You walk into a commercial building and suffer a devastating accident because someone failed to do their job. A slip on a wet floor, a faulty elevator, or poor maintenance can change your life in seconds. At Souder Law, we don’t tolerate negligence. Led by trial attorney Tavis Souder, our firm fights aggressively to hold property owners and corporations accountable. We’ve recovered millions for clients, and we’re relentless in pursuing the full justice you deserve.
What is a Commercial Building Accident?
According to the Florida Department of Health, falls are among the leading causes of emergency room visits statewide, with older adults accounting for nearly nine out of ten fall-related deaths. Commercial properties, such as shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants, are frequent sites of these accidents. Other common causes of injuries in commercial buildings include hazards like aging elevators, fire code violations, or poor building maintenance. A commercial building accident occurs when a person is injured due to unsafe or hazardous conditions on business property. In Florida, these cases fall under premises liability law, which requires owners and operators to keep their property reasonably safe and to correct or warn of known dangers. To succeed in a claim, an injured party generally must prove:
- The property owner or operator owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty by allowing unsafe conditions to exist
- They had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazard (per Florida Statute §768.0755)
- The dangerous condition directly caused your accident and injuries
- You suffered damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering
Common Causes of Commercial Building Accidents:
- Wet or slippery floors from spills, leaks, or poor cleaning practices
- Broken or uneven flooring, sidewalks, or stairs
- Faulty elevators or escalators due to improper maintenance
- Inadequate lighting in hallways, stairwells, or parking garages
- Falling merchandise or unsecured fixtures in stores and warehouses
- Fire hazards caused by electrical code violations or the lack of sprinkler systems
- Poorly marked emergency exits or inadequate evacuation plans
- Negligent security leading to assaults or other injuries
- Obstructed walkways or clutter creating tripping hazards
- Aging infrastructure, including unsafe plumbing, wiring, or structural defects
How We Handle Your Commercial Building Accident Claim
At Souder Law, we start by launching a thorough investigation into your accident. That means collecting surveillance footage, maintenance logs, inspection records, and witness statements to pinpoint how and why the hazardous condition existed. We also work with building code experts, engineers, and safety professionals to establish violations of Florida’s building, fire, or premises liability laws. This helps prove negligence and identifies every party responsible, from property owners to management companies and contractors.
Once liability is established, we build a compelling case for the full scope of your damages. Our team coordinates with medical experts to document the extent of your injuries and future care needs, while financial specialists calculate lost wages and long-term costs. From negotiating aggressively with insurers to litigating in court, we relentlessly pursue the maximum compensation you deserve and need.
Damages Available in a Commercial Building Accident
In Florida, determining who is liable in a commercial building accident is one of the most important steps in your case. Property owners, management companies, contractors, and even security providers may share responsibility depending on the circumstances. Identifying every negligent party ensures that you don’t miss out on compensation that could be critical to your recovery. By holding all liable parties accountable, we can maximize your potential outcome.
Once liability is established, victims of commercial building accidents may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages (if the accident is fatal)
Steps to Take Immediately After a Commercial Building Accident:
- Report the accident to the property owner or manager right away
- Call 911 if you are seriously injured or need emergency medical attention
- Document the scene with photos or videos of the hazard and the surrounding area
- Collect names and contact information of witnesses who saw what happened
- Request a copy of any incident or accident report completed by management
- Seek prompt medical evaluation, even if injuries seem minor at first
- Preserve medical records, bills, and proof of lost wages for your claim
- Avoid making statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney
- Consult an experienced Florida premises liability lawyer to protect your rights
Find Out What Your Case is Worth (At No Cost)
Souder Law is a relentless advocate for victims of commercial building accidents across Jupiter, Palm Beach County, and throughout South Florida. We know how overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and pain can be, and we’re here to fight for the full justice you deserve. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means it costs you nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win. Contact us for a free case review of your commercial building accident claim.
