Accidents happen every day, but when they occur on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, the property owner may be held legally responsible. Whether it’s a slip and fall in a grocery store, a dog bite at a neighbor’s house, or an injury caused by poor security in a parking lot, you have rights under Florida law.
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, our personal injury attorneys proudly serve Cocoa Beach, Palm Bay, Titusville, and all of Brevard County, helping injured individuals pursue justice and compensation. Our Cocoa Beach premises liability lawyers offer free consultations and charge no fees unless we win your case.
Why Choose Our Cocoa Beach Premises Liability Lawyer
When choosing an attorney after a serious accident, experience, knowledge, and dedication matter. At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, we bring decades of combined legal expertise to every case, ensuring that our clients receive professional and compassionate representation.
- Years of experience: Our Cocoa Beach premises liability lawyers have successfully handled countless personal injury and premises liability claims. We know how to build strong cases that stand up to insurance companies and in court.
- Knowledge of Florida premises liability law: Florida law can be complex, particularly when it comes to classifying visitors as invitees, licensees, or trespassers. Our familiarity with Brevard County courts and judges gives our clients an advantage.
- Proven results: Our Cocoa Beach premises liability lawyers have recovered substantial compensation for clients who were seriously injured due to unsafe property conditions.
- Client-centered approach: We understand the stress and pain our clients face after an accident. That’s why we provide compassionate guidance, keeping you informed and supported at every step.
- Our mission is simple: The goal of our premises liability lawyers is to protect your rights and help you rebuild your life after a premises liability accident.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is the area of law that holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their property. If they fail to do so, and someone is injured as a result, the property owner can be held liable.
Common hazards that may create liability include:
- Slippery or wet floors that don’t have warning signs.
- Poor lighting in stairways, hallways, or parking lots.
- Broken or poorly maintained stairs, handrails, or walkways.
- Lack of adequate security leading to assaults or robberies.
- Unsafe swimming pools without proper barriers or supervision.
Under Florida law, the duty of care owed by a property owner depends on the status of the person entering the property:
- Invitee: Someone invited for business purposes (e.g., a customer in a store). Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care.
- Licensee: A social guest or someone with permission to be on the property. Property owners must still maintain reasonably safe conditions.
- Trespasser: Someone unlawfully on the property. Owners typically owe limited duties, but exceptions exist, particularly for children under the “attractive nuisance” doctrine (e.g., swimming pools).
Common Premises Liability Cases We Handle
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, we handle a wide variety of premises liability cases in Cocoa Beach and Brevard County.
Some of the most common our Cocoa Beach premises liability lawyers handle include:
Slip and Fall Accidents
These often occur in grocery stores, restaurants, and other businesses where spills or freshly mopped floors are not promptly cleaned or marked with warning signs.
Uneven flooring or rugs can also lead to serious falls.
Trip and Fall Accidents
Cluttered walkways, broken sidewalks, and poorly maintained surfaces can cause individuals to trip, leading to injuries such as fractures and sprains.
Negligent Security
Property owners have a duty to provide adequate security, especially in areas prone to crime. When businesses fail to install cameras, hire security guards, or provide proper lighting, assaults or robberies can occur.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Florida has one of the highest numbers of residential swimming pools in the country, and with that comes risk. Drownings, lack of supervision, broken gates, or slippery pool decks can lead to tragic accidents.
Dog Bites on Private Property
Dog owners must keep their pets under control. If a dog attacks a guest, visitor, or passerby, the owner can be held liable for medical costs, emotional distress, and more.
Retail Store and Business Accidents
From falling merchandise to unsafe conditions in parking lots, businesses are mandated to keep their premises safe for customers.
Injuries from Premises Liability Accidents
Premises liability accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which may require long-term treatment or even permanent lifestyle changes.
Common injuries include:
- Broken bones and fractures: Often the result of slip and fall or trip and fall accidents.
- Head and traumatic brain injuries: Even a seemingly minor fall can cause concussions or severe brain trauma.
- Spinal cord injuries: Falls or assaults can lead to partial or total paralysis.
- Cuts, bruises, and soft tissue damage: While sometimes less severe, these injuries can still cause pain and require medical attention.
- Emotional trauma: Victims may suffer anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress after an accident, especially in cases involving violent assaults.
It is imperative to contact a premises liability lawyer near you to determine the extent of your damages.
Compensation for Premises Liability Victims
If you’ve been injured in a premises liability accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation.
Our Cocoa Beach premises liability lawyers fight to ensure you receive the maximum recovery, which may include:
- Medical bills: Covering emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, and long-term care.
- Future medical expenses: For ongoing treatment or rehabilitation needs.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost while recovering.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous line of work.
- Pain and suffering: Financial compensation for the physical and emotional toll of your injuries.
- Emotional distress: Damages for anxiety, trauma, or diminished quality of life.
- Long-term rehabilitation costs: Including physical therapy, counselling, and assistive devices.
What to Do After a Premises Liability Accident in Cocoa Beach
Taking the right steps after an accident is crucial to protecting your health and your legal rights.
Here’s what you should do:
- Report the Accident – Immediately to the property owner, manager, or security personnel.
- Document the Scene – Take photos or videos of the hazardous condition that caused your injury.
- Gather Information – Collect witness contact information, as testimony may be valuable later.
- Seek Medical Treatment – Do this quickly, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries worsen over time.
- Call a Lawyer – Contact a Cocoa Beach premises liability lawyer before speaking with insurance companies, who often try to minimize payouts.
How We Help You
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, we take a proactive approach to every case, providing comprehensive legal services tailored to your situation.
Here’s how our premises liability lawyers near you can help:
- Investigate – Our Cocoa Beach premises liability lawyers examine the property, maintenance records, and prior complaints to determine if safety protocols were ignored.
- Collect Evidence – Our team quickly secures surveillance footage, inspection logs, and witness statements before they disappear.
- Use Experts – Medical and safety experts help prove your injuries and link them directly to the hazardous condition.
- Negotiate – Our Cocoa Beach premises liability lawyers push back against insurance companies that downplay injuries or shift blame, fighting for fair compensation.
- Go to Trial – If a fair settlement isn’t offered, our Cocoa Beach premises liability lawyers are fully prepared to take your case to court.
We also provide support beyond the courtroom:
- Clear communication and updates – We keep you informed every step of the way so you always understand the progress of your case.
- Compassionate guidance – Our Cocoa Beach premises liability lawyer helps connect clients with trusted doctors, rehabilitation specialists, and counsellors when needed.
- Personalized legal strategies – Every case is different. We tailor our approach to fit your circumstances.
FAQs About Premises Liability in Florida
What if I was partly at fault for my accident?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you were partly at fault, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility. However, you may still recover damages.
Can I sue a business for a slip and fall?
Yes. If the business failed to maintain safe conditions or did not warn customers of known hazards, you may file a claim.
What if the property owner claims they didn’t know about the hazard?
Property owners can still be liable if they should have known about the danger through reasonable inspections and maintenance.
How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
In most cases, you have 2 years from the accident’s date to file a premises liability lawsuit in Florida. Acting quickly is crucial to preserving evidence and building a strong case with the help of a skilled Cocoa Beach premises liability lawyer.
Injured on Unsafe Property? Our Cocoa Beach Premises Liability Lawyers Are Ready to Help
No one expects to be injured while shopping, visiting a friend, or enjoying a day out, but accidents caused by unsafe property conditions can turn your life upside down. The good news is you don’t have to face this alone.
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, we are committed to standing by your side, fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us today (321) 44-SHARK for a free consultation and let us help you take the first step toward recovery. Remember: You pay nothing unless we win.
