When you visit a business, apartment complex, or restaurant, you expect the property to be safe. Unfortunately, when owners fail to maintain their premises, serious accidents can occur — resulting in devastating injuries and financial hardship.
Under Florida law, property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for guests and customers. When they fail in that duty and someone is hurt, victims may be entitled to compensation through a premises liability claim.
At Moore Payne Law, Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne represent Floridians who have been injured due to unsafe property conditions. They are committed to holding negligent property owners accountable and securing the financial recovery victims need to heal.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to a property owner’s responsibility to ensure their property is free from dangerous or hazardous conditions. When someone is injured because of a property owner’s negligence, that owner can be held liable for damages.
This duty applies to:
- Private homeowners
- Landlords and property managers
- Businesses such as stores, hotels, and restaurants
- Public or government facilities
If an unsafe condition existed and the owner knew — or should have known — about it but failed to fix or warn visitors, they can be held responsible for any resulting injuries.
Common Causes of Premises Liability Accidents
Accidents caused by property hazards can happen anywhere in Florida — from grocery stores in Orlando to hotels in Miami or apartment complexes in Tampa.
Common causes include:
- Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
- Uneven sidewalks or cracked pavement
- Broken stairs, elevators, or handrails
- Poor lighting that hides hazards or obstructs vision
- Falling merchandise or debris
- Inadequate security leading to assaults or robberies
- Dog bites or animal attacks
- Swimming pool accidents due to lack of fencing or supervision
Each of these situations can result in severe, preventable injuries.
Types of Premises Liability Claims
Moore Payne Law handles all types of premises liability cases, including:
- Slip and fall accidents in stores, restaurants, and parking lots.
- Negligent security claims involving assaults or attacks due to inadequate protection.
- Falling objects or collapsing structures in commercial or residential buildings.
- Swimming pool and drowning accidents caused by unsafe or unsupervised areas.
- Dog bite injuries on private or public property.
No matter the type of property or business involved, the firm investigates thoroughly to uncover how and why the unsafe condition existed.
Legal Responsibilities of Property Owners in Florida
The level of care a property owner owes depends on the visitor’s legal status:
- Invitees (customers, tenants, or guests) are owed the highest duty of care. Owners must inspect and fix hazards regularly.
- Licensees (social guests) must be warned of hidden dangers that are not obvious.
- Trespassers are owed a limited duty, but owners must still avoid intentional harm — and take extra precautions if children are likely to access the property (the “attractive nuisance” rule).
Moore Payne Law evaluates each case individually to determine whether a property owner violated their legal obligations.
Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases
Accidents on unsafe property often lead to serious injuries, such as:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back, neck, and spinal injuries
- Burns, electrocution, or chemical exposure
- Deep cuts, scarring, and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma and anxiety after violent incidents
Even injuries that seem minor at first can lead to lasting complications. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical care — and legal guidance — as soon as possible.
Compensation Available to Victims
Victims injured by property negligence may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: emergency care, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Moore Payne Law ensures that every client’s damages — physical, emotional, and financial — are fully valued and pursued.
Challenges in Florida Premises Liability Cases
Insurance companies and property owners often try to avoid paying fair compensation by arguing that the victim was partly at fault or that the hazard was “open and obvious.”
Moore Payne Law knows these tactics well. The firm collects surveillance footage, inspection records, and witness statements to prove negligence — and fights back against attempts to minimize or deny valid claims.
How Moore Payne Law Builds Strong Premises Liability Cases
Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne approach every case with care, strategy, and determination. Their process includes:
- Conducting a thorough site investigation and preserving evidence.
- Working with engineers and safety experts to prove hazards and code violations.
- Obtaining maintenance logs, inspection reports, and security footage.
- Consulting with medical professionals to document the full extent of injury.
- Negotiating assertively with insurers or litigating in court when necessary.
Their commitment ensures clients are protected at every stage of the process.
Why Experience Matters
Premises liability cases often involve complex laws, multiple parties, and aggressive defense teams. Moore Payne Law has years of experience successfully handling injury cases against major property owners, corporations, and insurance companies.
The firm’s reputation for trial readiness gives clients leverage — ensuring negligent parties take responsibility and victims receive full justice.
What to Do After an Accident on Unsafe Property
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property:
- 1.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- 2.
- Report the incident to the property owner or manager.
- 3.
- Take photos of the hazard, injuries, and surroundings.
- 4.
- Gather witness information.
- 5.
- Do not give statements to insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer.
- 6.
- Contact Moore Payne Law for a free consultation.
The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Moore Payne Law: Advocates for Florida’s Injury Victims
Unsafe properties cause preventable harm every day — but victims don’t have to face the consequences alone.
At Moore Payne Law, Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne stand up for Floridians injured due to property owner negligence. They combine compassion with powerful advocacy to hold wrongdoers accountable and secure justice for those hurt by unsafe conditions.
If you or a loved one has been injured on another person’s property, contact Moore Payne Law today for a free and confidential consultation.