Fort Lauderdale Premises Liability Lawyer
Fort Lauderdale property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe for lawful visitors. When they fail to do so, unsafe conditions can lead to premises liability accidents that have serious consequences for victims. If you or a loved one suffered an injury on another person’s property, our Fort Lauderdale premises liability lawyers at Meirowitz & Wasserberg can help you claim compensation for your damages.
Content Written by: Samuel Meirowitz
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished NYC personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished NYC personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Quick Links
- Why Choose Our Fort Lauderdale Premises Liability Lawyers?
- What Is a Premises Liability Accident?
- Types of Premises Liability Accidents
- What Should I Do Immediately After a Premises Liability Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
- What Are the Steps To Pursue a Premises Liability Case in Fort Lauderdale?
- Who Is Liable in a Premises Liability Lawsuit?
- Our Premises Liability Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale
- What Damages Can I Recover for Premises Liability in Fort Lauderdale?
- How Much Does a Fort Lauderdale Premises Liability Lawyer Cost?
- Visit Our Fort Lauderdale Office
When visiting a retail store, office building, or someone’s home in Fort Lauderdale, you don’t expect hazardous conditions that can cause injuries. That’s because property owners are legally responsible for keeping their premises reasonably safe for lawful visitors. Unfortunately, negligence can lead to unsafe environments and serious accidents.
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, our Fort Lauderdale premises liability lawyers have extensive experience helping injury victims claim compensation for their injuries and losses. Our skilled attorneys know what steps to take to maximize your recovery and hold the property owner accountable for their negligence. Call (954) 678-4141 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation today.
Why Choose Our Fort Lauderdale Premises Liability Lawyers?
Our award-winning premises liability lawyers in Fort Lauderdale deliver outstanding legal service with a focus on providing personalized attention for our clients. We offer compassionate support and aggressive representation to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
With deep knowledge of Florida premises liability laws and the legal landscape of Fort Lauderdale, you can trust that Meirowitz & Wasserberg will fight for the full value of your claim. Our attorneys have recovered more than $360 million in settlements and verdicts, reflecting our passion for justice and dedication to our clients.
Our successful premises liability case results include:
- $550,000 for injuries caused by a chaise lounge pool chair
- $235,000 for a broken jaw injury after a slip and fall accident
- $200,000 for a client injured by a large animal
If you were injured on another person’s property, you may be entitled to significant legal compensation. Schedule your free consultation with our Fort Lauderdale premises liability attorneys to learn how you can take legal action.
What Is a Premises Liability Accident?
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners or occupiers responsible for accidents and injuries that occur on their premises. It may involve the duty to maintain their properties in a safe condition, warn visitors of any hazards, and take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable injuries.
Common examples include slip and fall accidents, inadequate security leading to assaults or robberies, and accidents caused by dangerous conditions on the property. Property owners can be held liable for damages if they fail to fulfill their duty of care and someone is injured as a result.
Visitor Classifications in Florida Premises Liability
A property owner does not owe the same duty of care to everyone on their property. In Florida, there are different visitor classifications that determine what level of duty the property owner owes. Post v. Lunney, 261 So. 2d 146 (Fla. 1972). Visitors are divided into three categories:
- Invitees – A public invitee is a member of the public invited to the property for the purpose that the land is left open to the public. A business invitee is a person invited to the property for direct or indirect business with the property owner. Both public and business invitees are owed the highest duty of care.
- Licensees – While licensees have expressed or implied permission to be on a property, they offer no financial benefit to the owner. They are on the property for their own pleasure or convenience. Property owners owe a second-tier duty of care to licensees.
- Trespassers – Trespassers are people on a property without permission or invitation from the owner. Property owners owe a third-tier duty of care to trespassers. They may be liable for harming trespassers through gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
Applying these legal categories to your case requires a close look at the facts. Our premises liability attorneys will gather the necessary evidence to build the strongest possible claim on your behalf.
The categories above set a legal baseline, but other laws may also come into play. For example, Florida has a premises liability statute specifically addressing slips and falls in business establishments that may affect the analysis. In these cases, plaintiffs must prove that “[the] business establishment had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition and should have taken action to remedy it.”
Common Causes of Premises Liability Accidents
Common scenarios and unsafe conditions that lead to premises liability accidents include:
- Falls on wet, slippery floors
- Animal attacks
- Inadequate security
- Poor lighting
- Broken or loose flooring
- Failure to mark or label hazards
- Failure to complete maintenance or repairs
Locations where you might experience an accident giving rise to premises liability include retail stores, restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, amusement parks, public swimming pools, and parks.
Types of Premises Liability Accidents
A premises liability accident is a broad term for any type of accident that occurs on someone else’s property. Accidents giving rise to premises liability are as diverse as the properties on which they occur.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and falls are the most common type of premises liability accident, with more than 1 million emergency room visits caused by slip and falls every year. These accidents can happen when floors are slippery or uneven, stair railings are broken, or someone trips over something that shouldn’t be there.
