Premise liability injuries are often sudden, disruptive, and far more serious than people initially expect. A fall, an assault, or another dangerous condition on someone else’s property can result in lasting physical injuries, extended medical care, and time away from work. Florida law requires property owners to take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe, and when they fail to do so, they may be held legally responsible for the harm that follows.
Justin C. Johnson & Associates represents individuals injured due to unsafe property conditions throughout Florida. With decades of trial experience and a strong record of successful results, our firm focuses on building clear, evidence-based premise liability cases. If you were injured on another person’s property, contact our office today for a free consultation.
Premise liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for injuries caused by unsafe or hazardous conditions on their property. Under Florida law, property owners have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions and to correct or warn of dangers they know about or should know about through reasonable inspection.
Florida Statute §768.0755 governs slip and fall cases involving transitory foreign substances in business establishments, such as spilled liquids, food, or debris. To recover compensation, the injured person must show the business had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition and failed to take corrective action.
Florida Statute §768.075 further outlines general premise liability responsibilities and clarifies how negligence is evaluated based on the circumstances. The duty of care owed depends on the injured person’s legal status on the property, with invitees such as customers owed the highest level of protection.
Slip and fall accidents frequently occur due to wet floors, unmarked spills, or recently mopped surfaces. Negligence arises when a property owner fails to address hazards within a reasonable time. These incidents often cause fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal damage.
Trip and fall cases commonly involve uneven flooring, loose rugs, broken sidewalks, or exposed cords. These hazards can lead to wrist fractures, knee injuries, and head trauma, particularly among older adults.
Property owners may be held responsible for violent crimes that occur due to insufficient security measures. This includes poor lighting, broken gates, non-functioning locks, or a lack of security personnel. Victims may suffer physical injuries, emotional trauma, or long-term psychological effects.
Florida law imposes strict liability on dog owners in many cases. Property owners may also share responsibility if they knew of a dangerous animal and failed to protect visitors. Injuries often include puncture wounds, infections, and permanent scarring.
Unsecured or poorly maintained swimming pools present serious risks, especially to children. Missing fences, broken gates, or a lack of supervision can result in drowning or severe brain injuries.
Mechanical failures, poor maintenance, or improper inspections can cause sudden stops, falls, or crushing injuries. These cases often involve multiple liable parties and require a detailed investigation.
Loose handrails, uneven steps, and deteriorated staircases increase fall risks. Injuries frequently include back injuries, hip fractures, and head trauma.
Inadequate lighting can conceal hazards and increase the risk of falls or criminal activity. Property owners are expected to provide adequate illumination in common areas.
Improperly secured shelving, construction materials, or overhead fixtures can cause serious head and neck injuries.
Liability depends on who controlled or maintained the property at the time of the injury. Responsible parties may include property owners, landlords, business operators, tenants, property management companies, and, in some cases, government entities. Claims involving government-owned property are subject to sovereign immunity rules and strict notice requirements.
A successful premise liability claim requires evidence of four elements:
Florida applies a comparative negligence standard. If the injured person is found partially at fault, compensation is reduced proportionally but not eliminated.
We review the facts, identify liable parties, and determine whether the property owner violated their duty of care.
Our team secures surveillance footage, incident reports, maintenance records, and inspection logs before they are lost or destroyed.
We consult medical professionals, safety engineers, and other experts to support liability and damages.
Insurance carriers often attempt to minimize or deny claims. We handle all negotiations and push for fair compensation.
Our firm has extensive courtroom experience and prepares every case for trial when settlement offers are inadequate.
Our local experience handling premise claims is a critical advantage. If you are seeking a dedicated premise liability lawyer in St. Petersburg, our team understands the courts, insurers, and legal strategies specific to these cases. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your options.
Compensation may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability, disfigurement, and wrongful death damages when applicable.
Justin C. Johnson & Associates offers decades of focused personal injury experience, a history of substantial settlements and verdicts, and personalized client communication. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no fee unless compensation is recovered.
Florida law generally allows two years to file a premise liability claim, but delays can weaken evidence and limit recovery. If you were injured due to unsafe property conditions, contact Justin C. Johnson & Associates today by calling us at 727-295-2285 to schedule your free consultation.
DISCLAIMER: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. The settlement amounts referenced represent a range of past case results and do not predict the value of any current or future case. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its individual merits. Attorney advertising.
Compensation may cover income lost during recovery and diminished earning capacity if the injury affects future employment.
Severe injuries may require ongoing care, assistive devices, or home modifications.
Any injury caused by unsafe property conditions, including slips, falls, or negligent security, may qualify.
Most claims must be filed within two years, though exceptions may apply.
Yes. Florida law allows recovery with compensation reduced by your percentage of fault.
Liability may still exist if they should have known and failed to act.
Case value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and long-term impact.