In any kind of premises in Bradenton, FL., whether it is a store, restaurant, or park, there is a legal obligation from those who are in control of the property to make sure it is safe for whoever visits. However, this does not always mean that owners abide by these rules. Many Bradenton property owners are guilty of being negligent in maintaining safe premises, which ultimately results in personal injury to many. Premises liability laws that exist across the entire State of Florida are in place to hold property owners accountable for maintaining safe conditions on behalf of those who visit the property.
If you are a loved one have been in an incident of unsafe conditions at someone else’s property, it is important that you seek legal assistance from a premises liability lawyer immediately. Here at The Law Place, we are a reputable law firm with over 75 years of experience in helping with cases just like yours. We have represented injury claims from clients across all of Florida, including Bradenton, FL., and keep the client at the heart of the work we do. Upon calling for legal advice, each client will receive a non-obligatory free consultation with a premises liability attorney from our team. They will work closely with you during this time and help you through the legal process.
Contact us today at our Bradenton firm on (941) 444-4444. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, meaning there is no bad time to receive your free consultation. We will be waiting for your call!
What Are the Different Types of Florida Premises Liability Cases?
In the State of Florida, including Bradenton, there are two different situations where a property operator, manager, or owner has a legal responsibility to ensure safety. They are as follows:
- Due to the actions of the property owner, property manager, or property employees, an unsafe visiting condition was created, which has resulted in the personal injury of another person.
- This ‘created unsafe condition’ existed for long enough that it should have been spotted and corrected. Depending on the type of property in question, there is a duty to inspect, correct, and flag any dangerous conditions. They should also be inspected for any hazards or risks. This includes slippery surfaces, tripping hazards, etc.
Property Owners and Duty of Care
If you are a land or property owner, legally, you owe the highest duty of care to any individual who enters your premises. As an owner, there are extensive potential safety hazards that could occur on your premises. Duty of care is an unspoken promise that should be extended to everyone, and if you fail to abide by this, you instantly hold liability for any personal injuries sustained by an innocent visitor.
Failure to repair any dangerous conditions or warn people about them could result in many different injuries. As well as this, the failure of a property owner to fix broken locks or have adequate security systems within their premises could expose people to the risk of criminal harm from third parties. Listed below are other common examples of dangerous property conditions that have the potential to result in injuries and hold a basis for premises liability claims:
- Broken locks or windows
- Inadequate lighting
- Mechanical failures
- Negligent or inadequate security systems
- Obstructed walkways
- Slippery floors
- Trip-and-fall hazards
- Uneven staircases
What Level of Care Do Property Owners Owe?
As it stands, legally, property owners do not owe every individual who enters their premises the same level of care. It varies, meaning they owe different levels of care depending on the type of guest they choose to host.
Listed below are the different legalities that apply depending on the visitor:
Invitees
- These are individuals who the property owner has invited to enter and remain on the premises for a commercial benefit. Shopping customers, restaurant patrons, and hotel guests are examples of invitees.
- For the above reason, invitees are owed the highest level of care.
Licensees
- Licensees are those who can be referenced as family members, friends, or other social guests of the property owner who are invited to visit the premises for non-profitable purposes.
- Property owners must maintain and fix hazardous areas on the property.
- Property owners are liable only for the safety dangers they know about.
Trespassers
- Trespassers are individuals who enter the premises without a clear invitation from the property owner.
- Property owners do not owe trespassers the same level of care as that of the others listed but equally must not set intentional hazards for trespassers as a method of guarding their premises.
Slip and Fall Accidents Explained
Slip and falls are one of the most common types of accidents in Bradenton that result in premises liability cases. Across the entirety of the United States, there are over 8 million emergency room visits every year as a result of falls. If you are a slip and fall victim, it is worth noting that a slip and fall accident is typically one of the more straightforward premises liability claims to process.
By definition, slip and fall accidents refer to an incident where an individual enters another’s property, and whilst there, trips or slips on something that causes them to fall and sustain injuries.
Under Florida Statute 768.0755, it is made clear in what circumstances a property owner may be held liable for any sort of damages that result from a slip and fall accident.
If you are a Bradenton property owner, you must be able to rectify a safety hazard before an accident can occur. Otherwise, you cannot be held liable for any injuries sustained from the slip and fall accident.
Also included in the statute are more details that outline the type of circumstantial evidence used to demonstrate awareness of the dangerous conditions. These include:
- The condition existed for long enough that any premises that practiced care or safety would have spotted it.
- The dangerous condition was a regular occurrence, making its reoccurrence obvious for the owners of the premises.
What Can I Receive in Compensation for a Premises Liability Claim in Bradenton?
It is important to understand that when analyzing a Bradenton premises liability case, because of the uniqueness of each case, each compensation claim will be different. The best way to receive the full compensation you are entitled to is by contacting a reputable law firm, and we highly recommend you do this as soon as possible. A Florida personal injury attorney will be able to outline and fight for what you deserve.
Listed below are some of the things that your compensation claim could cover:
- Disfigurement – If the victim has experienced injuries that have caused disfigurement of any kind or permanent scarring, they are entitled to claim.
- Emotional pain and suffering – To many, this is ‘invisible,’ but it is valid, nonetheless. If you have experienced any kind of exceptional emotional pain or suffering because of the accident, you can claim.
- Loss of wages – The accident might mean you need to take time off from work due to the injuries sustained. Your premises liability attorney will be able to help you calculate the amount of compensation you can receive as a result of this.
- Medical bills – The term ‘medical bills’ is in reference to past, present, or future bills related to the injuries from the accident. These also include physical therapy and any medical equipment you might need.
- Reduced earning capacity – In some cases, the injuries sustained are so severe that the victim can no longer work to the same capacity they could before. In such cases, you are entitled to compensation.
Contact The Law Place Bradenton, FL., Today
At The Law Place, we have a wealth of experience in dealing with Bradenton premises liability cases. We understand how stressful of a time this will be for you and your loved ones due to both the accident itself and the injuries that came as a result. To receive both the justice and compensation you deserve, contact us today. We will pair you with one of our personal injury lawyers and begin this legal process.
Our phone lines are always open for your convenience. A member of our team will be on the line, ready to offer you your free consultation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Get the support from a law firm you can trust. Call us today at (941) 444-4444.