If you experience a slip and fall, contact our Fort Lauderdale slip and fall attorneys as soon as possible. They can help you collect evidence, seek medical care, and claim financial compensation.
Escalator and Elevator Accidents
Escalator and elevator accidents happen more often than you might think. Data shows there are about 10,000 escalator injuries that require emergency treatment per year in the United States. When a property owner does not keep up with maintenance or fails to have the escalator or elevator repaired, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries.
Dog Bites
If you were bitten by a dog in Florida, the dog’s owner may be liable for your damages. Even if the dog has no history of vicious behavior or you are partially at fault for the attack, a dog bite attorney can help you seek fair compensation for your injuries and suffering. Consult a legal professional to learn more about your rights and legal options after a Fort Lauderdale dog bite.
Burn Injuries
Failed boiler maintenance, faulty electrical wiring, lack of smoke detectors, and unmarked hot surfaces can all lead to burn injuries. You may have a premises liability lawsuit if you can prove your injuries were caused by the property owner’s lack of reasonable care. Speak with our team to see if you qualify to bring a burn injury claim.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Premises Liability Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
Taking the right steps after a premises liability accident will help you get the medical attention you need and preserve crucial evidence that will support a legal claim. Here are things you can do after a premises liability accident:
- Seek immediate medical assistance.
- Report the accident to the owner and the proper authorities.
- Document the accident scene as much as possible, including pictures and video.
- Follow all medical advice and treatment recommendations.
- Avoid speaking with insurance representatives before contacting an attorney.
- Schedule a consultation with a skilled premises liability lawyer in Fort Lauderdale.
What Are the Steps To Pursue a Premises Liability Case in Fort Lauderdale?
To bring a premises liability lawsuit in Fort Lauderdale, an experienced attorney can help you navigate the claims process. Steps involved in a premises liability claim include:
- Gathering Evidence – Collecting evidence to support your claim, including photographs or videos of the hazardous condition that caused your injury, witness statements, and any relevant medical records or bills.
- Documenting Damages – Gathering records of all expenses related to your injury, including medical bills, lost wages, and any other out-of-pocket expenses.
- Negotiating with Insurance – Negotiating with the property owner or their insurance company to seek a fair settlement for your injuries and damages.
- Filing a Lawsuit – If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will file a premises liability lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
- Litigating – Your attorney will conduct discovery, evaluate evidence, depose witnesses, and prepare your case for trial if necessary. Throughout the process, they will advocate for your rights and seek maximum compensation for your injuries.
- Trial – If your case goes to trial, your attorney will present evidence and arguments to the court, and a judge or jury will determine liability and damages.
- Appeal – If you are unhappy with the outcome of your case, you may have the option to appeal the decision.
The premises liability team at Meirowitz & Wasserberg will conduct a full investigation, carefully collect evidence, and build a strong case that puts you in the best position to receive a favorable settlement. We will handle all negotiations with the at-fault party on your behalf and fight for maximum compensation. If we cannot reach a fair settlement, we are prepared to take the battle to court.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Premises Liability Case in Fort Lauderdale?
The Florida statute of limitations for premises liability cases is typically two years from the date of the accident. This means you only have two years to file a lawsuit. Subject to very few exceptions, the presiding judge will be forced to dismiss your case if you miss the deadline.
Contact our skilled legal team to see if you qualify to take legal action after a premises liability accident. We will make sure your case is filed before the all-important deadline.
Who Is Liable in a Premises Liability Lawsuit?
There are different parties that may be held liable in a premises liability lawsuit in Fort Lauderdale, including:
- Property owners
- Property managers
- Tenants
- Landlords
- Business operators
- Homeowners
- Contractors
- Government entities
Property owners have a responsibility to protect their guests from hazards on their premises. For this reason, they may be held liable for injuries that happen on their properties when they knew or should have known about the dangerous condition that caused the injury.
Our Premises Liability Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale
Our top-tier law firm is widely recognized for the high quality of our services. Our award-winning team of Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers includes:
What Damages Can I Recover for Premises Liability in Fort Lauderdale?
You may recover both economic and non-economic damages through a premises liability lawsuit. Economic damages compensate for financial losses caused by the accident. Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible impact of your injuries. Together, these compensatory damages cover things like:
- Medical bills
- Future medical care expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
How Much Does a Fort Lauderdale Premises Liability Lawyer Cost?
We take premises liability cases on a contingency basis. This means our fees are calculated as a pre-negotiated percentage of the amount we secure for you in compensation. In other words, you pay nothing unless we win your case. We also offer free, no-obligation consultations, so there is no downside to having one of our skilled premises liability lawyers review your case.
Visit Our Fort Lauderdale Office
Feel free to visit our Florida premises liability lawyers at our centrally located law office in downtown Fort Lauderdale. We are located at:
Call (954) 678-4141 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation today. We are standing by to make sure you know your full legal rights and leave no money on the table.
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