Premises Accident Lawyers in Melbourne, FL

First, prioritize your health—seek immediate medical treatment, even for seemingly minor injuries. If able, document the scene by taking photos of hazards and gathering contact information for any witnesses. Notify store management and request an incident report, but avoid making statements about fault. Do not sign anything or accept settlements without consulting a premises liability attorney. Preserving evidence—including your shoes and clothing—can be crucial for legal claims. Our nationally recognized team, awarded Super Lawyers and AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, will review your potential case and advise you on critical next steps. Acting quickly maximizes your recovery and protects your rights under Florida law.

Responsibility for medical bills typically starts with your personal health insurance or, in some cases, your auto policy's PIP if you were in a vehicle. However, the property owner's insurance may ultimately have to reimburse you if they’re found liable under Florida premises liability law. Businesses and apartment complexes in Melbourne are required by law to maintain safe conditions. If their negligence caused your fall, you may pursue a claim for your out-of-pocket costs, future treatment, and lost earning capacity. The property owner's insurance often pays settlements. Recent cases in Melbourne have resulted in six-figure awards for victims. Consult with an experienced attorney for guidance and to protect your rights.

Florida law requires injured visitors to prove that the property owner failed to correct or warn about a dangerous condition and that this negligence caused your fall. Even without witnesses, success depends on gathering strong evidence: photographs of hazards, medical documentation, incident reports, and, if available, security camera footage. Florida courts may hold owners liable if it’s shown the hazard existed long enough or was foreseeable (per Florida Statute 768.0755). Recent settlements—like a $470,000 recovery for a slip and fall in Melbourne—demonstrate that prompt evidence collection and expert testimony (on building codes or property maintenance) can establish negligence. Consulting with an attorney increases your odds of a successful claim.

Yes. Florida's comparative fault law lets you recover damages even if you were partially responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault as determined in the case.

Essential evidence includes photographs of the accident scene, shoes, clothing, any visible hazards, and your injuries. Get contact information for witnesses and request store or building surveillance footage as quickly as possible. Video can be crucial for proving liability.

In Florida, the statute of limitations for premises liability cases is typically two years from the accident date due to 2023 tort reform. Missing this deadline bars you from compensation. Act fast to protect your claim.

Your health insurance may cover initial medical bills, but property owners’ insurance is usually responsible if negligence is proven. To recover lost wages or pain and suffering, a claim against the business or owner is required.

You may claim for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and future treatment. Our attorneys help maximize recovery, with past clients receiving three times initial offers on average.

They may blame you for the accident, argue that hazards were obvious, claim prompt cleaning, dispute your injury’s severity, or allege no notice of hazard. Timely documentation protects your rights.

Hiring a lawyer is strongly advised. We handle premises cases on a contingency fee basis: no fees unless we win your case. Typical fees are 33.33% of your recovered settlement or judgment.