Fort Lauderdale Premises Liability Lawyer

Fort Lauderdale Premises Liability Attorney

The unfortunate reality is that we have no control over when and where some accidents may happen. Fort Lauderdale is home to countless grocery stores, department stores, small businesses, office complexes, and apartment buildings. When these properties host unsafe or dangerous conditions, people get hurt and can find themselves dealing with a wide range of physical and financial losses. A Fort Lauderdale premises liability lawyer is here to help.

At the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA,, we have nearly three decades of experience when it comes to helping clients hold negligent property owners and managers liable for medical expenses and other related damages. We are here for you every step of the way and want to do whatever is in our power to help you recover the compensation and justice you deserve. Turn to our team today for a free consultation, and let us take care of you.

If you have been injured on the property belonging to another party due to a dangerous condition or safety issue on that property, you are legally entitled to hold the party accountable for the injuries and other damages you have sustained. At the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, we firmly believe that you should not be left to deal with damages you have suffered due to another individual’s negligence. Instead, let us be there to fight for you.

Defining Premises Liability in Fort Lauderdale

In 2023, over 62 million Americans sought medical attention for injuries that could have easily been prevented. One of the most common causes of these injuries includes negligence occurring on unsafe or dangerous property. These cases, referred to as premises liability cases, occur when an individual suffers harm due to the dangerous conditions present on a property that the owner should have reasonably been aware of and addressed.

It is important to note, however, that not all parties visiting a property have the same rights or are afforded that duty of care by the owner of the property or manager. There are three main categories a visitor can fall into in a premises liability case, including:

• Invitees. These individuals are people who have been invited onto the property either due to the fact that the property is open to said public or that they have been invited onto the property to conduct business. Both business invitees and the public are afforded the highest duty of care.
• Licensees. Although these individuals are allowed on the property of another, they do not offer the owner of the property any kind of financial gain or benefit. They are simply there for their convenience or pleasure. These individuals are afforded the second-highest duty of care by property owners or managers.
• Trespassers. These individuals are folks who are on a piece of property without the explicit permission of the owner of the property. Typically, these individuals are not afforded a high duty of care.

There are several kinds of premises liability accidents that can occur in Fort Lauderdale, thanks to the wide range of grocery stores, such as the Publix on Cordova Road or the Walmart on West Broward Boulevard, and other places of business in Himmarshee Village, along South 2nd Street. The most common kinds of premises liability accidents include:

• Slips and falls. These are very common kinds of premises liability accidents seen across the nation, accounting for over 8 million hospital ER visits each year. Such accidents typically happen in grocery stores, bars and restaurants, small businesses, and at the office, and are caused by slippery or wet floors, uneven surfaces, broken or missing handrails, safety rails, or exposed wires and cords.
• Elevator and escalator accidents. It is estimated that every year across the United States, there are approximately 10,000 injuries that occur related to escalators. These injuries often require some kind of emergency medical treatment, and a property owner or manager can be held liable if the injury takes place because the elevator or escalator has not been properly maintained or repaired.
• Burn injuries. When the property lacks the necessary smoke detectors, hot surfaces that do not have warnings posted, poor or failed maintenance of boilers or other heating systems, and faulty wiring or electrical work, individuals have a higher risk of suffering a burn injury. These injuries can be severe and can leave victims with incredible amounts of medical debt, along with disabilities or disfigurement.
• Bites from dogs. If someone’s dog bit you in Fort Lauderdale when you entered the property of another individual, the owner of the property and the animal may be held liable for the damages you sustain. These injuries can often lead to infections or other complications, and you have the legal ability to hold the dog and property owner liable for compensation.

What to Do After a Fort Lauderdale Premises Liability Accident

When you suffer a premises liability accident in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, there are several necessary steps that should be taken that can not only protect your own personal health and safety, but also the safety of any claim you may seek in the future. If you find yourself in the aftermath of a premises liability case in Fort Lauderdale, it is essential that you take the following steps:

• Move yourself to a place of safety and check yourself over for injuries.
• If needed, call for emergency medical assistance. If you are not in need of emergency medical attention, it is still wise to get checked out by your doctor following the accident.
• Tell the owner or manager of the property about the accident as well as the authorities, such as the police, so an official report can be filed.
• Document the scene if you are physically capable of doing so. You can do this through photos and videos of the scene and of your injuries.
• Exchange contact information with any potential eyewitnesses and the manager or owner of the property.
• Follow all of the advice given to you by medical professionals and complete all treatment plans you receive.
• Do not speak with anyone representing the involved insurance companies until you speak with a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney.
• Set up a free consultation with the team at the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA.

Pursuing a Premises Liability Case with the Help of the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA

When you choose to work with the team at the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, we can guide you through the following steps of your premises liability claim:

• Evidence collection. First, we can help you collect evidence in support of your case, such as videos or photographs of the property, your injuries, and anything else relevant to the case, as well as medical records, bills, and eyewitness statements.
• Damage documenting. We can help you gather all documentation relevant to your case, such as medical bills, pay stubs showing lost earnings, and other documentation related to expenses you’ve paid.
• Insurance negotiation. We can then enter into negotiations with the at-fault party and the insurance company in order to win an appropriate settlement for your case.
• Litigation and trial. If negotiations do not prove fruitful, we can bring your case to court and litigate it before a judge and jury.
• Appeal. If you don’t like the decision of the court, you do have the ability to appeal their decision, and your attorney can help you through that process.

FAQs

Speak With a Seasoned Personal Injury Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Today

If you have suffered an accident due to a dangerous condition on the property belonging to another, you may be able to seek compensation for the damages and injuries you have suffered. Reach out to the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, today to set up a free consultation.

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• What Makes a Valid Premises Liability Claim in Florida?