At Ferraro Law, we understand that premises liability involves far more than minor mishaps. In some cases, a property owner’s failure to maintain a safe environment can lead to catastrophic injuries with life-altering consequences. These are not just simple slip and fall incidents—these premises liability cases may involve serious injuries, unsafe property conditions, inadequate security, or hazardous conditions that ultimately cause severe harm or even wrongful death.
When you suffer injuries caused by a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, you have the right to seek compensation under premises liability law. Whether the location is an office building, a shopping center, a residential complex, a parking lot, or a construction site, property owners have a duty of care to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition for guests and invitees on the property. When they don’t, victims can hold them accountable through premises liability claims.
At Ferraro Law, we focus on catastrophic premises liability cases—the type that leave victims facing permanent disability, ongoing medical bills, and profound emotional distress. With our combined experience and strategic legal counsel, we can help guide you through every step of the legal process. Victims dealing with negligence and dangerous conditions deserve unwavering support, clear communication, and a relentless pursuit of fair compensation that reflects their immediate and long-term needs. Our firm combines the personalized attention of a local practice with the reach and resources of a top law firm operating nationwide.
Understanding Premises Liability & Duty of Care
Understanding Premises Liability & Duty of Care
Premises liability law in most states recognizes that owners must exercise reasonable care in maintaining their property. This means addressing known hazards and hidden dangers and defects, posting clear warnings, following building codes, and ensuring the property is reasonably safe. The level of duty can vary depending on the visitor’s status:
Invitee
Customers or guests who enter someone else’s property for the owner’s benefit deserve the highest duty of care. The owner must inspect for hazards and fix or warn about them.
Licensee (Social Guest)
Someone entering with the property owner’s permission for non-business reasons. The owner must warn of non-obvious dangers known to them.
Trespasser
Generally, the owner owes less duty to trespassers. However, special exceptions apply, particularly with children and attractive nuisances like a swimming pool with no fence. Duty of care also intersects with comparative fault. If the plaintiff’s own negligence contributed to their injury (e.g., ignoring a posted sign), their compensation might be reduced proportionally.
40 Years of Fierce Representation
40 Years of Fierce Representation
Since 1985, Ferraro Law has built a reputation as a leader in handling complex premises liability cases involving severe injuries and property owner negligence. We do not back away from the toughest claims—those involving building code violations, inadequate security in known high-crime areas, attractive nuisances like unfenced swimming pools, and unsafe conditions ranging from wet floors to falling structures.
We have stood by victims and families affected by property owner misconduct, helping them seek compensation that accounts for long-term medical care, rehabilitation, lost income, and emotional suffering. Our approach sets us apart from the average personal injury firm. We offer meticulous preparation, deep knowledge of liability law, and relentless advocacy. Backed by extensive litigation experience, we know how to navigate the complex web of regulations, visitor status distinctions, and comparative fault rules that can define the outcome of a premises liability claim.
By identifying liable parties, we work to secure compensation that genuinely addresses your financial, medical, and emotional needs. Whether you’re located in Florida or another state, we bring the care of a local office and the power of a firm with national experience.
How We Can Help You
How We Can Help You
Assessment & Consultation
We begin with a free consultation, listening carefully to your story and reviewing the circumstances that led to your injury on someone else’s property. We aim to break down premises liability law without confusing legal jargon. Our priority is to simplify the legal process so that you feel informed and empowered, whether you’re pursuing a premises liability lawsuit for a catastrophic fall, a liability claim from a violent assault due to inadequate security, or a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a loved one.
Tailored Legal Strategies
Each client’s situation is unique. Our skilled legal team will gather evidence, analyze whether the owner knew or should have known issues, review building inspection reports, consider if the owner failed to meet special rules or building codes, and identify key factors like visitor’s status (invitee, licensee, or trespasser) that affect liability claims. This strategic preparation enables us to pursue compensation that truly addresses your financial, medical, and emotional needs.
Ongoing Support & Communication
We believe that steady guidance and transparent communication are essential. Throughout the legal process, we keep you informed, answer your questions promptly, and help you understand each step. We want you to feel confident and comfortable making decisions as we work together to seek compensation for injuries caused by dangerous conditions. Our bilingual team is ready to assist you.
