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This page was written and legally reviewed by Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath’s team of Florida Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers.
In Melbourne, if you find yourself injured after a premises liability in a retail space or an incident involving a pet on someone’s property, you may be eligible to recover expenses such as medical bills and lost wages through a premises liability lawsuit.
Our Melbourne personal injury lawyers are ready to examine your situation’s specifics and explore your legal options. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your rights and potential claim.
Work with the most trusted premises liability law firm in Melbourne
Our firm’s extensive knowledge and legal expertise are invaluable assets when facing the complexities of premises liability accidents. Discover how we have assisted clients like you in recovering from significant injuries by visiting our testimonials page. Confronting property owners or businesses in legal battles can be overwhelming due to their extensive resources and legal support, which may complicate securing a favorable outcome for your claim and leave you burdened with costs for injuries caused by their negligence.
With over 35 years of experience serving Florida families, our firm can help you navigate common pitfalls that could diminish or invalidate your rightful compensation in premises liability cases. By choosing our firm, you can access experienced, trustworthy, and compassionate legal advocates committed to protecting your interests and ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath recovers maximum compensation for our clients
$2 million for a premises liability case in Manatee County |
$1 million for a premises liability/chemical burn case in Lee County |
$1 million for a premises liability case in Palm Beach County |
$750,000 for a premises liability case in Fulton County |
The Melbourne premises liability attorneys with Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath will support you throughout the process
When facing a premises liability claim in Florida, it’s crucial to have a lawyer who understands your specific needs and ensures your rights are fully protected. At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we are committed to securing the compensation you deserve and providing the emotional and psychological support necessary for your recovery. We ensure our clients feel respected and cared for throughout our partnership.
Here’s how we assist clients through the legal process:
- Thorough case evaluation – We begin with a free consultation to understand the details of your accident and injuries. This initial assessment helps us identify potential compensation avenues and builds the foundation for a strong case.
- Evidence collection – Proving negligence and liability is pivotal in premises liability claims. We meticulously gather all necessary documentation, such as incident reports, medical records, eyewitness accounts, and expert testimony when needed.
- Dealing with property owners and insurance companies – Property owners and insurers often attempt to minimize payouts. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who advocate fiercely for our clients, ensuring that all communications and negotiations reflect the true extent of the damages and injuries incurred.
- Calculating damages – We accurately assess all aspects of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress, ensuring you receive adequate compensation.
- Legal representation in court – Although many cases settle out of court, we prepare each case as if it will go to trial, ready to advocate effectively before a judge and jury. Our attorneys are experienced litigators with a proven track record of successful verdicts in complex premises liability cases.
- Continuous support and communication: We understand that navigating the legal process can be daunting. We keep our clients informed at every step, providing support and guidance to ensure they are comfortable with the strategy and progress of their case.
By choosing Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, you ensure that your premises liability claim is handled with the utmost care and professional expertise, maximizing your chances for a favorable outcome.
How much does it cost to hire a premises liability attorney in Melbourne?
When you choose Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, you incur no fees unless and until we win your case. Our fees will be a percentage of the awarded compensation upon a successful outcome. Additionally, our clients benefit from arrangements like medical liens, designed to minimize out-of-pocket expenses during your recovery period. We’re also proud to offer free consultations so you can make sure we’re the right fit before committing.
Common premises liability cases we handle
- Slip-and-falls – Negligence in addressing spills promptly can lead to severe injuries. Stores are obliged to clean up or adequately warn customers of such dangers.
- Falling merchandise or debris – Items falling from high shelves can cause significant harm. Retail stores are responsible for safely securing merchandise.
- Faulty elevators or escalators – Equipment malfunctions, often due to negligent maintenance, can result in serious injuries.
- Inadequate or negligent security – Property owners are responsible for ensuring safety, including implementing adequate security measures.
- Playground or amusement park accidents – Injuries from defective equipment or inadequate supervision can lead to premises liability claims.
