Tampa Premises Liability Lawyer

Ready to Hold Property Owners Liable

If you were injured on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Property owners in Florida have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. When they fail in that duty—through poor maintenance, inadequate security, or unsafe conditions—they can be held liable for the resulting injuries. At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, our Tampa premises liability lawyers fight for the rights of injured victims and hold negligent property owners accountable.

Call (727) 591-3354 or send a message to schedule your free, initial conversation.

What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal concept that applies when a person is injured due to unsafe or defective conditions on someone’s property. These cases can occur almost anywhere—residential properties, commercial establishments, public areas, or private land.

Common examples of premises liability cases include:

• Slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents
• Poor lighting or broken handrails in stairways
• Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
• Negligent security leading to assaults or attacks
• Swimming pool accidents and drownings
• Dog bites or animal attacks
• Falling objects or structural collapses
• Elevator and escalator malfunctions

In essence, property owners and managers have a responsibility to make sure their premises are safe for lawful visitors. If their negligence leads to someone’s injury, they may be held liable for damages.

Florida Premises Liability Laws

Florida law imposes a duty of care on property owners and occupiers, but the level of responsibility varies depending on the visitor’s legal status. Understanding these distinctions is key in a premises liability claim.

Invitees

Invitees are individuals invited onto a property for a business or public purpose—such as customers at a store or guests at a hotel. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care, which includes:

• Regular inspections of the property for hazards
• Prompt repair of dangerous conditions
• Providing adequate warnings for any existing risks

Licensees

Licensees are social guests or others who enter property for non-commercial reasons. Property owners must warn licensees of any known dangers that aren’t obvious.

Trespassers

In general, property owners owe limited duty to trespassers. However, they may still be liable if they intentionally create dangerous traps or fail to prevent foreseeable harm to children under Florida’s “attractive nuisance” doctrine. For example, property owners must secure swimming pools and other hazards that might attract children.

Comparative Negligence in Florida

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if an injured person is partially responsible for their own accident—say, by ignoring posted warnings—their compensation can be reduced by their percentage of fault. If they are found more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover damages at all.

Because of these nuances, having an experienced Tampa premises liability attorney from Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers can make a significant difference in proving negligence and maximizing your recovery.

Common Causes of Premises Liability Accidents

Unsafe property conditions can result from many types of negligence, including:

• Failure to clean spills or remove debris
• Inadequate property maintenance or inspections
• Broken flooring, uneven surfaces, or cracked sidewalks
• Lack of warning signs for known hazards
• Defective lighting or broken security systems
• Malfunctioning elevators or escalators
• Unsafe construction zones

Our team investigates every angle of your accident to determine how the property owner’s negligence caused your injury.

Compensation from a Premises Liability Claim

Victims of premises-related injuries often suffer serious physical, emotional, and financial harm. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, rehabilitation, medications, and future medical care
• Lost wages: Income lost due to time away from work
• Loss of earning capacity: If your injury limits your ability to work in the future
• Pain and suffering: For physical pain and emotional distress
• Disability or disfigurement: For lasting physical damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life: For the inability to engage in previous activities

At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, we work with medical experts, economists, and investigators to build a comprehensive case that reflects the full scope of your losses.

How a Tampa Premises Liability Lawyer Can Help

Proving fault in a premises liability case can be complex. Insurance companies and property owners often argue that the hazard was obvious or that you were to blame for your own injuries. Our lawyers take a proactive approach to counter these tactics by:

• Investigating the scene and gathering evidence
• Reviewing surveillance footage and maintenance records
• Interviewing witnesses and employees
• Consulting experts to establish property owner negligence
• Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
• Representing you in court if necessary

Our goal is simple: to secure the maximum compensation you deserve so you can focus on recovery.

Premises Liability Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file a premises liability claim in Florida?

Under Florida law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline could bar you from recovering compensation, so it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

What if I was partially at fault for my injury?

Even if you were partly to blame, you may still be eligible for compensation—though it may be reduced based on your share of fault. OurTampa premises liability lawyer can help protect your rights and limit your liability exposure.

Can I sue a government entity for a dangerous public property?

Yes, but suing a government agency in Florida has unique requirements, including shorter notice periods and damage caps. Our attorneys are experienced in handling these claims and can guide you through the process.

What should I do after being injured on someone’s property?

• Report the incident to the property owner or manager immediately
• Take photos or videos of the hazard
• Gather contact information from witnesses
• Seek medical treatment right away
• Contact a premises liability lawyer before speaking to insurance adjusters

Speak with a Tampa Premises Liability Lawyer Today

When a property owner’s negligence causes you harm, you deserve justice and fair compensation. At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, we stand up for injured victims throughout Tampa and the surrounding areas. Our experienced legal team has the knowledge, resources, and determination to handle even the most complex premises liability claims.

Don’t face the aftermath of your accident alone. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.