What We Handle
What We Handle
Ferraro Law represents clients across a wide spectrum of premises liability cases, focusing especially on catastrophic incidents:
Severe Structural Failures and Collapses
A property owner owes visitors the highest duty of care, especially when dealing with known hazardous conditions like unstable ceilings, broken balconies, or failing support beams. If an unsafe condition leads to a building collapse or structural failure causing severe head trauma, spinal cord injuries, or death, we can seek accountability and compensation.
Inadequate Security in High-Risk Areas
When property owners neglect to hire security guards, install cameras, or address known criminal activity on the premises, victims of assault, robbery, or shootings can bring a premises liability claim. Such negligence may occur in an office building, mall, hotel, or parking lot. The duty of care extends to providing adequate measures to deter foreseeable criminal acts.
Falling Objects and Unstable Fixtures
From falling objects in poorly maintained warehouses to unsecured shelving in retail stores, if the owner failed to ensure stable conditions, severe injuries can occur. Brain injuries, broken bones, permanent disabilities, or even death arising from these incidents often qualify as serious liability cases.
Exposure to Toxic Substances or Unsafe Conditions
Sometimes, property owners fail to follow building codes or maintain clean, hazard-free environments. Toxic leaks, attractive nuisance features like unfenced pools, or crumbling infrastructure may injure visitors severely. In these complex cases, proving negligence requires thorough investigation and specialized assistance.
Fires, Explosions, and Dangerous Stairwells
If a property is poorly maintained—faulty wiring, blocked fire exits, broken handrails—catastrophic injuries and fatalities can result. The general rule under liability law is that owners must ensure ordinary care in upkeep, or they risk being held liable for tragedies that follow.
Read more about Ferraro Law’s role in helping the victims of the shooting that took place in April 2024 at CityPlace Doral.
Deciding Whether to Hire a Premises Liability Lawyer
Deciding Whether to Hire a Premises Liability Lawyer
If you suffered injuries due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, or if you’re coping with the aftermath of a violent attack enabled by inadequate security, you may benefit from legal counsel. A premises liability lawyer can assess whether the property owner violated their legal duty, failed to warn visitors, or neglected to maintain property safe conditions.
Complex premises liability claims involving catastrophic harm require extensive research, expert testimony, and careful negotiation with insurance companies. Without legal representation, you may face an uphill battle against well-funded defense teams. Hiring an attorney helps ensure your voice is heard and that you have an advocate fighting for full, fair compensation.
Compensation for Victims: Premises Liability Claims
Compensation for Victims:
Premises Liability Claims
A successful premises liability claim can provide critical financial support to help victims and their families recover from the long-term effects of injuries caused by hazardous conditions on someone else’s property.
Compensation may cover:
Medical Expenses
Injuries often come with significant medical costs, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Compensation may also cover ongoing specialist consultations, prescription medications, and any additional treatments necessary to support recovery and manage long-term effects. These funds help you access the care you need without financial worry.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
When injuries prevent you from working, the loss of income can be overwhelming. Compensation can address both past wages and future earning capacity if your ability to work is permanently affected. These damages aim to ease financial strain and provide stability as you adjust to new circumstances.
Pain and Suffering
Injuries often cause more than physical harm—they disrupt your emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering acknowledges the physical discomfort, mental anguish, and lifestyle changes caused by the incident, helping you move forward with a sense of justice.
Property Damage
Personal belongings damaged during the incident—such as vehicles, electronics, or other valuables—can add to your financial burden. Reimbursement for property damage ensures you can repair or replace these items without further strain.
Home Modifications and Accessibility
Severe injuries may require adjustments to your living environment to accommodate new physical limitations. Compensation can cover the costs of modifications like installing ramps, widening doorways, or adding safety features, helping you regain independence and safety in your home.
In cases involving the heartbreaking loss of a loved one, compensation can help ease the burden by covering funeral costs, acknowledging the profound loss of companionship, and addressing the financial and emotional challenges faced by surviving family members.
What to Look for in a Premises Liability Attorney
What to Look for in a Premises Liability Attorney
Choosing an attorney for your catastrophic premises liability case is an important decision. As you review potential counsel, consider:
Relevant Experience
Attorneys who understand liability law and have handled serious, high-stakes premises cases with significant injuries or wrongful death.
