Premises Liability in Florida – Lazarus and Lazarus Law Firm
Every day we wake up and venture out into the world to work, play, shop, visit friends, or any number of other activities that we enjoy or just need to do. We certainly do not expect to be injured as we walk across a parking lot, ride an elevator, or attend a sporting event. But every year thousands of people are injured on property due to the failure of someone to maintain a safe environment.
We are fortunate to live in a country where laws have been enacted in all 50 states covering negligence and liability as they relate to property owners and the responsibility to maintain a safe environment for people who may be present on that property. Chapter 768 of the Florida Statutes is very broad and covers negligence and liability issues including pits and holes left open and uncovered, slips and falls, and other incidents that occur due to negligence.
Business owners are expected to provide an environment that is safe for customers, visitors, and employees when it comes to Covid-19. Federal, state, and local laws and guidelines must be followed and ignorance is not an acceptable escape from liability. The OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for Covid-19 is a starting place for business owners to make sure they are compliant.
Many people think that slip and fall cases involve minor injuries but often they are quite serious. Also, many people suffer cuts, burns, and other serious traumatic injuries due to unsafe conditions, and some people lose their lives because of negligence by others.
Property owners in Florida are expected to provide adequate lighting in parking lots and other areas that are open to the public at night. Signs should be posted to warn of unsafe conditions, and surveillance cameras should be operational to discourage illegal activity. Adequate security personnel is also expected when private property is open to the public, and when people are injured because of a lack of it, the law allows people to seek compensation for injuries and other damages. People have been injured in Florida due to inadequate security at malls, ATMs, parks, sporting events, concerts, office buildings, hotels, dormitories, and many more locations.
Cases in Florida that resulted in large settlements awarded to victims include:
- $248,500 awarded to a Tampa man who suffered an injured leg when he was ejected from a bar by bouncers.
- $2.1 million to a child who was hurt at a Davie bowling alley.
- $55,000 awarded to a woman who was injured in a Pollo Tropical restaurant parking lot.
People should understand that often when people do fall, the injuries are far more serious than a bruise to the knee. Often victims, especially seniors, suffer painful ligament tears or dislocations of their hips or knees and the pain from these injuries can persist for years. Back injuries are also common and very painful.
If you are inured or made ill as a customer, visitor, or employee due to the non-compliance or negligence of a business owner or employer, you have rights.
Contacting an attorney who understands premises liability as well as the injuries that can result from the lack of due care by property owners is usually the best course of action if you are hurt on someone’s property. If you’re not sure and have questions, we can help. We are available 7 days a week to speak to you if you call (954) 356-0006.
The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus
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