Premises Liability Attorney

Premises Liability Attorney in Tampa, Florida

If you were injured on someone else’s property, whether in a store, a parking lot, or even a private residence, you may have grounds to file a premises liability claim. Property owners in Florida are legally responsible for maintaining safe conditions for visitors and guests. When they fail to do so, and someone gets hurt, the law provides a path to compensation through a premises liability lawsuit. At Hunter Law, our experienced Tampa premises liability attorneys help you understand your rights, explore your legal options, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability refers to the legal obligation of property owners and occupiers to maintain safe conditions for individuals who enter their property. When hazardous conditions result in injuries, like a slip and fall in a grocery store, a dog bite at a neighbor’s house, or a fall due to broken stairs, the property owner may be held legally responsible for those injuries and related damages.

In Florida, the key element in these cases is negligence. If a property owner knew or reasonably should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to take corrective action or provide adequate warning, they may be liable for any resulting injuries under state law. This legal framework protects the safety and well-being of guests and the public.

Common Types of Premises Liability Cases

Premises liability isn’t limited to just one kind of accident. At Hunter Law, we handle a wide range of cases, including:

• Slip and fall accidents occur on wet floors, uneven sidewalks, or icy walkways. These are among the most common premises liability claims and often occur in grocery stores, office buildings, or public walkways where maintenance is lacking.
• Trip hazards include loose carpeting, electrical cords stretched across walkways, and broken steps. Even minor defects can cause serious injuries if property owners don’t take corrective measures.
• Inadequate security, leading to assaults or theft in apartment buildings, parking garages, or public venues. Property owners may be liable if they fail to provide reasonable security measures like lighting, locks, or security personnel.
• Dog bites and animal attacks on private or public property. Florida law holds owners responsible when their pets cause harm, especially if the animal has a history of aggression or the owner failed to secure it properly.
• Swimming pool injuries, especially when fences, safety gates, or warning signs are missing. Drownings and slip accidents around pools are preventable with proper safety protocols.
• Retail and grocery store accidents include falling merchandise, unmarked wet floors, and blocked emergency exits. Business owners must routinely inspect and correct hazardous conditions to protect shoppers.

Each of these cases requires detailed evidence and a clear demonstration that the property owner acted negligently.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

In a premises liability case, the defendant is typically the person or entity responsible for maintaining the property. This could include:

• Homeowners
• Commercial property owners
• Landlords
• Property management companies
• Businesses renting commercial space

Determining who is at fault depends on who had control over the premises at the time of the incident. Our Tampa premises liability lawyers conduct thorough investigations to identify all liable parties and preserve your claim.

Proving Negligence in Florida Premises Liability Claims

To win a premises liability lawsuit, you must prove four essential elements:

1. Duty of care: The property owner owed you a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions.
2. Breach of duty: That duty was breached by failing to address a known hazard or failing to warn you about it.
3. Causation: The breach directly caused your injury.
4. Damages: You suffered measurable harm, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Florida also follows a comparative negligence rule. This means if you were partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility. Even if you share some blame, you may still be entitled to recover damages.

What to Do If You Were Injured on Someone Else’s Property

If you’ve been hurt due to unsafe conditions, take these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

• Seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
• Document the scene. Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area.
• Report the incident. Notify the property owner or manager and ask for a copy of any incident report.
• Collect contact information. If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers.
• Avoid giving statements to insurers. Insurance adjusters may try to limit your claim; speak to a lawyer first.

The sooner you contact a premises liability attorney, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence.

Why Choose Hunter Law in Tampa?

When you’re facing medical bills, time off work, and emotional distress, you need legal support you can rely on. At Hunter Law, we help injury victims throughout Tampa navigate complex premises liability claims.

• We know how Florida law applies to property owner negligence
• We handle communication with insurance companies so you don’t have to
• We build strong cases using evidence, witness statements, and expert insights
• We fight for full compensation, whether through settlement or trial

Our team is committed to treating you with compassion while aggressively advocating for your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is premises liability?

It’s the legal responsibility of a property owner to ensure their premises are safe. If someone gets hurt because of a hazardous condition, the property owner may be liable.

A liability suit could result against you if…

You are a property owner and fail to repair or warn about known hazards. If a guest or visitor is injured as a result, you could be held responsible in a premises liability lawsuit.

Can I file a claim if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Florida’s comparative negligence law allows injury victims to pursue compensation even if they were partially to blame. Your settlement will be adjusted based on your level of fault, so long as you aren’t found to be greater than 50% at fault for causing your own injuries.

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

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, it’s best to act quickly to preserve evidence and witness testimony.

Speak to a Tampa Premises Liability Lawyer Today

If you were injured due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, don’t wait. Contact Hunter Law for a free consultation with a trusted Tampa premises liability attorney.

Let us help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call 813-287-2227 or fill out our contact form today.