Compassion and Communication
A supportive legal team that listens, keeps you updated, and treats you like a person, not just another file.
Resources and Reach
A firm capable of investigating complex hazardous conditions, consulting with engineers, security experts, and medical specialists to build a strong case.
Contingency Fee Arrangement
Look for a lawyer who charges no upfront fees. You pay only if they recover damages, easing financial concerns during a challenging time.
What to Expect When You Partner With Ferraro Law
What to Expect When You Partner With Ferraro Law
Choosing Ferraro Law means having a seasoned legal team by your side, offering tailored guidance, open communication, and strategic representation to work toward the best potential resolution for your case.
We understand how life-changing catastrophic injuries can be. Your attorney takes the time to listen to your story, address your unique challenges, and tailor a legal strategy aligned with your priorities. This personalized approach means that your case is thoroughly prepared and reflects the full extent of your losses and needs.
Serious premises liability claims involve intricate legal concepts, complex fact patterns, and often multiple parties. Your attorney understands liability law, how to prove negligence, and what it takes to hold property owners accountable for failing to provide a safe environment.
Navigating the legal process, whether resolving a case through settlement or preparing for trial, can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Ferraro Law, we provide clear guidance on the benefits and potential drawbacks of settlement offers, helping you make informed decisions that align with your goals. If taking your case to trial is the best path forward, we meticulously build your case, using evidence and expert testimony to present a strong argument.
By operating on a contingency fee basis, we aim to remove the pressure of upfront costs. You owe nothing unless they secure compensation, allowing you to focus on your health and treatment, rather than legal bills.
Navigating legal matters can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with complex concepts like comparative fault, visitor status, and duty of care. At Ferraro Law, we break these ideas down into simple, easy-to-understand terms so you can feel confident and informed at every stage of your case. Our team provides clear explanations about how these principles apply to your specific situation, ensuring you have the knowledge you need to move forward.
At Ferraro Law, our extensive experience and dedicated approach make us a trusted partner during challenging legal journeys. We understand that dealing with a complex case or life-changing event can feel overwhelming, which is why we prioritize offering personalized support tailored to your unique circumstances. From the moment you reach out, our team listens to your concerns, answers your questions, and ensures you feel heard and valued every step of the way.
Our commitment goes beyond providing strong advocacy—we work to make the legal process as straightforward and manageable as possible. You’ll never feel like just another case; instead, you’ll have a team by your side who genuinely cares about your well-being and works tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for you. At Ferraro Law, we strive to help you navigate this difficult time with compassion and the assurance that your case is in capable hands.
Client Experiences
Client Experiences
When individuals suffer serious injuries due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, they turn to Ferraro Law for comprehensive legal support. Premises liability cases often involve complex investigations and mounting medical expenses, leaving victims feeling overwhelmed. Through diligent analysis of hazardous conditions, collaboration with experts, and strategic advocacy, our firm builds strong cases to secure fair compensation. Ferraro Law provides clients with the clarity, guidance, and support needed to navigate these challenging circumstances, helping them recover both financially and emotionally after a devastating incident.
“You not only told us it was going to be okay, you showed us that it’s going to be okay.”
SUZANNE
ASBESTOS & MESOTHELIOMA
My father passed away from mesothelioma and The Ferraro Law Firm has been there for me and my family for over 10 years. Our attorney, Aleksandra Sikorska, and Nestor in the settlements department will get the job done and are very kind and compassionate.
Michelle
It has been 12 years since my father passed away. Every time this anniversary comes, it always overwhelms me with a mixture of emotions. On one side, just like most people, I start to reminisce about the great times we had as a family and how I miss it so much. On the other side, I can’t help but remember the pain and suffering he endured the last several months of his life. I believe closure sits right in the middle of these emotions. Closure is always hard when someone you love passes away. To us, closure felt unattainable. It was hard because we did not understand why he was taken from us so soon. Collectively as a family we felt that he never needed to suffer the way that he did. When I start to think about closure, part of me thinks about James Ferraro Jr. and The Ferraro Law Firm. My mother found the law firm while my father was still alive. She had inquired about possibly finding out, and holding accountable, those individuals and/or companies that had contributed to my father’s illness. They went to work for my mother immediately and inevitably helped her find a little piece of closure that she so desperately needed following his death. As I have always said, no amount of money could ever replace my father. However, because of the tireless work of James Jr. and the rest of the firm, my mother was able to move forward with her life. She moved forward knowing she would be okay, our family would be okay, and that those responsible were held accountable. Fast-forward to today and I still think about James Jr. and the firm during this anniversary. I cannot stress enough the amount of appreciation my family and I have for them and what they did for us.
