Premises Liability

Many injuries and deaths attributed to accidents are not really accidents. Florida residents are hurt every day in homes, at businesses and on the unsafe property of other organizations.

Property owners who ignore hazards and safety issues on their premises may be held liable for the pain, suffering and financial losses of those who are hurt due to the property owner’s negligence.

Trust in the law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, for help with your Florida premises liability claim. We serve victims of slip-and-fall accidents, dog bites and similar premises-based injuries in South Florida and the Treasure Coast, including in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and Vero Beach.

Call 888-649-6095 now to speak with a compassionate premises liability attorney or fill out our online contact form.

Property Claims Include Falls, Dog Bites

Every year, one in every three adults age 65 and older falls, the Centers for Disease Control says. In 20 to 30 percent of incidents, falls cause moderate to severe injuries, such as lacerations, hip fractures and head traumas, which can increase the risk of early death. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries, and, in 2000, TBI accounted for 46 percent of fatal falls among older adults.

Another common premises liability issue is dog bites. Each year, 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites, including 400,000 children, the CDC says. Of those injured by dog bites, 386,000 require treatment in an emergency department and about 16 die.

The consequences of these types of injuries can be severe and long-lasting. They are likely to include physical, emotional and financial harm.  The CDC found that older adults hurt in a fall become fearful of falling, which causes them to limit their activity. This degrades an elderly person’s mobility and actually increases the likelihood that they will fall again, the CDC says.

What is a Florida Property Owner’s Premises Liability?

Property owners have a general duty to the public to make sure that their property is safe for visitors. This is particularly true of businesses that exist to serve the general public, such as retail stores, shopping malls and hotels and motels, but the duty also applies to homeowners. If a Florida resident is injured on another person’s (or corporation’s) property, the owner is liable for what has happened on their premises, and those who occupy the premises, such as those who rent a home or retail shop, may also be held liable.

A Floridian injured on another person’s property when they had the right to be on the property has the right to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for losses resulting from their injuries. The injured party would have to show that the property owner/occupier knew about or should have known about the danger or hazard on the property and failed to make the property safe or that they failed to provide adequate warning about the danger.

Incidents That Commonly Lead to Premises Liability Actions

Slip-and-fall and tripping injuries are the most common cause of premises liability lawsuits. Typical causes are slippery floors or wet spots – spilled water, for example – not cleaned up in a timely manner. Other causes of slip-and-fall or tripping claims may include:

• Broken or uneven sidewalks, floor tiles, decking and steps;
• Obstructed walkways, sidewalks, store aisles or stairways;
• Inadequate lights in parking lots, entryways, hallways, stairways and stairwells;
• Broken handrails and stair treads on stairways;
• Malfunctioning doors, windows, elevators and escalators.

Premises liability lawsuits in Florida may also be justified by:

• Dog bites. Florida state law specifically makes a dog’s owner responsible if the dog bites another person or another animal;
• Swimming pool accidents;
• Falling merchandise;
• Defective furniture;
• Defective playground or amusement park equipment;
• Open, unfenced holes or pits;
• Unsecured chemicals and other toxic substances;
• Unsecured firearms;
• Insufficient security leading to assault, robbery or theft.

Contact Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, Today

Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, has investigated premises liability cases in South Florida and the Treasure Coast and protected the rights of Floridians victimized by property owners’ negligence since 1975. If you’ve been hurt, Philip DeBerard is on your side.

From offices in Stuart and Okeechobee, Florida, the premises liability lawyers of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, have obtained millions of dollars in compensation for victims of personal injuries in homes and businesses throughout the state of Florida, including in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and Vero Beach.

Contact Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, at 888-649-6095 or fill out our online contact form today to put our legal team to work on your case.