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Premises Liability: Slip-And-Fall Mishaps, Negligent Security And More

When you step onto someone else’s property, you have the right to expect a certain level of safety. This is the core of Florida premises liability law. If you got hurt because a property owner failed to maintain a safe environment, you may be entitled to compensation.

These cases can be complex, and you’ll need an experienced attorney to represent you. I’m lawyer Christian Ferrer in Miami, and I represent individuals like you across Florida who’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence. My practice is devoted exclusively to personal injury cases. This focus has allowed me to gain deep experience in this field.

What Are Premises Liability Claims?

Premises liability covers a range of incidents, including:

  • Slip-and-fall accidents: These are some of the most common accidents, and they may result from wet floors, uneven surfaces or tripping hazards. Elderly people are often more at risk and suffer more severe injuries.
  • Swimming pool accidents: Injuries and tragic fatalities can occur due to inadequate pool maintenance or lack of safety measures.
  • Negligent security: Lack of proper security measures, like locks, cameras and lighting, can result in assault, theft and other violent crimes.
  • Inadequate maintenance: Accidents can result from failure to fix any number of hazardous conditions on the property.

I handle all of these cases and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Premises Liability

If you’ve been harmed on someone else’s property, you’re sure to have questions. Premises liability claims can be complex, but I’m here to provide you with the answers and information you need. Below are some of the most common questions I receive from clients, and I hope they provide you with clarity during this difficult time. For further questions, contact my firm at 844-220-5612 or via email.

Yes, you can still sue if your accident occurred on public property. However, the process may be more complicated than with slip-and-fall cases on private property. Public property is owned by the government, and there are stricter guidelines you must follow when pursuing a premises liability case against them.

Government agencies have “sovereign immunity,” meaning they are generally protected from liability for civil damages from the public. However, in Florida, they can still be held accountable for certain personal injuries or deaths caused by negligence. You need a skilled attorney who is knowledgeable about these laws and isn’t afraid to advocate for you against a government entity.

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, you should contact a premises liability lawyer as soon as possible. Your health and safety come first, so your first action should always be to visit a doctor and ensure you get the medical attention you need. Once you’re able to fully address the situation, call a lawyer so they can help you with the next steps. Like with other types of personal injury cases, it’s important to document the scene of your accident and collect evidence. If you wait too long to get legal help, you may lose the opportunity to do so, which can impact your case.
No, it does not. Warning signs on a property don’t automatically absolve property owners from liability if you are injured onsite. Warning signs may serve as a defense for the property owner if they’re considered effective, such as being posted where visitors will be able to see them before encountering the dangerous area and being visible at all times. Still, you are allowed to file a lawsuit against a property owner even if they have a warning sign on their property. An experienced premises liability lawyer can help demonstrate that despite the warning, you suffered injuries due to their negligence.
Yes, you can. Florida has a comparative negligence law, which is often used in personal injury cases where both parties are at fault. This law determines the percentage of fault of each party and allocates compensation accordingly. For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault for your accident and you are awarded $5,000, this amount will be reduced by that 25%, meaning you will receive $3,750 in damages.

Yes, it is possible. We are led to believe insurance companies will help us after an accident, but that is not always the case. They have their own interests to protect and may not have your best interests at heart, which means they often offer low settlements that will not cover the full extent of your injury. Talking to the insurance company may lead to accidentally admitting fault as well, which can impact the amount of compensation you receive.

Fortunately, if you work with an attorney, you do not have to speak with the insurance company alone. Your lawyer can handle all communication and negotiate a settlement that is fair to you and considers the entirety of your situation.

If you’re injured on a rental property, the landlord will generally be held liable. However, like with other premises liability cases, you must demonstrate that the landlord’s negligence directly resulted in your accident and injuries. Holding the landlord accountable can be challenging without the guidance of an attorney who understands the complex premises liability laws.
A single misstep while filing a premises liability claim may impact your chance at seeking fair compensation. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:
  • Not reporting the accident: Filing a report with the appropriate authorities helps create a paper trail of your incident, which is useful when pursuing a claim. You should also ask for a copy of the accident report for your own records.
  • Not seeing a doctor: It’s common to feel fine after an accident, but you should still get medical attention as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the other party’s legal team may try to claim that you were injured elsewhere instead of on their property.
  • Not collecting evidence: Solid evidence is crucial when building a premises liability claim as it helps prove that the property owner was negligent. Try to get evidence as soon as possible while the scene is still preserved.
  • Accepting a settlement before consulting with a lawyer: Insurance companies only look out for themselves and may not consider the full scope of your injury and how it will impact your future. Talk with a lawyer first before accepting any settlement offers to ensure you can get fair compensation.
  • Not consulting with a premises liability lawyer: An attorney who knows and understands premises liability can help you navigate the complex aftermath of your accident. They are equipped at collecting evidence, building a strong claim and negotiating settlements. They can also fight for your rights in court if necessary.

Any of these mistakes can hurt your case. It’s crucial to work with an experienced premises liability attorney who can keep you informed and on track throughout the process. While you focus on healing, they will help you get the compensation you deserve.

Assert Your Rights With My Help

When you’re up against insurance companies and property owners, you need someone who won’t let you get steamrolled. I’m that person. I’ll be transparent, honest and communicative as I aggressively advocate for your interests. I’ll take care of the legal challenges, so you can concentrate on getting better.

Call 844-220-5612 for a free consultation to discuss your case. I work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no attorney fees unless you get compensation.