Liability of Property Owners in West Palm Beach
Premises liability is a legal principle that holds property owners accountable for injuries caused by unsafe conditions on their property. If you’ve been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, you may have a legal right to seek compensation.
A premises liability claim is a lawsuit filed against a property owner for failing to maintain a safe environment, leading to injury.
The Duty of Property Owners
Property owners—including those of residential, commercial, and public spaces—are legally required to keep their premises reasonably safe. This duty includes:
- Regularly inspecting the property for hazardous conditions.
- Repairing dangerous conditions in a timely manner.
- Providing adequate warnings about any risks that cannot be immediately addressed.
Failure to meet these responsibilities can result in premises liability claims if injuries occur due to negligence.
Types of Visitors and Their Rights
The legal duty owed by a property owner varies based on the type of visitor:
- Invitees: Customers, clients, or guests invited onto the property for business purposes are owed the highest level of care.
- Licensees: Friends, family, or social guests who enter with permission must also be kept safe, though with slightly lower legal standards.
- Trespassers: While owners generally don’t owe a duty of care to trespassers, they cannot intentionally cause them harm.
Types of Premises Liability Cases
Visitors must take reasonable precautions for their own safety, but accidents still happen. Common premises liability cases include:
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slippery floors, uneven sidewalks, poor lighting, or unsecured rugs can lead to serious injuries.
Inadequate Security
A property owner’s failure to provide proper security measures can result in assaults, thefts, or other criminal incidents.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Property owners may be held liable if their pets attack visitors.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Unsecured or poorly maintained pools pose significant dangers, especially to children.
If you’ve been injured due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property, contact a West Palm Beach Premises Liability Attorney to help you pursue compensation.
Filing a Premises Liability Claim in West Palm Beach
Establishing fault is critical in a premises liability case. Your attorney must prove that the property owner’s negligence directly caused your injuries.
Proving Negligence
To succeed in a premises liability claim, you must demonstrate:
- Duty of Care: The property owner had a legal duty to keep the premises safe.
- Breach of Duty: The owner failed to take reasonable precautions or warn visitors of hazards.
- Causation: The unsafe condition directly caused your injury.
- Damages: You suffered physical, financial, or emotional harm as a result.
Comparative Negligence in Florida
Florida follows a **comparative negligence** rule, meaning that if you are partially responsible for your accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if a court finds you 30% at fault for not noticing a “Wet Floor” sign before slipping, your compensation will be reduced by 30%.
This legal complexity makes it essential to have skilled West Palm Beach Premises Liability Attorneys advocating for your rights.
A West Palm Beach Premises Liability Attorney Will Fight for Your Compensation
A skilled attorney can seek compensation for:
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for lost income.
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for any damaged personal property, such as broken phones or torn clothing.
How a West Palm Beach Premises Liability Lawyer Can Help
Premises liability attorneys do more than just provide legal advice—they actively work to maximize your compensation.
Case Evaluation and Legal Strategy
An attorney will assess your claim, gather evidence, and develop a strong legal strategy to hold the property owner accountable.
Gathering and Presenting Evidence
A successful claim requires compelling evidence, such as:
- Photographs of the hazardous conditions.
- Medical reports detailing your injuries.
- Witness statements to confirm how the accident occurred.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. Your attorney will negotiate aggressively to secure a fair settlement.
Providing Court Representation
If negotiations fail, your lawyer will take your case to court and present compelling arguments on your behalf.
Contact Our West Palm Beach Premises Liability Attorneys Today
If you’ve suffered an injury due to a property owner’s negligence, don’t wait to take action.
LaBovick has over 30 years of experience representing premises liability victims in Florida. Our commitment to justice has earned us a 4.8-star rating on Google Reviews.
Why choose us?
- Experienced attorneys specializing in premises liability law.
- Proven success in securing maximum compensation.
- Personalized legal support tailored to your case.
- No upfront fees—we work on a contingency basis, so you only pay if we win.
Your recovery should be your priority. Let us handle the legal fight for you.
Call LaBovick today for a free consultation. We’re ready to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
