Williston Premises Liability Attorneys

Representing Victims of Unsafe Property in Williston, FL

When you are injured on another person’s property, you may be eligible to file a premises liability claim. This is a type of personal injury case that holds property owners responsible for the harm that occurs on their premises when they fail to maintain a reasonably safe environment or warn visitors of known hazards.

At Schackow & Mercadante, our Williston premises liability lawyers have seen firsthand the devastating impact that a serious injury can have on all aspects of a victim’s life. Our legal team is committed to helping you recover the full, fair compensation you are owed for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Call (352) 261-6767 or online to request a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced premises liability attorney in Williston.

What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal concept that refers to a property owner’s responsibility to keep his or her premises reasonably safe for those who are invited to come onto the property. This includes individuals who enter for business purposes, such as customers, as well as those who come onto the property for social reasons, such as guests.

Under Florida law, property owners owe a duty of care to those who enter their premises. This duty of care varies depending on the circumstances and the type of visitor:

• Invitees: These are individuals who enter a property for business purposes. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, which means they must take reasonable steps to ensure the property is safe, including inspecting the premises for any hazards and promptly repairing any dangerous conditions. Examples of invitees include customers at a grocery store or patrons at a restaurant.
• Licensees: These are individuals who enter a property for social reasons. Property owners must take reasonable steps to ensure the property is safe for licensees, but they do not have the same duty of care to these individuals as they do to invitees. Examples of licensees include party guests and friends who come to visit.
• Trespassers: These are individuals who enter a property without the owner’s permission. Property owners do not owe a duty of care to trespassers, other than to avoid intentionally causing them harm. However, if a property owner is aware of a dangerous condition on his or her property, he or she must take reasonable steps to warn trespassers of the danger. This includes children who may be attracted to certain dangerous conditions, such as swimming pools.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Premises Liability Accidents?

Premises liability accidents can happen anywhere, from private homes and apartment complexes to shopping malls, grocery stores, and restaurants. They can also occur on public property, such as parks and government buildings.

Some of the most common causes of premises liability accidents include:

• Slip and fall accidents: These are some of the most common types of premises liability cases. Slip and fall accidents can occur when a property owner fails to clean up a spill, leaves a wet or slippery surface unmarked, or fails to repair a dangerous condition, such as a broken step.
• Improper lighting: Property owners must ensure that their premises are reasonably safe for those who enter. This includes making sure there is adequate lighting. Poor lighting can make it difficult for individuals to see where they are going and avoid potential hazards, such as uneven surfaces or debris.
• Defective conditions: Property owners must also ensure that their premises are properly maintained. This means promptly repairing any dangerous conditions. When a property owner fails to do this, he or she can be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result. Examples of defective conditions include broken steps, loose handrails, and damaged flooring.
• Inadequate security: Property owners have a duty to ensure that their premises are safe from criminal activity. When a property owner fails to take reasonable steps to provide adequate security, he or she can be held liable for any criminal acts that occur on the premises. Examples of inadequate security include broken locks, broken security gates, and a lack of security cameras or proper lighting.
• Dog bites: When a property owner has a dog on the premises, he or she must take reasonable steps to ensure the dog does not pose a risk of harm to others. This includes keeping the dog properly restrained and warning others of the dog’s presence. If a property owner fails to do this and the dog bites someone, he or she can be held liable for the victim’s injuries.

What Are the Elements of a Premises Liability Claim?

In order to have a successful premises liability claim, you must be able to prove the following elements:

• The property owner owed you a duty of care. As mentioned above, the duty of care varies depending on the circumstances and the type of visitor.
• The property owner breached the duty of care. In other words, the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to keep the premises safe or warn you of known hazards.
• You suffered an injury. You must be able to show that you suffered an injury as a result of the property owner’s negligence. This can include physical, emotional, and financial injuries.
• The property owner’s negligence was a direct cause of your injuries. You must be able to prove that your injuries would not have occurred but for the property owner’s negligence.

How Can a Williston Premises Liability Lawyer Help Me?

If you were injured on another person’s property, you may be entitled to compensation. However, recovering this compensation can be challenging, especially when you are already dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial toll of your injuries.

At Schackow & Mercadante, our Williston premises liability attorneys are here to help. We can handle all aspects of your case, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with the insurance company and, if necessary, litigating your case in court.

Call (352) 261-6767 today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled premises liability attorney in Williston.