Brandon Premises Liability Lawyer
When people enter another person’s premises, they do not expect to become injured. Unfortunately, it happens more often than many people think. After an accident, you may suffer from severe injuries and have to miss work for a period of time, which will make it challenging to pay for your medical bills. If you were hurt due to a property owner’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. Below, our Brandon premises liability lawyer explains how to obtain the full settlement you deserve.
When are Property Owners Liable for Paying Damages?
Florida, like all states, requires property owners to keep their premises in a safe condition. This means they must correct or repair any unsafe conditions. If they are unable to repair a dangerous condition right away, they must at least warn visitors of the danger. For example, an employee of a business may mop the floors when they are dirty. Mopped floors take some time to dry but wet floors are also a slip and fall hazard. In this instance, the employee should post a sign warning customers that the floor is slippery.
Business owners are not the only people responsible for ensuring their premises are in a safe condition. Private individuals must also maintain their property to ensure there are no dangerous conditions that could cause injuries. Landlords are also responsible for maintaining their rental units so tenants and visitors do not become hurt. Any property owner who fails to maintain their premises in a safe condition is considered negligent and can therefore be held liable for paying damages.
Types of Visitors
Property owners do not owe all visitors the same level of care. In Florida, visitors are classified differently and the level of duty of care owed to them depends on their classification. The three classifications of visitors are as follows:
- Invitees: Invitees are individuals who are invited onto a property for the benefit of the property owner. For example, customers at a grocery store are classified as invitees because they are there to help the business owner make a profit. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care. This means they are liable for any injuries caused by dangerous conditions they know about, or that they should have known about.
- Licensees: Social guests such as family members and friends are classified as licensees. Licensees also owe guests a duty of care, but it does not rise to the same level as invitees. This means that property owners can be held liable for injuries caused by dangerous conditions the property owner knew about, but not necessarily those they should have known about.
- Trespassers: Property owners do not owe trespassers any duty of care. However, they cannot intentionally injure people who are on their property unlawfully.
Our Premises Liability Lawyer in Brandon Can Help with Your Case
At Anderson & Anderson, our Brandon premises liability lawyer can prove that a property owner was negligent so you obtain the full damage you are entitled to. Call us now at 813-251-0072 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
