Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors, and when they fail to do so, serious injuries can occur. If you were hurt due to unsafe premises, a premises liability attorney in Orlando with Matthew R. Boren, Attorney at Law can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Call today to schedule a free consultation and get the legal guidance you need to move forward.
Premises Liability Claims in Orlando
Premises liability laws hold property owners and managers responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their property. Under Florida Statutes § 768.0755, property owners must take reasonable steps to identify and fix hazards that could cause harm to visitors. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable for injuries that occur on their premises.
A successful premises liability claim must show that the owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to take corrective action. This applies to businesses, landlords, private homeowners, and public property owners. If a visitor is injured due to unsafe conditions, the property owner may be financially responsible for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Common Types of Premises Liability Accidents
Premises liability accidents can happen in shopping centers, apartment complexes, hotels, and private residences. These accidents often result from unsafe conditions, inadequate maintenance, or lack of security measures. Some of the most common types of premises liability cases include slips and falls, negligent security incidents, and structural hazards.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of premises liability claims. Wet floors, uneven pavement, and poor lighting increase the risk of falls. Property owners are responsible for promptly cleaning spills, fixing walkway hazards, and providing adequate warning signs to prevent injuries.
Negligent Security Incidents
Negligent security claims arise when a property owner fails to provide adequate safety measures, leading to assaults, robberies, or other violent crimes. In areas with high crime rates, parking garages, apartment complexes, and retail stores, owners must take reasonable steps to ensure visitor safety.
Examples of negligent security include broken locks, poor lighting, lack of security cameras, and failure to screen employees or residents. If a visitor is attacked due to inadequate security, the property owner may be liable for injuries, costs of medical treatment, and emotional trauma.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pool accidents can cause severe injuries or drownings, particularly when safety measures are not in place. Property owners must follow Florida pool safety regulations under Florida Statutes § 515, which require proper fencing, secure gates, and warning signs to prevent accidents.
Common hazards include slippery pool decks, broken ladders, malfunctioning drains, and lack of supervision. If a property owner fails to maintain a safe swimming environment, they may be held responsible for injuries or wrongful death claims.
Elevator and Escalator Accidents
Elevators and escalators are essential in many commercial and residential buildings, but mechanical failures, faulty installation, or improper maintenance can result in serious injuries. If an elevator malfunctions, doors close too quickly, or an escalator suddenly stops, passengers may suffer broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries.
Falling Objects and Structural Hazards
Falling objects and unstable structures pose serious risks in grocery stores, warehouses, and retail spaces. Merchandise that is improperly stacked can fall and injure customers, while poorly maintained ceilings, loose fixtures, and collapsing staircases can lead to devastating injuries.
Property owners must secure heavy objects, conduct regular inspections, and ensure that ceilings, shelves, and walls are structurally sound. If they fail to prevent hazards that result in injuries, they may be held financially responsible for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
Common Injuries to Sue for in a Premises Liability Claim
Premises liability accidents can result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. Victims may suffer from broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, or soft tissue damage that impacts their mobility and quality of life. These injuries can lead to permanent disabilities, chronic pain, and financial hardship due to medical bills and lost wages.
Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries
Falls or falling objects can cause concussions, skull fractures, or severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A sudden impact to the head may result in memory loss, dizziness, cognitive impairment, or difficulty concentrating, making it hard for victims to return to their normal routines. In severe cases, TBIs can lead to long-term disabilities, personality changes, or permanent loss of motor function.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Slips, trips, and falls on wet floors, loose carpeting, or cracked sidewalks can lead to painful fractures that require surgery and rehabilitation. Hip fractures, wrist fractures, and leg breaks are common in premises liability cases, especially among elderly victims.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Falls, collapsing structures, and unsafe staircases can lead to herniated discs, nerve damage, or even paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can be particularly devastating, as they may cause chronic pain, limited range of motion, or total loss of mobility in severe cases.
Soft Tissue Injuries and Nerve Damage
Premises liability accidents often cause severe bruising, torn ligaments, or nerve damage that can be extremely painful and slow to heal. Victims may experience reduced mobility, muscle weakness, or chronic pain long after the accident.
Liability in Premises Liability Claims
To hold a property owner responsible for an injury, victims must prove that the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to take corrective action. Liability in premises liability cases is determined based on factors such as the victim’s status on the property, the property owner’s duty of care, and whether reasonable steps were taken to prevent harm.
If a property owner fails to repair hazards, ignores safety violations, or does not warn visitors of dangers, they may be held financially responsible for the resulting injuries. Victims may pursue compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, ensuring that negligent property owners are held accountable for unsafe conditions.
Turn To an Orlando Premises Liability Attorney for Help Today
Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe, and when they fail, serious injuries can occur. If you suffered an injury due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you may have a premises liability claim. An Orlando premises liability attorney with Matthew R. Boren, Attorney at Law can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case and take the first step toward financial recovery.