If you sustained injuries due to the dangerous conditions on someone else’s property, contact the Tampa personal injury attorneys of Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers to learn about the available legal options. You might be entitled to compensation for your injury and resulting medical expenses. We could represent you in your case to hold the property owner or another negligent party liable.
Property owners must keep their properties maintained by performing inspections, meeting safety codes, and repairing damage or defects they discover. They must ensure that guests are safe and not at risk of injury while on their commercial or residential property. If the owner can’t remove or repair a hazard, they should place warning signs, so visitors know about the potential dangers.
Proving fault in a premises liability case can be a challenge. Business owners and homeowners don’t always want to admit they did something to contribute to an accident. They should be financially responsible for your medical treatment, lost wages, and other costs incurred since the incident. You should not have to pay out of pocket for your bills.
Since 2007, Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers has represented injured clients against negligent companies and individuals. We believe in fighting for accident victims suffering because of the wrongdoing of others. We understand the stress of pursuing legal action while treating an injury. You don’t have to take on the responsibility yourself. We are ready to take over the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on recovering.
For a free consultation at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, call (813) 605-1100 and speak with one of our knowledgeable and skilled premises liability lawyers in Tampa, FL.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases
You could come in contact with toxic chemicals, defective stairways, structural damage, and other dangerous conditions anywhere you go. At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, we represent clients in a range of premises liability cases involving these circumstances:
- Dog bites – A dog bite injury can be severe and lead to long-term complications. The owner must restrain their dog with a leash or in an enclosed area to prevent it from attacking others.
- Collapsed balcony or porch – A poorly designed porch or unrepaired damage to a balcony could cause it to collapse, and anyone standing on it could get hurt.
- Flooding – A burst pipe or leaking roof could cause flooding and mold problems. A flooded area or wet floor could cause someone to slip and suffer an injury.
- Swimming pool accidents – Public and private swimming pools are places Tampa residents enjoy spending their weekends and holidays. Although pools are fun places to hang out with friends and family, accidents could occur if you encounter unmarked hazards.
- Building fires – A fire could break out in buildings that don’t meet fire codes or have faulty electrical components. Visitors could get trapped inside or sustain burn injuries if there aren’t adequate emergency exits or fire protection equipment.
- Parking lot accidents – Parking lots see a lot of vehicles and foot traffic. Car accidents can occur because of a negligent driver. However, a premises liability case involving a parking lot accident often results from the property owner’s failure to repair a pothole, cracked sidewalk, or broken light.
- Escalator and elevator accidents – Maintenance is necessary to keep elevators and escalators in good condition. Inadequate repairs and maintenance could cause them to malfunction while in use.
- Slip/trip and falls – A guest could trip on debris in a hallway or slip on a wet floor and get hurt. It’s the owner’s responsibility to discover these hazards and promptly remove them or place warning signs in the area.
- Construction site accidents – Property owners will hire construction workers to repave a parking lot, build a new office space, or install a new sidewalk near the building. They must take the necessary precautions and ensure there are warning signs, cones, and barriers to keep guests away from the dangerous areas.
If a property owner contributed to the dangers that caused your injury, do not hesitate to contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers. We will investigate the incident and determine the party we can hold liable.
Common Causes of Accidents in Premises Liability
The job of any business owner is to maintain their proper regularly, so it’s a safe place for people to visit. Employees must also follow proper protocols and inform the owner of damage or an issue they need to address. When property owners don’t meet their duties and obligations, the public is at risk of harm.
The most common causes of accidents include:
- Missing or damaged railings – Railings give guests something to grab if they’re about to fall. They can catch themselves and prevent an injury. However, if the railing is missing or installed improperly, it doesn’t keep anyone safe.
- Wet floors – Floors are often wet and slippery after an employee mops, a customer spills their beverage, or water leaks from a broken pipe. Someone could slip and suffer injuries in a fall if the owner doesn’t ensure that someone sets down warning signs so visitors can avoid the hazard.
- Inadequate security – Business owners might hire security to protect employees and guests. Poorly trained or inexperienced personnel likely won’t know how to handle a dangerous situation and keep people safe.
- Poor lighting – Lights are necessary for various locations of commercial and residential properties. Dark areas need lighting so people can see where they’re going. If visibility is limited, anyone could trip over a hazard or fall down the stairs.
- Staircase defects – Stairwells in homes and buildings must be sturdy and free from defects. Defective steps can throw a person off balance and cause them to tumble down the stairs.
- Potholes – Damage, heavy rain, vehicles, and normal wear and tear can cause potholes to form. Someone walking through a parking lot could trip on an unrepaired pothole.
- Cracked or uneven sidewalk – Sidewalks suffer damage like any other outside surface. If a sidewalk isn’t level or a crack forms, it doesn’t provide a stable walkway for guests.
- Loose mats and rugs – Mats and rugs should be slip-resistant. If they’re loose on the floor, they can move underneath a person’s feet and cause an accident.
Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers is available 24/7 to speak with you about your case. We’re happy to discuss the circumstances and advise you about whether you can pursue legal action. Reach out to us immediately if any of these factors contributed to your injury.
Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases
Many people think they can only pursue compensation from the at-fault party for severe injuries. However, even a minor injury could entitle you to a settlement from the insurance company. Injuries vary depending on the type of accident that happens on someone’s property.
The most common types of injuries include:
- Sprained or broken ankles
- Paralysis
- Nerve and tissue damage
- Exposure to asbestos and other toxic substances
- Pulled or torn tendon or ligament
- Broken bones
- Dislocated joints
- Burn injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Smoke inhalation
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Electrical shock
Emotional and psychological injuries can also result from an accident on dangerous property. Some people develop depression after sustaining a disfiguring injury or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from a scary and stressful experience.
Compensation for Premises Liability Cases
Regardless of the severity of your injury, you deserve a financial award if someone else is at fault. Many people can’t afford the bills they receive and worry that they could end up in debt. You should not face financial strain while seeking medical care and pursuing a case against the negligent party.
The compensation you receive in an insurance claim or lawsuit could cover your accident-related losses, such as:
- Emotional distress
- Medical bills
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
You could seek punitive damages in a lawsuit against the business owner or homeowner. You might receive this type of monetary award if you show clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability
There is a strict deadline you must follow if you want to sue someone for compensation. The statute of limitations for premises liability cases in Florida provides a four-year timeframe to begin court action. That means you have four years from the date of your injury to file your lawsuit against the property owner.
If the statutory deadline passes, you likely won’t be able to pursue a lawsuit for your injury. However, you could delay or extend the deadline if any of these factors exist:
- Legal disability – If you are under a legal disability, meaning you are of unsound mind or under 18 when the incident happens, you will have four years from the date you turn 18 or gain mental competency to file suit.
- Out of state – If the at-fault party leaves the state, the clock will pause and won’t start to run until they return. Additionally, their absence won’t count towards the four-year limitations period.
Contact Us
At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, our Tampa premises liability attorneys have years of experience handling cases like yours. We know how to investigate and locate evidence to prove who was at fault for an injury. When you hire us, we will dedicate our time and attention to every aspect of your case. We always take a personalized approach and create a strategy to meet our client’s unique needs.
If you suffered injuries due to a dangerous condition on a property due to someone else’s negligence, call us at (813) 605-1100 for your free consultation.
