You slipped on a wet floor in a supermarket with no warning sign, or maybe a loved one was injured at an unsafe apartment complex. These aren’t just “bad luck”: they’re property liability cases, and someone must be held accountable. At Souder Law, we aggressively pursue justice for victims of unsafe property conditions across South Florida and the Treasure Coast. We fight relentlessly to secure the full compensation you deserve and need.
What is Property Liability?
In Florida, accidents on unsafe properties are far too common. More than 80,000 emergency room visits each year are caused by falls on someone else’s property, costing Floridians billions in medical bills and lost wages. Slip and fall accidents alone account for around 15% of all accidental deaths in the United States. Property liability is the legal responsibility of property owners, tenants, or managers when someone is injured due to unsafe conditions or hazards on their property. Under Florida Statute §768.0755, business and property owners must exercise reasonable care in maintaining their premises and can be held liable if they had actual or constructive knowledge of a dangerous condition. To succeed in a Florida premises liability claim, an injured party generally must prove:
- Duty of care owed by the property owner or manager
- Breach of that duty by failing to maintain reasonably safe conditions
- Actual or constructive knowledge of the hazard (Florida Statute §768.0755)
- Causation linking the unsafe condition to your injury
- Damages suffered as a result of the incident
Common Causes of Property Liability Claims:
- Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
- Uneven sidewalks, cracked pavement, or broken stairs
- Poor lighting in parking lots, stairwells, or hallways
- Missing or defective handrails on staircases
- Inadequate security leading to assaults or theft
- Dog bites and other animal attacks
- Swimming pool accidents or drownings due to a lack of safeguards
- Unsafe construction sites, scaffolding, or ladders
- Fires caused by faulty wiring or code violations
- Toxic exposure from mold, chemicals, or hazardous substances
How We Handle Your Property Liability Claim
When you come to Souder Law after a property liability accident, our first step is to thoroughly investigate the scene. We gather photographs, video footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements to prove that the dangerous condition existed. We also work with medical providers to document your injuries and establish a clear connection between the unsafe property and the harm you suffered. Every detail is analyzed to build a solid foundation for your case.
From there, we identify all potentially liable parties, whether it’s a homeowner, landlord, business, or property management company, and aggressively pursue claims against them. Our team handles all communications with insurance companies, ensuring they don’t minimize your injuries or shift the blame onto you. We calculate the full scope of your damages, from medical bills and lost wages to long-term care and pain and suffering, and fight for maximum recovery.
Damages Available in Property Liability
In a Florida property liability case, identifying all liable parties is critical to securing full compensation. Property owners, tenants, management companies, or third-party contractors may share responsibility for unsafe conditions that caused your injuries. By holding all negligent parties accountable, you increase the chances of recovering the financial support you need to move forward.
Once liability is established, victims of property liability accidents may be entitled to pursue compensation such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages (when applicable)
How Long Do I Have to File a Property Liability Claim in Florida?
Florida law generally gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a premises liability lawsuit. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is strict. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to seek compensation. Certain exceptions may apply, such as cases involving minors or delayed discovery of the injury. However, you must work with a premises liability attorney as soon as possible to maximize your ability to secure compensation.
Steps to Take Immediately After Property Injuries:
- Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor
- Report the incident to the property owner, manager, or supervisor
- Document the scene with photos or videos of the hazardous condition
- Collect names and contact information of any witnesses
- Request a copy of the incident or accident report, if available
- Preserve any clothing or personal items damaged in the accident
- Follow all medical advice and keep detailed treatment records
- Contact an experienced property liability attorney before speaking with insurance companies
Find Out What Your Case is Worth (At No Cost)
Souder Law is relentless in pursuing justice for victims of property liability accidents across Jupiter, Palm Beach County, and throughout South Florida. Our experienced team investigates every detail, identifies all liable parties, and fights to recover the full compensation you deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means it costs you nothing to pursue your claim: we don’t get paid unless we win for you. Contact us today for a free case review to find out what your property liability case is worth.
