Jacksonville Premises Liability Attorneys

Compassionate Representation for Premises Liability Accident Victims in Jacksonville, FL

Property owners bear a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their premises. The law requires property owners to take reasonable steps to check for, address, and resolve any hazards that could potentially injure visitors. When property owners fail to fulfill this duty, they become liable for any resulting injuries.

If you were recently injured on someone else’s property due to some sort of safety hazard, you may be able to take legal action and recover damages. Our Jacksonville premises liability lawyers can listen to your story and help you understand your legal options. With millions recovered for personal injury accident victims and over 150+ years of combined legal experience, our team at Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. has the skills and resources to successfully navigate these cases and will make every effort to deliver the best possible outcome. 

If you think you may have a premises liability case, we invite you to schedule a free initial consultation by contacting us online or calling (904) 295-1050. You owe us nothing unless we win, so do not hesitate to reach out!

What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is an area of personal injury law that holds property owners and occupiers legally responsible when someone is injured due to unsafe or defective conditions on their property. These conditions might include wet floors, poor lighting, broken handrails, uneven pavement, or inadequate security.

The central question in any premises liability case is whether the property owner took reasonable steps to ensure that visitors were safe. If they failed to address known hazards or warn guests of potential dangers, they could be liable for resulting injuries.

Premises liability cases can occur on many types of properties, including:

• Private residences
• Apartment complexes
• Retail stores and shopping centers
• Restaurants and bars
• Hotels and resorts
• Parking lots and garages
• Public or government buildings

Common Types of Premises Liability Cases

Premises liability covers a wide range of accidents. Some of the most common types of claims our firm handles include:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: These are among the most frequent premises liability cases. They often occur because of wet or uneven floors, spilled liquids, or poor lighting in walkways.
• Trip and Fall Accidents: Uneven surfaces, torn carpeting, broken stairs, or cluttered pathways can lead to serious trip and fall injuries.
• Negligent Security: Property owners, especially those who operate apartment complexes, parking lots, or businesses, must provide adequate lighting and security. If an assault or robbery occurs due to inadequate security measures, the owner may be held responsible.
• Swimming Pool Accidents: Unfenced pools, lack of warning signs, or inadequate supervision can result in drowning or near-drowning incidents.
• Dog Bites and Animal Attacks: Owners can be held liable if their pet injures someone on their property, especially if they failed to control the animal.
• Falling Objects or Structural Defects: Neglecting building maintenance, such as failing to repair loose fixtures or unstable structures, can cause serious injuries.
• Elevator and Escalator Accidents: If property managers or maintenance companies fail to inspect and repair elevators or escalators properly, they can be liable for injuries caused by malfunction.

Each of these cases requires evidence of negligence, which can include photos, surveillance footage, witness statements, and maintenance records. Our Jacksonville premises liability lawyer from Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. can help collect and preserve this critical evidence.

Florida Premises Liability Laws

In Florida, premises liability law is governed by both state statutes and case law principles. The key factor is the legal status of the injured person at the time of the accident. There are three main categories:

Invitees

These are individuals who enter a property for the owner’s benefit, such as customers in a store. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care, which includes regularly inspecting the premises and fixing or warning about hazards.

Licensees

Licensees are social guests or individuals who enter property for their own benefit with the owner’s permission. Owners must warn licensees of any known dangers that are not obvious.

Trespassers

Owners owe a limited duty to trespassers — generally, not to intentionally harm them. However, there are exceptions, such as the attractive nuisance doctrine, which protects children who may enter a property because of something enticing (like a swimming pool).

Florida also follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that if you are partially responsible for your accident — for example, if you ignored posted warnings — your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

When Is a Florida Property Owner Liable for Injuries on Their Property?

A property owner in Florida may be liable for injuries when:

1. A hazardous condition existed on their property.
2. The owner knew or should have known about the danger.
3. The owner failed to correct or warn visitors about the hazard.
4. The hazardous condition caused the visitor’s injury.

For instance, if a grocery store employee fails to clean up a spill within a reasonable amount of time, and a shopper slips and falls, the store could be held liable.

To prove your case, your attorney must demonstrate negligence, which involves showing that the property owner breached their duty of care. Evidence such as maintenance logs, inspection reports, or witness statements can be key to establishing liability.

Compensation from a Premises Liability Claim

Victims of unsafe property conditions may be entitled to recover various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication)
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages (if a loved one died due to dangerous property conditions)

The value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, the degree of negligence involved, and the long-term impact on your life. At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we fight aggressively to recover the full amount you are owed.

Premises Liability Claim FAQs

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

Florida’s statute of limitations for most premises liability cases is two years from the date of the accident. However, exceptions exist, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

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

Seek medical attention immediately, report the incident to the property owner or manager, document the scene with photos, gather witness contact information, and contact a lawyer.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages even if you are partially responsible — as long as you are less than 50% at fault.

Do I need a lawyer for a premises liability case?

While not required, having a lawyer significantly increases your chances of success. An experienced attorney will investigate your claim, handle insurance negotiations, and represent you in court if necessary.

Let us put our 150+ years of combined legal experience to work for your premises liability claim. Call (904) 295-1050 or contact us online today!