Dangerous property conditions can lead to devastating accidents. If you were hurt because a property owner failed to keep their premises safe, you may have the right to recover damages. Our Sarasota premises liability lawyer could investigate the cause of the accident, identify who is responsible, and hold them accountable under the law.

At the Law Office of Joshua H. Rosen, we help people who have suffered serious injuries in places where they should have been safe from harm. Whether you slipped on a wet surface in a store or fell because of broken steps at an apartment complex, our experienced personal injury attorneys could build a strong case on your behalf. You should not have to bear a financial and emotional burden because of someone else’s negligence. Let us help you seek the compensation you deserve.

What Are the Legal Responsibilities of Property Owners?

Property owners owe different duties depending on a visitor’s legal status. Business customers, known as invitees, receive the highest standard of care. Landowners must regularly inspect their property, fix known hazards, and warn people of potential dangers. If they fail to do so, invitees could hold them liable for any injuries resulting from such negligence.

The law becomes more complex when visitors are considered licensees or trespassers. Property owners must warn licensees, such as social guests, about known risks. In some situations, the law may even protect trespassers, for example, if a child falls into an easily accessible pool. Our Sarasota premises liability attorney carefully examines visitor status and property conditions to determine where the legal responsibility lies.

Premises liability cases may fall under Florida Statutes § 768.0755, which governs negligence claims involving slipping or tripping hazards in businesses. To succeed, your attorney must show that the owner knew of the danger and failed to address it. These legal standards are complex, but our knowledge of case law helps clients get the compensation they deserve.

Common Property Hazards That Lead to Injuries

People often do not notice unsafe property conditions until an accident occurs. Our skilled premises liability lawyer in Sarasota could recognize how a hazard contributed to your injury. Common hazards include:

  • Slippery floors from spills or poor drainage
  • Broken handrails, broken staircases, or uneven walkways
  • Poor lighting in hallways, stairwells, or parking areas
  • Negligent security leading to assault or theft
  • Dog attacks due to a lack of restraint
  • Exposed wiring
  • Falling merchandise
  • Structural failures

These hazards can cause a wide range of injuries. Slip and fall victims often suffer fractures, joint damage, or head trauma. A broken railing could result in spinal cord injuries from a fall. Inadequate lighting or security may expose someone to violent crime. If you were injured on unsafe property, our attorneys could help build a legal claim using witness statements and incident documentation.

Proving Negligence in a Premises Liability Case

One of the most challenging aspects of these cases is proving that the property owner’s negligence directly caused the injury. It is not enough to show that a hazard existed, you must also demonstrate that the owner knew or should have known about the condition and failed to act.

Evidence such as maintenance logs, prior complaints, or surveillance footage could help establish knowledge, and property records and inspection reports may reveal a history of similar problems. A Sarasota premises injury lawyer could work to connect those findings to the harm you suffered.

The damages available in these cases vary depending on the severity of the injury and its long-term consequences. You may be able to get compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, ongoing care, and pain and suffering. In especially egregious cases, punitive damages may also apply to hold negligent property owners fully accountable.

Speak With a Premises Liability Attorney in Sarasota Today

The Law Office of Joshua H. Rosen could pursue the financial recovery you need after an injury on someone else’s property. Our legal team provides dedicated advocacy grounded in a deep understanding of premises liability law.

You deserve answers and accountability. Contact a trusted Sarasota premises liability lawyer today to schedule your consultation.