New Port Richey Premises Liability Lawyer
Florida law states that property owners owe a duty of care to provide a safe environment to visitors who come on their property. This law applies to all property owners whether it is an individual homeowner or a large business owner.
Victims who are injured because a property owner was negligent should consult with a New Port Richey premises liability lawyer to find out what legal recourse they may have against those responsible for those injuries. A skilled personal injury attorney will be essential help in building their client’s case.
Florida Premises Liability Law
The Florida premises liability law requires property owners to maintain a safe environment and take care of any dangerous issues which could put visitors at risk. If a property owner fails to do so, then a victim can seek compensation for the injuries they have sustained.
A seasoned New Port Richey premises liability lawyer can represent clients who were injured in supermarkets, shopping malls, schools, restaurants, and business complexes.
Individual homeowners, landlords, and even amusement park owners can be held financially responsible if someone is injured on their property.
Rental Properties
Although Florida law requires all property owners to ensure safe surroundings, the law is particularly stringent when it comes to rental property owners. Landlords must also abide by any municipal, state, and federal landlord laws.
Not only do landlords owe their tenants a duty of care, but they also owe any of the tenant’s visitors the same protection. Some of the more common dangers that premises liability lawsuits are filed against landlords include:
- Broken security equipment (locks, surveillance cameras, etc.)
- Broken steps and railings
- Dim or no lighting in common areas
- Exposed wiring
- Fire hazards
- Holes in flooring
- Mold
- Slippery surfaces
Business Owners
Whether it is a retail establishment or business building, a business property owner is required to make sure the property is safe for the public who enter. This not only includes the inside of the building, but also outside areas such as walkways, parking lots, and parking garages.
It is not only the property owner who may be liable for a visitor’s injuries. The business entity that is renting the property may also be held legally responsible for injury damages.
Government Property Owners
Although the laws are somewhat different when it comes to property owned by municipalities or other government agencies, victims who are injured on public property may still seek damages.
If you are injured while riding public transportation, in a public park, on a sidewalk, or other government-owned property, a New Port Richey premises liability lawyer can assist in filing a claim for recovery of damages.
Who Can File a Claim
Florida law does address the different levels of care a property owner has. This is broken down into business invitees, licensees, and trespassers. A business invitee is a person who comes onto the property to do business with the owner. For example, a person who goes into a restaurant to have a meal. Tort law considers this level of care the most critical and a property owner can be held liable even for hazards they were not aware of but should have been.
A licensee is someone who comes on a property as a social guest, for example, a neighbor stopping by to borrow a cup of sugar. Property owners can be held liable for injuries to a licensee caused by a hazard the owner knew about.
The third level is a trespasser and even though the trespasser does not have permission to be on the property, there are circumstances where they could sue for damages if they were injured by a known hazard on the property.
Contact a New Port Richey Premises Liability Lawyer
Premises liability cases can be complicated which is why injured victims should contact a New Port Richey premises liability lawyer to represent them. If you have been injured, contact a New Port Richey premises liability attorney today for a consultation to discuss what your legal options may be.