Very friendly, caring, and thoughtful about the client.
10/10 and would highly recommended!
Nick Henderson
The Ferraro Law Firm and staff are well respected and uphold this reputation in their commitment to their clients. I have experienced this in a long awaited resolution to a family case. Attorney Steven Valdes was excellent in answering all questions and worked diligently to find important documents that allowed this problem to be brought to fruition. I highly recommend this law firm for any personal cases.
Gail Berger
The Steps Your Premises Liability Lawyer Will Take
The Steps Your Premises Liability Lawyer Will Take
After hiring an attorney, you can expect a structured, step-by-step approach:
1
Initial Consultation
Your lawyer will take the time to understand your experience, review key details, and provide a clear and straightforward evaluation of your potential claim. They will also collect preliminary evidence and guide you on the next steps to take.
2
Investigation & Evidence Gathering
Your attorney will obtain maintenance records, building inspection reports, security logs, and witness statements. They will gather facts of your case, such as an office building with known structural issues or a parking lot with a history of assaults due to inadequate lighting.
3
Proving Negligence & Duty of Care
Your attorney will show how the property owner owed visitors a certain standard of safety, such as an unsafe condition, hazardous conditions, or inadequate security measures that led to harm, using expert testimony if needed.
4
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often attempt to reduce and minimize settlement amounts. Your attorney negotiates assertively to secure compensation that accounts for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they will proceed with litigation.
5
Trial Preparation
Should negotiations fail, your attorney will prepare your case and take it to trial in front of a judge and jury, explaining how the owner is liable for negligence. They rely on clear timelines, expert evaluations, building code violations, and any court explained precedents.
6
Ongoing Support & Communication
Throughout the process, your lawyer will keep you updated on your case, answer any questions you may have, and guide you in making critical decisions. You remain a key participant, never feeling isolated or uncertain.
Meet Your Premises Liability Attorneys
Meet Your Premises Liability Attorneys
Learn More About Our Team
In premises liability cases, Ferraro Law’s attorneys understand that no legal resolution can erase the pain or hardship caused by dangerous conditions on someone else’s property. When catastrophic injuries or wrongful death occur due to inadequate maintenance, inadequate security, or other acts of negligence, our legal team responds with empathy, respect, and dedication. Drawing on years of experience handling premises liability lawsuits, our attorneys strive not only to secure fair compensation but also to help you find a measure of stability, accountability, and peace of mind as you move forward.
Marc p. Kunen
Marc focuses on complex injury and product liability cases, including asbestos, toxic torts, and wrongful death. He’s secured some of Florida’s largest verdicts—like a $70 million award in 2019—and plays a key role in the firm’s national trial strategy.
Jose L. Becerra
Jose focuses on personal injury and product liability litigation, including asbestos, toxic torts, and talcum powder claims. Known for his trial skill and meticulous case workup, he’s helped secure more than $85 million in verdicts for clients across Florida and beyond.
Ignacio J. Segurola
Ignacio brings over 20 years of trial experience in serious injury and wrongful death cases, including medical malpractice and catastrophic crashes. A longtime advocate in South Florida courts and communities, he’s known for his sharp litigation style and results-driven approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
01.
What is premises liability?
Premises liability holds property owners and managers responsible if injuries occur due to unsafe conditions on their property. This can range from a slip and fall on a wet floor to severe structural failures or inadequate security leading to violent crime.
02.
What does the property owner’s duty of care mean?
The duty of care means the owner must exercise reasonable care to keep the property safe, fix known hazards, warn visitors of potential dangers, and follow building codes. Failure to do so can lead to a premises liability lawsuit.
03.
How do I know if I have a premises liability claim?
