When you visit a store, a restaurant, or even a neighbor’s home, you expect the property to be reasonably safe. Unfortunately, unsafe conditions can lead to serious injuries that disrupt lives in an instant. Florida law allows victims to seek compensation when a property owner’s negligence causes harm. Understanding the types of damages available in premises liability cases is essential for victims to rebuild their lives.
At Moore Payne Law, Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne dedicate their practice to helping victims of negligence recover what they are owed. Their trial-ready, client-focused approach ensures property owners and their insurers are held accountable.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners to maintain safe conditions for those lawfully on their premises. This duty applies to homeowners, landlords, businesses, and even public entities. When they fail to address hazards — like wet floors, broken stairways, poor lighting, or lack of security — they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
To recover compensation, a victim must generally show that:
- 1.
- The property owner owed a duty of care to the visitor.
- 2.
- The owner breached that duty by failing to fix or warn of a dangerous condition.
- 3.
- The unsafe condition directly caused the injury.
- 4.
- The victim suffered measurable damages, such as medical expenses or lost income.
Types of Compensation Available
Victims of premises liability accidents often face not only physical pain but also significant financial hardship. Compensation in these cases is designed to cover both economic damages (tangible costs) and non-economic damages (the human impact of injury).
Medical Expenses
Medical care is often the largest and most immediate concern. Victims may be entitled to recover:
- Emergency room visits and hospitalization
- Surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation
- Ongoing physical therapy or occupational therapy
- Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or braces
- Future medical care for permanent or long-term conditions
Even injuries that seem minor can result in long-term complications, making it vital to seek medical evaluation and legal guidance early.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
When an injury forces someone to miss work, the financial consequences add up quickly. Compensation may include:
- Wages lost during recovery
- Lost benefits, such as retirement contributions or health insurance coverage
- Reduced earning capacity if the victim cannot return to their previous job or must work fewer hours
For victims with severe injuries, such as traumatic brain or spinal cord damage, the loss of future earning potential can be one of the largest components of a claim.
Pain and Suffering
Not all damages can be measured with receipts or pay stubs. Florida law recognizes the profound impact injuries can have on daily life. Compensation for pain and suffering can cover:
- Chronic physical pain
- Emotional distress, including anxiety or depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life, such as inability to participate in hobbies or family activities
- Sleep disturbances or post-traumatic stress caused by the accident
These damages aim to acknowledge the very real human costs of living with injury.
Other Potential Damages
In some cases, additional compensation may be available, including:
- Property damage, if personal belongings were destroyed in the incident
- Loss of consortium, for spouses who suffer due to their partner’s injury
- Wrongful death damages, when a premises liability accident tragically results in loss of life, covering funeral expenses and loss of financial support
How Attorneys Prove Liability
Insurance companies and property owners often fight hard to avoid responsibility. Proving liability in a premises case requires skill and thorough preparation.
An experienced attorney builds a case by:
- Establishing duty of care: Showing the injured party was lawfully on the property.
- Proving knowledge of danger: Demonstrating the owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
- Collecting evidence: Gathering accident reports, witness statements, photographs, or surveillance footage.
- Using expert testimony: Safety experts, medical professionals, and economists can help establish negligence and damages.
- Countering defenses: Property owners may argue the victim was careless or trespassing. A strong attorney anticipates and rebuts these claims.
The Role of Moore Payne Law
Premises liability cases are rarely straightforward. Businesses and insurers often use delay tactics or attempt to minimize payouts. That’s where Moore Payne Law comes in.
- Geoff Moore is known for his approachable yet fierce advocacy, particularly in complex injury cases.
- Spencer Payne brings a trial-ready mindset and relentless focus on holding negligent institutions accountable.
Together, they provide the resources and experience necessary to fight for maximum compensation. From investigating hazardous conditions to negotiating with insurers or taking cases to trial, Moore Payne Law puts clients first at every step.
Conclusion
Accidents caused by unsafe property conditions can leave victims with overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and long-lasting emotional scars. But victims are not without options. Compensation in premises liability cases is designed to help restore financial stability and provide justice for the harm suffered.
If you or a loved one has been injured on someone else’s property, Moore Payne Law is ready to stand by your side. With a proven record of advocating for victims, Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne will fight to ensure negligent property owners are held accountable.
You don’t have to face this alone — skilled legal guidance can make all the difference in securing the recovery you deserve.