7 Reasons Why You Need a Premises Liability Lawyer

Premises liability law protects people who suffer injuries because a property owner, manager, or occupant failed to keep the premises safe.

These cases cover a wide range of hazards, from slippery floors in a grocery store to broken steps in an apartment building. If you were injured due to unsafe property conditions, you may be entitled to compensation through a premises liability claim.

However, premises liability claims are rarely straightforward. You must prove that a hazardous condition existed, that the responsible party knew or should have known about it, and that it caused your injuries.

These elements require evidence and a legal strategy. Acting quickly after an accident gives your lawyer a chance to gather proof and protect your rights.

Below, we answer common questions and share seven important reasons why contacting a Boca Raton premises liability lawyer immediately after an accident can make a difference in your recovery, both physically and financially.

Reason 1: We Determine if You Have a Valid Premises Liability Claim

Not every accident on someone else’s property qualifies for legal action. The law requires proof of several elements:

• Duty of care: The property owner or occupier had a legal obligation to keep the premises reasonably safe.
• Breach of duty: They failed to repair or warn about a dangerous condition.
• Causation: The unsafe condition caused your injuries.
• Damages: You suffered measurable losses, such as medical expenses or lost wages.

Examples of potential premises liability incidents include:

• Slip and fall accidents on wet floors, icy sidewalks, or loose carpeting
• Trip and fall accidents caused by cracked pavement, uneven flooring, or cluttered walkways
• Injuries due to inadequate lighting in hallways, stairwells, or parking lots
• Falling objects in stores or warehouses
• Accidents caused by building code violations, such as missing handrails or unsafe wiring.

We evaluate these elements to determine whether your claim meets legal standards before you commit time and resources to pursue it.

Reason 2: We Investigate the Accident and Preserve Critical Evidence

Evidence can vanish quickly after an accident; floors get cleaned, repairs are made, and security footage is erased. We act immediately to preserve anything that supports your claim.

Steps we take during the investigation:

• Visiting the scene to take photographs of hazards from multiple angles
• Obtaining surveillance video from businesses or security companies before it’s deleted
• Interviewing witnesses while their memories are fresh
• Requesting property inspection reports and maintenance logs
• Checking for prior complaints or similar incidents on the same property

Preserving this evidence early often makes the difference between a strong claim and one the insurance company can dismiss.

Reason 3: We Identify All Liable Parties in a Premises Liability Case

A single property may be owned by one party, managed by another, and maintained by a third. In some cases, a security contractor or event organizer could also share liability. If we only pursue one defendant, you may miss out on compensation from others who are equally responsible.

We review:

• Property ownership records
• Lease agreements outlining repair responsibilities
• Contracts with maintenance or cleaning companies
• Security company agreements

By identifying every potentially liable party, we increase your chances of securing maximum compensation for your losses.

Reason 4: We Handle All Communication With the Insurance Company

Insurance companies often appear helpful at first, but their priority is to minimize payouts. Adjusters may ask leading questions, request broad access to medical records, or push for quick settlements.

We step in to:

• Prevent you from making recorded statements that could be taken out of context
• Provide only the information required by law, not details that could harm your case
• Negotiate with insurers based on documented evidence and a full assessment of your damages

With us handling communication, you can focus on your recovery instead of worrying about making a costly mistake in conversation with an insurance adjuster.

Reason 5: We Determine the Full Value of Your Damages

The true cost of an injury often extends far beyond initial medical bills. Some victims require months or years of treatment, and others never fully recover. We account for the complete financial and personal impact of your compensatory damages.

We determine your economic damages, such as:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket costs related to your injury

Equally as important, we seek compensation for your non-economic damages, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disability

Failing to determine these long-term effects could leave you with a settlement that runs out before you’re fully recovered.

Reason 6: We Protect You From Defense Strategies That Can Hurt Your Case

Property owners and insurers often defend against claims by shifting blame or questioning your credibility. Common tactics include:

• Claiming you ignored warning signs
• Suggesting your footwear or actions caused the fall
• Arguing that your injuries were pre-existing or exaggerated

We prepare evidence to counter these claims, such as expert testimony, medical records, and property inspection reports. By anticipating the other side’s arguments, we strengthen your position and increase the likelihood of a fair settlement.

Reason 7: We Represent You in Court if Your Case Goes to Trial

While many premises liability claims settle out of court, some disputes require litigation. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This approach not only ensures we’re ready for court but often results in better settlement offers.

If a trial becomes necessary, we handle:

• Filing the lawsuit and meeting all procedural deadlines
• Presenting evidence to the judge and jury
• Examining witnesses and cross-examining opposing testimony
• Making persuasive arguments that clearly show the defendant’s negligence

A courtroom can be intimidating, but having legal representation ensures your rights are protected every step of the way.

Call GED Lawyers Today About Your Premises Liability

If you’ve been injured because of unsafe property conditions, you have the right to pursue compensation, but you must act quickly to protect your claim.

Evidence can disappear within days, and the insurance company is already working to reduce its payout. The premises liability lawyers with our law firm can investigate your accident, identify liable parties, and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Contact GED Lawyers today to discuss your premises liability case during a free case consultation.

Premises Liability FAQs

How Long do I Have to File a Premises Liability Claim?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims varies by state. Florida residents typically have two years. Massachusetts residents have three years. Some claims have shorter deadlines, for example, if the property is owned by a government entity. 

Missing these deadlines means losing your right to recover damages, so it’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

What Should I do Immediately After an Accident on Someone Else’s Property?

We advise victims to do the following: 

• Seek medical attention.
• Report the incident to the property owner or manager in writing.
• Document the scene: take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and anything that could have contributed to the accident.
• Get witness contact information for follow-up statements.
• Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters until you have legal advice.

Can I Still Recover Damages if I was Partially at Fault?

In many states, you can still recover damages under comparative negligence laws, even if you were partly responsible for the accident.

Your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation, and exceeding the cut-off percentage set by the state could bar you from compensation. 

Having a lawyer ensures fault is determined based on facts, not assumptions from the property owner’s insurance company.