Category Archives: Premises Liability
When a Property Owner’s Lack of Security Leads to a Crime
Being the victim of a crime is traumatic enough on its own. It becomes even more frustrating to learn that the attack might have been prevented if the property where it happened had reasonable security in place. Florida law recognizes that property owners sometimes bear legal responsibility for crimes committed by third parties, a… Read More »
Slippery Exterior Walkways in Seattle: When Poor Drainage, Moss, and Persistent Moisture Cause a Fall
A slick exterior walkway in Seattle can look like an unavoidable consequence of wet weather. Sometimes the problem runs deeper. Water may repeatedly collect in the same depression, drain across a pedestrian route, or remain trapped where shade and poor airflow keep pavement damp long after surrounding surfaces have dried. Over time, moss or… Read More »
When Flames Spread Fast: What Renters Should Know About Landlord Liability After an Apartment Fire in Florida
An apartment fire can turn a home into a disaster scene in minutes. When the smoke clears, tenants are often left with severe burns, damaged belongings, and unanswered questions about why the fire spread so quickly or why warning systems failed. In many cases, the answer traces back to the condition of the building… Read More »
The New Pool-Related Danger You Should Know About Before Diving In
Year-round sunshine is one of the many reasons both locals and visitors love the Sunshine State and most of us take full advantage of the weather by frequenting pools. While we are splashing around in the pool with our loved ones, the last thing on any of our minds is the thought of a… Read More »
Florida’s Tragic Drowning Death Accidents and What You Can Do to Help Prevent Them
For many Floridians, Florida’s almost year-round sunny weather represents an excellent reason to seek out a house with a pool in the backyard. After a long day at work, there are few things more relaxing than being able to come home and jump into your pool to cool off and relax. And for the… Read More »
Defenses to Premises Liability
When you shop at a grocery store or attend a house party, you don’t expect to be injured while on the premises. But accidents happen. That’s why Florida law holds property owners liable when visitors are injured at their house, business or other property (under premises liability law). Property owners have a duty to… Read More »
Liability for Sinkhole Accidents
More sinkholes open in Florida than in any other state in the country. Sinkholes can cause property damage, they can cause environmental damage, and they can also cause personal injuries — and in some cases, even death. You might be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit depending on the circumstances… Read More »
Court Dismisses Wrongful Death Claim Against Riverside Hotel
In 2012, a drunk driver drove into a pool cabana wall at the Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. The structure collapsed, killing a pregnant woman, Alanna Demella, and injuring her husband Michael. The driver’s blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit. Michael filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the hotel, alleging that… Read More »
Suing a Florida Hotel for Negligence
Florida hotel owners are responsible for protecting guests against known and reasonably ascertainable dangers. Under Florida premises liability law, hotel guests are considered “invitees,” and owners can be held liable for injuries that they suffer on their property. Note that the law classifies victims in one of three ways: invitee, licensee or trespasser. The… Read More »
Understanding the “Assumption of Risk” Doctrine
Some activities, like football and other contact sports, are inherently dangerous. If you sustain an injury while participating in an inherently dangerous activity it’s difficult to bring a successful personal injury lawsuit. For example, if you are injured while playing football a personal injury lawsuit against the defensive end who tackled you and broke… Read More »