If you were injured on someone else’s property and believe negligence caused your harm—like an owner ignoring required maintenance, a dangerous condition on the property or failing to hire security guards in a known high-risk area—consulting a premises liability lawyer can help determine if you have a valid claim.
04.
What compensation can I seek?
Victims may recover past and future medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, damages for emotional distress or wrongful death if the injuries were fatal.
05.
How long do I have to file a premises liability lawsuit?
States, including Florida, have statutes of limitations. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from pursuing compensation. Consulting a lawyer promptly ensures compliance with time limits and preserves critical evidence.The current statute of limitations in Florida for any action involving the negligence of any party is two (2) years.
06.
Do I need to prove the owner knew about the hazard?
Often, yes. Showing the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it is central to proving negligence. For example, if they ignored multiple complaints about cracked flooring or broken handrails or if the dangerous condition existed for a long enough time that they should have known there was a problem, it indicates they did not exercise ordinary care.
07.
Can trespassers recover damages?
In many cases, trespassers have limited rights. However, certain exceptions apply, especially if a child is injured by an attractive nuisance like a swimming pool. The general rule is that owners owe less duty to trespassers, but there are special rules that may affect the outcome.
08.
Can Ferraro Law handle my case if I live outside of Florida?
Absolutely. We represent clients nationwide, collaborating with local counsel when needed. Our extensive experience in complex litigation and specialized claims ensures we can effectively advocate for your rights, no matter where you live.
have more questions?
glossary of key terms
glossary of key terms
A legal concept holding property owners responsible if someone is harmed on their property due to unsafe conditions or the owner’s failure to exercise reasonable care.
Duty of care
The legal obligation for property owners to maintain a safe environment, repair known hazards, and warn visitors of potential dangers. The level of this duty can vary based on the visitor’s status.
Property owner
The individual or entity responsible for the maintenance and safety of the premises. Under premises liability law, the property owner must uphold a certain level of safety standards and address hazardous conditions.
Negligence
A failure to act with the care that a reasonable person would in similar situations. In premises liability, negligence often means not fixing hazards, ignoring building codes, or failing to provide proper security.
A situation where the property owner does not implement sufficient safety measures—such as security guards, cameras, or proper lighting—to prevent foreseeable criminal acts, potentially resulting in serious injury to visitors.
Hazardous conditions
Unsafe aspects of a property—like wet floors, loose wiring, falling objects, unstable structures, or lack of proper signage—that pose a risk of injury to visitors.
Attractive nuisance
A hazard on a property that is likely to attract children or others (e.g., an unfenced swimming pool) and can cause serious harm. Owners must take steps to secure these hazards, even against trespassing children.
Building codes
Regulations setting minimum safety standards for construction and maintenance. Violations of building codes in a premises liability case can help prove the owner’s negligence.
Foreseeable harm
A concept referring to hazards or risks that a property owner should anticipate and prevent. If a danger is reasonably predictable, failure to address it may result in liability for resulting injuries.
A legal claim brought by an injured party to recover damages for injuries caused by another’s negligence. In a premises liability context, the claim asserts that the property owner’s failure to maintain safe conditions caused the injury.
Warn visitors
A property owner’s obligation to inform guests about non-obvious hazards on the premises. Failure to warn visitors of known risks can lead to liability claims if injuries occur.
Legal duty
A requirement imposed by law on the property owner to act or refrain from acting in a certain way to protect visitors. Breaching this legal duty is central to proving negligence in premises liability cases.
Liable
Legally responsible. If a property owner is found liable in a premises liability lawsuit, they may be required to pay compensation to the injured party.
Someone else’s property
Refers to land, buildings, or structures that the injured party does not own but has entered, often with the owner’s consent. Under premises liability, the property owner’s actions (or inactions) on someone else’s property are subject to legal scrutiny.
Trespasser
A person who enters the property without the owner’s permission. Although owners owe fewer duties to trespassers, some exceptions may still apply.
What's Next?
what’s next?
attorney referral program
attorney referral program
Ferraro Law is nationally renowned for achieving significant settlements in complex personal injury cases. Firms across the country refer clients to Ferraro Law, recognizing our commitment to exceptional service, groundbreaking results, and readiness to tackle cases others find too risky or costly.
