If someone invites you onto their property, it is reasonable to expect that they ensure your safety. Property owners have a responsibility to maintain their premises and provide adequate security. Whether you are at a friend’s house, an office building, or a supermarket, you should not have to fear that you will be injured due to hazards or violent crime.
A severe injury can have many life-altering consequences. You are not alone in bearing the financial burden of the damages following an accident on someone else’s property. If you’ve suffered an injury due to a property owner or manager’s carelessness, you may be eligible to file a premises liability lawsuit to seek compensation.
A lawsuit can be difficult to manage without a knowledgeable injury attorney, as there are several legal documents and procedures involved in an accident claim. Reach out to our Riverview premises liability lawyers today to get the legal guidance you need after a devastating injury.
How Do Property Accidents Typically Occur?
There are several types of dangerous incidents that could occur on another person’s property. If your accident was the result of the property owner’s negligent conduct or inaction, you can seek compensation through a lawsuit. Some of the most common issues that lead to premises liability accidents include:
- Wet floors
- Loose stairs and floorboards
- Improper or poor lighting
- Exposed electrical circuits
- Lack of security
- Faulty elevators or escalators
- Improperly stored toxic substances
No matter the cause of your accident, you should consult our talented attorneys to determine the potential success of your premises liability claim.
Understanding Visitor Status in Riverview Premises Liability Cases
When you enter another person’s property, you carry a certain visitor status, depending on various factors. You may be considered an invitee, licensee, or trespasser. Your status at the time of your accident can impact whether you are eligible for compensation.
Invitees
An invitee is someone who is permitted onto property for business purposes, such as a customer who enters a store. Businesses such as Walmart, Target, Publix, and Winn Dixie are required to keep their premises safe for invitees. This means store owners and managers must warn you of known dangers and conduct reasonable inspections to be on the lookout for potential hazards.
Licensees
A licensee visits a person’s property for a non-business-related reason. This often includes social house guests. As a licensee, property owners must warn you of known dangers, but they are not obligated to perform regular inspections.
Trespassers
Trespassers are afforded almost no protection under the law. If you sustain an injury while trespassing on another person’s property, the owner will likely bear no fault. Landowners are not required to provide any warnings to trespassers but are prohibited from purposely harming them.
If you need help determining your visitor status in a premises liability case, consult one of our lawyers in Riverview about your case.
Investigating Negligence and Establishing Liability
Proving a premises liability claim requires investigating the property owner’s negligence. A property owner is negligent if they fail to take the proper steps toward keeping you safe. Our dedicated legal team can help you gather witness statements, request security camera footage, and obtain other evidence necessary to prove the other party was negligent. Once negligence is established, we can aggressively fight for compensation on your behalf.
What is the Time Limit for Filing a Premises Liability Lawsuit?
Florida Statutes Annotated § 95.11(3) sets a strict time limit by which you must file your claim. This deadline is set at four years from the date your accident occurred. In most property injury cases, it is best to consult a qualified lawyer right away. Waiting could mean the destruction of important evidence. Additionally, the court may dismiss your case if you do not file before the deadline. This means you could lose the right to collect compensation at all.
Should You Hire an Attorney for a Property Injury Case?
After being injured on another person’s property, you should speak to our trained attorneys who are knowledgeable in premises liability actions. When pursuing one of these complex cases, you must follow all relevant laws, including the rules of civil procedure and evidence.
Representing yourself can be risky, as any small mistake could negatively impact your case. Additionally, the other party may not take your claim seriously without a lawyer on your side. For these reasons, it’s best to hire an experienced attorney, like Mike Hancock, who can help you even the playing field.
Reach Out to Our Riverview Premises Liability Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one was involved in a severe accident on another person’s property, you should speak with a legal professional about the options you have for recovering compensation. Depending on the situation, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the person responsible. Contact Hancock Injury Attorneys today to speak with one of our Riverview premises liability lawyers in a free consultation.