Not all personal injury claims arise from car accidents. Many occur because a property owner or manager failed to keep their premises safe. This area of law is called premises liability—and whether you’re hurt on private or public property, your rights may differ.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal principle that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for maintaining safe conditions for people who enter their property. When someone is injured due to unsafe conditions, they may have a claim for damages.
Examples of premises liability cases include:
- Slip and fall accidents on wet floors
- Inadequate security leading to assaults
- Dog bites or animal attacks
- Unsafe stairways or broken railings
- Pool or playground accidents
Private Property Injuries
When you’re invited onto private property—such as someone’s home, a store, or an apartment complex—the owner has a duty to:
- Maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition
- Repair known hazards promptly
- Warn visitors of dangers that aren’t obvious
If they fail to do so and you’re injured, you may have grounds for a lawsuit under Florida’s premises liability laws.
Public Property Injuries
Injuries on public property—such as sidewalks, parks, government buildings, or schools—are more complex because the defendant is a government entity. Florida’s sovereign immunity laws limit when and how you can sue a government agency, and damage caps may apply.
For example:
- If you trip on a broken public sidewalk, your claim may be against the city.
- If you’re hurt in a public school due to negligent maintenance, the school district may be liable.
There are strict deadlines and pre-suit notice requirements when suing government entities in Florida, so acting quickly is essential.
Proving a Premises Liability Case
To win a premises liability case, you must show:
- The property owner or occupier owed you a duty of care.
- They breached that duty by failing to correct or warn of a dangerous condition.
- The breach directly caused your injury.
- You suffered measurable damages.
Evidence may include photos of the hazard, maintenance records, witness statements, and medical documentation.
Types of Damages Available
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or scarring
How Darfoor Law Firm Can Help
Premises liability cases—especially those involving government property—require careful handling. At Darfoor Law, we know how to navigate Florida’s complex laws to hold negligent property owners and public entities accountable. We gather evidence, work with experts, and build strong cases to secure full compensation for our clients.
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, private or public, contact Darfoor Law today for a free consultation.