- Swimming pool accidents – Lack of supervision or safety measures at pools can pose significant risks, particularly to children.
- Dog and other animal bites – Incidents involving animal attacks may qualify for premises liability action.
What damages can I claim in a premises liability suit?
In a personal injury claim, “damages” refers to the monetary losses incurred due to the accident and the injuries it caused. These damages fall into two main groups: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages can be easily quantified through bills, invoices, and receipts, covering expenses like medical treatments, lost earnings, and more.
On the other hand, non-economic damages, which encompass emotional distress, diminished life quality, and physical pain, are more challenging to quantify.
A skilled Melbourne premises liability lawyer is essential for accurately determining the total compensation you’re eligible to receive.
How much time do I have to file a claim?
While Florida allows up to two years from the incident date to file a premises liability lawsuit, prompt action is crucial. Starting the process early increases your chances of securing compensation. Call Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath at (561) 655-1990 to get started.
What are some common injuries in premises liability cases?
Numerous kinds of injuries may result from incidents falling under premises liability accidents. Here are the injuries most frequently encountered by our clients:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Fractures
- Damage to internal organs
Florida law regarding types of visitors
In Florida, different types of individuals have varying degrees of legal protection. The law accounts for three distinct categories of visitor status: Invitees, licensees, and trespassers.
Public and business invitees
Invitees include individuals explicitly or implicitly invited onto a property. This category covers a broad spectrum of visitors, from those enjoying a public park to family members visiting a hospital.
On the other hand, business licensees enter a property for a specific, mutually beneficial purpose. For example, a store customer or an amusement park guest falls under this category. Both public and business invitees are entitled to the highest duty of care from property owners.
Invited and uninvited licensees
Invited licensees, often social guests, receive the same protection as public or business invitees. Conversely, uninvited licensees, who may enter a property for their convenience without an explicit invitation (such as door-to-door salespeople), are only required by property owners to prevent willful or wanton harm by eliminating or warning against known hidden dangers.
Trespassers
Trespassers enter a property without permission, invitation, or legal right. Property owners’ obligation to these individuals is minimal; they need only abstain from intentionally harmful actions, like deliberately setting harmful traps.
Special considerations apply to minors who trespass, particularly in situations involving an “attractive nuisance,” such as a swimming pool. The law provides additional protections in these cases due to the recognized risk of attraction to children.
Identifying potentially liable parties
Navigating premises liability claims can be intricate due to the potential involvement of multiple parties in causing an accident, such as the following.
Property or business owner
Imagine a scenario where an individual sustains severe injuries from an assault in a parking lot due to inadequate security. In this case, the property’s owner might be found liable for neglecting to ensure the safety of the parking area.
Business manager
Consider a situation where a patron slips on a spill within a supermarket aisle. Here, the manager could be held responsible for not addressing the spill promptly.
Landlord
The injured party could sue the landlord if an accident occurs due to a landlord’s oversight, such as not fixing a faulty handrail that led to a fall down stairs.
Related articles for further reading
- The dangers of “catch and cook” restaurants
- Golf course injuries: Liability and compensation for Floridians
Why work with Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath
Our services incur no upfront fees, covering costs only upon successful case resolution. Additional benefits, such as medical liens, are available to support your recovery without financial strain.
For expert guidance and representation in Melbourne premises liability cases, contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath. Call (561) 655-1990 to schedule your no-cost consultation and explore your legal avenues.
Common questions about premises liability accidents in Melbourne
What should I do if I was hurt on someone else’s property?
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Document the incident and gather evidence
- Report the incident
- Maintain records of medical treatment and expenses
- Consult a Melbourne premises liability attorney
How do you prove liability in these cases?
Upon engaging a Melbourne premises liability attorney from Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, our team will promptly investigate the accident. Our objective is to establish that the responsible party or parties were aware of a potential hazard on their property, had an obligation to ensure the safety of the premises, and that their neglect of this duty resulted in your injuries.