injuries and damages.

You should take photographs of the conditions on the property and your injuries if you are able. In some cases, photographs or even videos are helpful for demonstrating fault and establishing your damages.

For serious injuries, consider contacting a personal injury attorney for representation. Attorneys can help you protect evidence, negotiate a settlement, or argue your case before a jury.

Contact Our Tallahassee Slip and Fall Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Contact us if you have questions about filing a premises liability claim in Florida. It does not cost anything to speak with our attorney. To schedule a free consultation with Milles Law, call us at (855) 553-3310 or use the contact form on our site.