Jacksonville Premises Liability Attorneys
Here is a primer on Jacksonville premises liability law.
What are the Jacksonville premises liability basics?
The owner of a piece of land or property (such as a private business or home) has a legal responsibility to prevent people who enter that property from getting hurt. A classic case might involve a patron at a restaurant who slips on wet steps outside the restaurant, hurts her hip, and then sues the restaurant for damages stemming from this "slip and fall".
Are all visitors on a piece of property considered the same, according to the law?
No. Plaintiffs are typically divided into one of three categories: invitees, licensees, and trespassers. Although property owners have legal obligations to all three visitors (yes, including trespassers), they owe the greatest duty of care to invitees, then to licenses, and then trespassers.
A closer examination of plaintiff classes
- An invitee is a person who enters a property or premises for business purposes. For instance, a customer who enters a bookstore to go shopping would be considered an invitee.
- A licensee is someone who is invited onto a property for a non-commercial purpose. For instance, a guest at a barbecue at your house will be considered a licensee.
- A trespasser is someone who enters a property without either implied or express invitation - for instance, someone who ignores a "no trespassing sign" to go swimming in your pool.
Many premises liability cases come down to plaintiff classification. Plaintiffs seek to prove that they belong to a class deserving of a high degree of protection. Conversely, defendants will often attempt to show that an injured party was a member of a "lower" class - a trespasser as opposed to a licensee, for instance.
To help prove that a premises owner had a high "degree of care" and violated this duty through negligence, carelessness, or gross disregard, you likely want to speak with a professional Jacksonville premises liability attorney.
What steps should you take following a slip and fall or other premises liability accident?
- Collect information from witnesses (such as names, contact numbers and phone numbers).
- Remember and record statements from witnesses or employees, especially ones to the effect of, "I shouldn't have mopped that floor before you fell."
- Report your accident to the owner of the store or owner of the property.
- Record as much information as you can about the accident as soon as possible. Take pictures. If you don't have a camera, ask someone else nearby who does to take pictures.
- If a manager writes up an incident report, or if the police write up an accident report, be sure to get a copy.
- Get medical help immediately - even if you feel like you are not "that hurt". Often, newly injured people find themselves in a state of shock and underestimate the extent of their injuries.
What can you do for legal help?
Consult the battle proven Jacksonville premises liability attorneys of Farah & Farah by calling (800) 533-3555. A free consultation can mean a world of difference for your case.
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Our fee is a percentage of the money awarded payable only when your case is successfully concluded. No matter how many times you call and how long we talk, there is NO CHARGE or cost until your case settles. Do not sign any releases, agreements or give any statements until you have spoken with us about your legal rights. When it comes to getting you more, we won't settle for less!
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