When you step onto someone else’s property, you have a reasonable expectation that the space will be safe and properly maintained. Unfortunately, that isnโt always the case.
If you’ve been injured on another person’s property due to dangerous conditions or negligent maintenance, a premises liability lawyer in Port St. Lucie can help you secure compensation.
At GED Lawyers, our team of seasoned Port St. Lucie personal injury lawyers has extensive experience representing victims in premises liability cases throughout Florida.
From hazardous walkways and poor lighting to negligent security and structural defects, we fight to hold negligent property owners and managers accountable. Schedule your free consultation today.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Premises Liability Case?
Determining liability is one of the most critical components of a successful premises liability claim. Under Florida law, several parties may share responsibility for the condition of a property. Identifying the liable party, or parties, can depend on the nature of the hazard, the type of property, and the contractual relationships involved.
Parties commonly held liable in these cases include:
- Property owners: Homeowners, commercial landlords, and businesses all owe a duty of care to individuals lawfully on their property.
- Property managers or tenants: In cases where property maintenance is delegated to a third party or lessee, liability may fall on someone other than the owner.
- Maintenance contractors: Companies hired to inspect, repair, or clean the property may be held responsible for creating or failing to fix dangerous conditions.
- Security firms: If an injury occurred due to inadequate security measures, a security contractor could also bear some liability.
A skilled Port St. Lucie premises liability attorney can help investigate your case and determine who is at fault. They can then take several steps to hold negligent parties accountable.
Types of Compensation Available in a Premises Liability Claim in Port St. Lucie
An injury on unsafe property can cause both immediate and long-lasting consequences. As a result, Florida law allows injured individuals to recover a wide variety of damages in a premises liability case. Itโs important to understand that every premises liability case is unique, and identifying the specific damages available in your case is critical for a successful outcome.
Determining the specific damages available can prove challenging. Fortunately, an experienced premises liability attorney in Port St. Lucie can help. They will thoroughly investigate your case and review your losses to figure out which damages apply.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are intended to compensate you for the direct financial costs incurred as a result of your injury. Common economic damages you may be able to recover in a Port St. Lucie premises liability case include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Lost income
- Diminished earning potential
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
Not all losses resulting from a premises liability injury are financial. Many injuries cause significant emotional and psychological distress. Non-economic damages provide compensation for these more subjective losses that impact your quality of life.
Common non-economic damages you may be able to recover in a Port St. Lucie premises liability case include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
An experienced premises liability attorney serving Port St. Lucie will thoroughly evaluate your case to ensure all potential damages are addressed.
Floridaโs Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
In Florida, personal injury claims, including premises liability cases, are governed by a modified comparative negligence standard. Under this rule, you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the injuries you sustained as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%.
However, the amount you can recover will be reduced in direct proportion to your percentage of responsibility. For instance, if a jury finds you 30% at fault because you were distracted at the time of the accident, your total compensation would be reduced by that amount, meaning your maximum recovery would be 70% of the value of your losses..
This legal standard makes it essential to work with a knowledgeable attorney who can defend your rights and fight any claims that you were primarily to blame.
Our Premises Liability Lawyers in Port St. Lucie Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
At GED Lawyers, we believe that financial concerns should never prevent injury victims from seeking justice. Thatโs why we take all premises liability cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and owe no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
You never have to worry about paying a fee to retain our services, being billed at an hourly rate, or being blindsided by hidden fees. Instead, if your case is successful, whether through a negotiated settlement or court judgment, we collect a single legal fee that is assessed as a pre-agreed percentage of the money recovered.
This approach allows us to represent clients of all financial backgrounds. Furthermore, we are able to help instill confidence in our clients that their needs are being well represented, since charging in this manner ensures that our success is tied directly to yours.
Get Help from a Knowledgeable Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Serving Port St. Lucie Today
Premises liability claims can be complex, and insurance companies will often try to minimize payouts or deny responsibility altogether. With our extensive experience in Florida personal injury law, the legal team at GED Lawyers is fully equipped to stand up to insurers, gather compelling evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.
Since opening our firm in 1995, we have successfully secured millions of dollars in damages for the injury victims we represent. Reach out to us today to set up a free case review with a member of our legal team.
We will examine the details of your case, answer all your questions, and inform you of your legal options for pursuing compensation from the liable party.