When you visit a store, hotel, apartment complex, or restaurant, you expect the property to be reasonably safe. Unfortunately, when owners fail to maintain their premises, serious accidents can occur — leaving victims with injuries that disrupt their health, finances, and quality of life.
Under Florida law, property owners and managers are legally responsible for keeping their premises safe and free of hazards. When they fail to do so, and someone is injured, victims have the right to pursue justice through a premises liability claim.
At Moore Payne Law, Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne help injured Floridians recover compensation and hold negligent property owners accountable. Whether it’s a slip and fall in a grocery store, a poorly lit parking lot, or a lack of security in a hotel, they stand up for victims who deserve better.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to the legal duty of property owners and occupiers to maintain safe conditions for lawful visitors. This duty applies to:
- Private property owners
- Landlords and apartment managers
- Businesses such as retail stores, restaurants, and hotels
- Public property operators including local governments and agencies
If a hazardous condition exists and the owner knew or should have known about it but failed to fix it or warn visitors, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Common Causes of Premises Liability Accidents
Accidents caused by unsafe property conditions can happen anywhere in Florida — from supermarkets to amusement parks. Common hazards include:
- Wet or slippery floors with no warning signs
- Uneven sidewalks, potholes, or loose carpeting
- Broken stairs, railings, or elevators
- Poor lighting that hides obstacles or hazards
- Falling merchandise or debris in stores
- Lack of security leading to assaults or robberies
- Dog bites or animal attacks on private property
- Swimming pool accidents due to lack of fences or supervision
These incidents often cause severe injuries — from broken bones and concussions to spinal cord trauma or traumatic brain injury.
The Legal Duty of Property Owners in Florida
The duty owed by a property owner depends on the visitor’s legal status:
- Invitees: People invited for the owner’s benefit (such as customers). Owners owe them the highest duty of care, including regular inspections and prompt repairs.
- Licensees: Social guests or people entering with permission. Owners must warn them of hidden dangers.
- Trespassers: Those without permission. Generally, owners owe limited duties — but exceptions exist, especially for children (under Florida’s “attractive nuisance” doctrine).
Moore Payne Law carefully analyzes each case to determine the duty owed and whether the property owner breached it.
Proving a Premises Liability Case in Florida
To win a premises liability case, a victim must prove that:
- 1.
- A dangerous condition existed on the property;
- 2.
- The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard;
- 3.
- The owner failed to fix or warn about the danger;
- 4.
- The hazard directly caused the injury; and
- 5.
- The victim suffered actual damages, such as medical bills or lost wages.
Moore Payne Law collects crucial evidence — including surveillance footage, maintenance logs, inspection reports, and witness statements — to prove negligence and establish liability.
Common Injuries in Premises Liability Accidents
Injuries from unsafe property conditions can be severe and long-lasting. Common examples include:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back, neck, or spinal cord injuries
- Severe cuts, burns, or electrocution
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Emotional trauma after a violent incident
Even seemingly minor injuries can lead to long-term pain, mobility loss, or chronic conditions. Moore Payne Law ensures every client’s medical and emotional damages are fully documented and valued.
Compensation Available for Victims
Victims injured on unsafe Florida property may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses: hospital visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation
- Lost wages: income lost during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity: if injuries affect future employment
- Pain and suffering: physical pain, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage: personal belongings damaged in the incident
- Long-term care: physical therapy or mobility aids for permanent injuries
In cases involving extreme negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
Common Defense Tactics Used by Property Owners and Insurers
Insurance companies and property owners often try to avoid paying fair compensation by:
- Arguing that the victim was partly at fault (“comparative negligence”)
- Claiming they were unaware of the hazard
- Insisting the danger was “open and obvious”
- Offering low settlements or delaying the claim process
Moore Payne Law knows these strategies — and fights back with evidence, expert analysis, and thorough preparation to protect clients’ rights and maximize compensation.
How Moore Payne Law Builds Your Case
Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne take a proactive, strategic approach to every premises liability case. Their process includes:
- 1.
- Detailed Investigation: Gathering maintenance records, photos, and witness statements.
- 2.
- Medical Documentation: Working with healthcare providers to connect injuries to the accident.
- 3.
- Expert Testimony: Consulting engineers and safety professionals.
- 4.
- Negotiation: Demanding fair compensation from insurers.
- 5.
- Litigation: Taking the case to trial when owners refuse to accept responsibility.
Their combination of compassionate client care and powerful courtroom advocacy ensures every case receives the attention it deserves.
Why Experience Matters
Premises liability cases are complex and often involve multiple parties — property owners, management companies, maintenance contractors, or security firms.
With years of experience handling serious injury cases, Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne know how to identify every responsible party, uncover hidden evidence, and present compelling arguments before a jury.
When insurance companies push back, Moore Payne Law pushes harder — fighting to make sure victims are not blamed or shortchanged for someone else’s negligence.
Steps to Take After an Accident on Unsafe Property
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property in Florida:
- 1.
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- 2.
- Report the incident to the property owner or manager and request a written report.
- 3.
- Document the scene: take photos and videos of the hazard and your injuries.
- 4.
- Collect witness information.
- 5.
- Avoid giving statements or signing anything before speaking with an attorney.
- 6.
- Contact Moore Payne Law for a free consultation.
Quick action can make all the difference in protecting your health and your legal rights.
Moore Payne Law: Advocates for Florida Injury Victims
Accidents caused by unsafe property conditions are preventable. When negligence leads to serious harm, Moore Payne Law stands beside victims, demanding accountability and fighting for the justice they deserve.
Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne approach every case with dedication, compassion, and skill. Whether negotiating with insurers or presenting cases in court, they are committed to helping injured Floridians rebuild their lives with dignity.
If you or someone you love has been hurt on unsafe property, contact Moore Payne Law today for a free, confidential consultation. Your recovery — and your justice — start with the right team on your side.
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