Florida Panhandle Property Owners Have a Duty to Prevent Accidents
Have you been injured in an accident, an assault or some other circumstance that could have been avoided if a hotel or other property owner had paid adequate attention to maintenance issues and other dangers guests and visitors face?
Under Florida premises liability law, any hotel, store, or other commercial or residential property owner who allows people to enter his or her premises owes a legal duty to eliminate or reduce these hazards. If the business or individual owner fails to live up to this duty, the victims may have a valid claim for damages. Common hazards may include:
- Wet tile or sand
- A malfunctioning elevator
- A wind tunnel effect that causes doors to slam, resulting in injury or amputation
- A poorly maintained beach or boardwalk
- Inadequate security
- Negligent maintenance in general
In other words, when property owners — including those who own beach houses and other rental properties — allow people to enter a property that is not well-maintained or properly secure, they can be liable when people slip and fall or otherwise injure themselves. Premises liability can also include failure to protect people against a crime like assault or sexual assault. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation.
Premises Liability in Recreational Accidents
Beach accidents involving personal watercraft like Jet Skis, parasailing accidents, injuries sustained at unsupervised beaches or by the improper rental of boogie boards, surf boards and other recreational equipment to minors may all give rise to a premises liability claim. A lawyer at our firm can offer you the sound legal advice and experienced representation you need.
Compensation for Victims of Criminal Acts
One little-known aspect of premises liability is that a property owner may be liable not only for dangers involving the upkeep of the property itself but also for negligent security and other failings that lead to an increased risk of assault, including sexual assault.
Property owners can also be held liable for providing alcohol to minors or allowing intoxicated people to remain on their property. As a member of MADD, attorney David Simpson is particularly aggressive in standing up for the rights of clients who have been injured through the negligent use, sale or provision of alcohol.
Contact Us Today
Whether you have been injured by a defect in a commercial building, private home or public beach, contact the Simpson Law Firm to discuss whether you have a potential premises liability claim.
We also work to protect the rights of individuals against unfair insurance claims practices, insurance fraud and homeowners' associations that charge unfair insurance rates.
