When Property Owners Fail: What You Need to Know About Premises Liability in Florida
When tragedy strikes on someone else’s property, most people don’t realize they may have the legal right to hold the property owner accountable. Under Florida law, property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for residents, visitors, and even the public. When they fail in that duty, and someone is seriously injured or killed, it may give rise to a premises liability claim.
As a trial attorney with over 22 years of litigation experience, I’ve handled some of the most heartbreaking and complex premises cases imaginable — including catastrophic fires resulting in loss of life, shootings at apartment complexes, and semi-truck crashes linked to negligent commercial property practices.
What Is a Premises Liability Case?
Premises liability arises when an injury or death occurs due to unsafe or dangerous conditions on someone’s property. These can involve:
Fires caused by poor maintenance, faulty wiring, or lack of proper safety systems
Inadequate security measures leading to assaults or shootings
Negligent commercial operations causing hazards to both workers and the public
Slip and falls due to wet floors, poor lighting, or broken railings
Defective stairs, balconies, or lack of fire exits in residential buildings
In these cases, property owners — including landlords, business owners, or corporations — may be found legally responsible for the harm caused.
Real Tragedies. Real Legal Action.
In my practice, I’ve represented families devastated by preventable disasters. One case involved a massive apartment fire where smoke alarms failed and emergency exits were blocked, costing lives that could have been saved. In another, a tenant was shot and killed in an apartment complex with known security issues and no cameras or guards in place — despite prior violent incidents on the premises.
In commercial cases, I’ve investigated truck crashes tied to unsafe loading zones and poor lighting on private property — proving that the property owner’s negligence contributed directly to the death of innocent people.
Why These Cases Matter
Beyond compensation, premises liability cases expose dangerous conditions and force negligent property owners to make changes — preventing future tragedies. For grieving families and seriously injured individuals, these lawsuits also provide a path to justice and accountability.
Your Rights Under Florida Law
Florida courts take premises liability seriously. If you or a loved one was hurt or killed on another’s property, you may be entitled to damages for:
Medical expenses
Lost income
Pain and suffering
Funeral expenses (in wrongful death cases)
Loss of companionship or support
But these cases often turn on evidence that must be preserved early — security footage, incident reports, eyewitness accounts, and more. That’s why early legal intervention is critical.
Speak With an Experienced Premises Liability Attorney
I’ve successfully handled catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases involving complex property-related negligence. If you have questions about a potential claim — or just want to understand your rights — reach out for a free consultation. I’ll walk you through the legal options and give your case the serious attention it deserves.
Spencer J. Charif, Esq.
Personal Injury & Trial Attorney
Serving Miami and all of Florida