Orlando Premises Liability Lawyers - Paul Knopf Bigger

Did you suffer an injury in an accident involving a dangerous condition at places such as theme parks, nightclubs, businesses, or hotels? If the property owner or manager created the hazard or allowed it to persist, you may have a right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. An Orlando premises liability attorney from Paul Knopf Bigger can help you seek the financial relief and accountability you deserve from a negligent property owner.

At Paul Knopf Bigger, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of accident injury victims. Our legal team works hard to provide clients with the personalized, practical legal representation they deserve during challenging times. With us, you will never feel like just another number, as your interests and goals will motivate every decision we make in your case. We have a proven track record of success in some of the most complex injury lawsuits in Orlando, and we are prepared to advocate for your rights and fight for the best outcome.

If you were hurt in an accident on someone else’s property, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact our office today for a free initial consultation and learn about your legal rights.

What Are Common Types of Premises Liability Cases?

Premises liability is a legal cause of action that arises when someone is injured by dangerous property conditions. At Paul Knopf Bigger, our team of attorneys and staff have successfully handled premises liability cases involving the following types of accidents and situations:

  • Slip-and-fall accidents
  • Trip-and-fall accidents
  • Dog bites and other attacks by pets or domestic animals
  • Elevator and escalator accidents
  • Fires and explosions
  • Toxic, viral, or bacterial exposure
  • Broken staircases
  • Construction site and worksite accidents
  • Negligent security leading to assault or other criminal activity
  • Swimming pool accidents and drownings
  • Playground accidents
  • Parking lot accidents
  • Falling object accidents
  • Falls from heights
  • Building collapses
  • Inadequate lighting
  • Inadequate maintenance

What Are Common Places Where Premises Liability Accidents Occur?

Although premises liability accidents can happen anywhere, they often occur in places with heavy foot traffic. Some of the most common places where premises liability accidents occur include:

  • Theme parks and amusement parks
  • Water parks and swimming pools
  • Bars, clubs, and restaurants
  • Hotels
  • Parking lots and garages
  • Theaters
  • Grocery stores and supermarkets
  • Department stores
  • Home improvement stores
  • Garden centers and nurseries
  • Recreational parks and playgrounds
  • Gyms and fitness centers
  • Schools
  • Apartment buildings and townhouse complexes
  • Office buildings
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes

What Are Common Injuries Someone Can Sustain in a Premises Liability Accident?

Depending on the circumstances of a premises liability accident, a person can suffer various injuries, ranging from mild to life-altering. Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Severe lacerations and bleeding
  • Burns
  • Degloving injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Ligament, tendon, and muscle strains, sprains, and tears
  • Nerve damage
  • Herniated spinal discs
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Internal injuries and bleeding
  • Toxic, viral, or bacterial exposure
  • Electrocution
  • Facial injuries
  • Vision and hearing loss
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Crush injuries
  • Amputation or limb loss

Who Is Responsible for an Injury in a Premises Liability Case?

In most premises liability cases, the owner of the property where the accident occurred will be responsible for injuries and losses. Property owners have a duty to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition where the accident occurred; this is called a duty of care.

However, in certain circumstances, other parties may be liable. Some examples of parties you might hold liable for your premises liability accident injuries include:

  • A business owner renting commercial property that has exclusive responsibility for maintaining the establishment
  • A residential tenant, if the accident occurs within the tenant’s exclusive premises due to a hazardous condition within the tenant’s control or responsibility under their lease
  • A property management company for a residential or commercial property
  • A maintenance company hired by the property or business owner or property management company to clean or maintain the premises

Proving liability for an accident caused by a dangerous property condition can be challenging, depending on the circumstances. Typically, a plaintiff (the person suing in a premises liability case) must prove that the property owner or manager failed to maintain safe conditions on the property. For example, if someone slips and falls on a spill in a restaurant, Florida law requires the injured person to prove that the restaurant knew or should have known of the hazardous condition and failed to clean it up.

Some examples of evidence commonly used to prove fault in premises liability cases include:

  • Accident scene photos and videos
  • Surveillance camera footage
  • Accident or incident reports
  • Maintenance and repair records
  • Eyewitness testimony
  • Photographs of the clothing or footwear the victim was wearing at the time of the incident
  • Testimony and reports from accident reconstruction or engineering experts

How Long Do I Have to File a Premises Liability Lawsuit in Florida?

Under Florida’s statute of limitations, you typically have two years from the date of an accident on someone else’s property to file a premises liability lawsuit. However, two years can go by quickly, and it could take weeks or months for your attorney to build a solid case.

If you file your premises liability lawsuit after the two-year deadline, the court will likely dismiss your lawsuit, regardless of its merits. If so, you could lose your opportunity to seek compensation from at-fault parties in civil court. This is why you should speak to an Orlando premises liability lawyer from Paul Knopf Bigger as soon as possible after an injury, to ensure your claims are filed correctly and on time.

What Kinds of Damages Can I Pursue in a Premises Liability Case?

In a premises liability case, you may have the right to pursue “damages” or monetary compensation for financial and personal losses you incur due to your injury. Let the attorneys at Paul Knopf Bigger advocate for your rights and help you seek the financial relief you need. You could be compensated for past, ongoing, and future losses, including:

  • Medical treatment and rehabilitation, including hospitalizations, surgeries, doctor’s visits, prescriptions, pain management care, and physical or occupational therapy
  • Long-term care and support for physical disabilities caused by your injuries, including home health services, housekeeping assistance, medical or mobility equipment, or disability accommodations
  • Loss of income from missed time at work or from being assigned a light-duty/part-time role while you heal from your injuries
  • Loss of future earning potential and employment benefits if your injuries result in a permanent disability that prevents you from returning to work or being gainfully employed
  • Physical pain and anguish from your injuries and subsequent treatments
  • Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Loss of enjoyment or quality of life when disabilities or permanent scarring or disfigurement negatively impact your daily life

Why You Should Hire an Orlando Premises Liability Attorney

If you suffered injuries in a premises liability accident, you might face mounting medical bills and financial instability from missing wages. You need practical, dedicated legal representation to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

An Orlando lawyer from Paul Knopf Bigger can assist you by handling all the details in your premises liability claim, allowing you to devote your time and energy to healing. When you hire us, you can rest assured that we are building a robust case in your favor by:

  • Thoroughly investigating the accident that caused your injuries to gather and preserve crucial evidence, such as photos of the scene, security camera footage, and accident reports
  • Determining who is liable for your injuries and identifying all potential sources of compensation, including insurance policies covering the property or business owner
  • Documenting your past, ongoing, and future expenses and losses to help you seek the total compensation that you deserve
  • Considering your goals and interests at every point and advising you on your best legal options to help you make informed decisions
  • Preparing and filing insurance and legal claims and handling communications and negotiations with insurance adjusters, company representatives, and defense lawyers on your behalf
  • Vigorously pursuing maximum compensation for you through a negotiated settlement of your claim or by taking your case to trial when litigation offers the best chance for a favorable result

When you hire our firm for your premises liability lawsuit, our legal team will take the time to listen to your story, understand your needs and goals, and explain your legal options and the claims process so that you can make informed decisions at each stage of the case.

Contact a Premises Liability Attorney in Orlando Today

If you have suffered injuries due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property, you deserve to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The experienced attorneys with Paul Knopf Bigger can assist you in pursuing the financial relief and accountability you deserve from a negligent property owner.

We understand the challenges that you face, and we will provide the personalized, compassionate service you need at this difficult time. Contact our office today for a free initial consultation with our attorneys and learn more about your legal options and rights.