Lake City Premises Liability Lawyer

Injured on Someone Else's Property in Lake City, FL?

At Schackow & Mercadante, our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to helping victims of accidents caused by dangerous conditions on someone else's property. If you've been injured in a slip and fall, dog bite, or another type of accident due to unsafe premises, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our firm, based in Lake City, Florida, has extensive experience handling premises liability claims, and we are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.

To request a free consultation, contact us today at (352) 261-6767!

What is Premises Liability in Florida?

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility that property owners and occupiers have to ensure that their premises are safe for visitors. Under Florida law, property owners owe a duty of care to individuals who enter their premises, depending on the relationship between the owner and the visitor. If a property owner fails to maintain safe conditions or warn visitors of hazards, they may be held liable for any injuries that result from their negligence.

In a premises liability claim, the injured party (the plaintiff) must prove that the property owner (the defendant) was negligent in maintaining or managing their property. This typically involves showing that the property owner knew, or should have known, about the dangerous condition and failed to take appropriate action to fix it or warn visitors.

Common Types of Premises Liability Cases

There are many different types of premises liability cases that can arise from a wide range of hazardous conditions. Some of the most common types of premises liability cases include:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: Slip and fall accidents are among the most frequent premises liability claims. These accidents can occur when a property owner fails to address hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained walkways. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, our Lake City premises liability lawyers can help determine whether the property owner’s negligence played a role in your injury.
• Dog Bites and Animal Attacks: Florida law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets in most cases. If a dog bites or attacks someone on the owner’s property, the owner may be held liable for the victim’s injuries, even if the dog had never shown aggressive behavior before. At Schackow & Mercadante, we can help you pursue compensation if you’ve been injured by a dog or another animal on someone else’s property.
• Inadequate Security: Property owners, particularly those who operate businesses or manage apartment complexes, have a duty to provide adequate security to prevent crimes such as assaults, robberies, or other violent acts on their premises. If you’ve been the victim of a crime due to inadequate security, such as a lack of lighting or security personnel, you may have a premises liability claim against the property owner.
• Swimming Pool Accidents: In Florida, swimming pools are common, but they also pose significant risks, especially for young children. Property owners must take reasonable steps to ensure that their pools are safe and secure. Failing to maintain fencing, signage, or other safety measures could lead to drowning or other injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pool-related accident, our team can help you hold the responsible party accountable.
• Construction Site Accidents: Construction sites are inherently dangerous, but property owners and contractors must ensure that the site is safe for workers, visitors, and even passersby. If proper safety protocols are not followed, it can result in serious injuries. Whether you were injured on a job site or as a pedestrian near a construction zone, we can help you explore your legal options.

Who is Liable for a Dangerous Condition?

In a premises liability case, determining who is liable for the dangerous condition that caused your injury can be complex. Liability depends on several factors, including the type of property, the nature of the hazard, and your legal status as a visitor. In Florida, visitors are classified into three categories: invitees, licensees, and trespassers. Each category determines the level of care a property owner owes.

• Invitees: Invitees are individuals who are invited onto the property for business purposes, such as customers in a store. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, meaning they must regularly inspect the property for hazards and address any dangerous conditions promptly.
• Licensees: Licensees are individuals who are on the property with the owner’s permission for social reasons, such as friends or family members. Property owners must warn licensees of any known hazards but are not required to inspect the property as frequently.
• Trespassers: Trespassers are individuals who enter the property without permission. Property owners owe a limited duty of care to trespassers, but they cannot intentionally create dangerous conditions or act with reckless disregard for the safety of trespassers.

However, there are exceptions. For instance, property owners may be held liable for injuries to child trespassers under the "attractive nuisance" doctrine, which applies to features such as swimming pools or playground equipment.

Our experienced Lake City premises liability lawyers will carefully review the details of your case to determine who is responsible and work to hold them accountable.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Premises Liability Claim?

If you’ve been injured due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to recover damages for a variety of losses, including:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical bills related to your injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any future medical needs.
• Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to recover compensation for lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Premises liability claims can also include non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by your injury.

At Schackow & Mercadante, we understand the financial and emotional toll an injury can take on you and your family. Our attorneys are committed to helping you secure the compensation you need to move forward.

Call (352) 261-6767 or complete our online contact form today to schedule a free case review.