Not every accident on someone else’s property qualifies for a premises liability lawsuit, but some do.
The challenge? Many victims hesitate because they’re not sure if their case even qualifies. Meanwhile, medical bills pile up, and important evidence may disappear.
At Louis Berk Law, we handle premises liability settlements every day, and we know how confusing these cases can feel at first. That’s why we’re breaking down the five key signs that suggest you may have a strong claim, and when it’s time to call a premises liability lawyer.
What Is a Premises Liability Case?
A premises liability case refers to any legal claim made when someone is injured on another person’s property due to unsafe or negligent conditions.
That could be a slippery floor, a broken handrail, poor lighting, or even a loose tile that causes a serious fall. If the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the hazard, and you got hurt as a result, you may be entitled to compensation through a premises liability settlement.
1. The Accident Happened on Poorly Maintained Property
This is the first — and biggest — red flag.
The owner could be held legally responsible if your injury occurred due to unsafe property conditions. Think:
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Wet floors without warning signs
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Broken stairs or uneven sidewalks
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Poor lighting in hallways or parking lots
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Exposed wires or unstable fixtures
If a business, landlord, or property manager knew about the hazard and failed to fix it, you may have a valid premises liability lawsuit.
2. The Property Owner Ignored Obvious Dangers
Here’s the reality: hazards don’t fix themselves — and property owners know that. If they failed to take action after becoming aware of a dangerous condition, that’s negligence.
One example? A sticky liquid left on the floor of Orlando International Airport caused a woman to slip and fall — and she successfully sued. Why? Because the substance had been there long enough that airport staff should have cleaned it or issued a warning.
In this type of case, premises liability attorneys will investigate maintenance logs, security footage, and past complaints to prove that the hazard was ignored.
3. The Insurance Company Lowballed or Denied Your Claim
If you filed an insurance claim and received an unreasonably low offer — or a denial altogether, that’s a major red flag.
Insurance companies often try to:
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Shift blame onto the victim
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Claim you were warned (even if there were no signs)
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Downplay your injuries
Don’t settle for less than your case is worth. A skilled premises liability law firm can push back hard — and take the case to trial if necessary.
4. There Were Prior Warnings — and They Were Ignored
One of the strongest pieces of evidence in a premises liability case is proof of prior complaints or incident reports.
Did someone warn the owner? Did maintenance staff ignore a known issue? Did another injury happen in the same spot?
Let’s not forget the tragedy at a Central Florida fair where a teenager died after falling from a ride. Investigators later found ignored technician warnings and faulty components. While that case went beyond typical premises liability injuries, it clearly shows what happens when safety is brushed aside.
5. You Don’t Know How to Prove Negligence — But You Know Something Was Wrong
If you’re convinced the property owner failed to keep the space safe — but you’re unsure how to prove it — you’re not alone.
Time-sensitive evidence like:
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Spill cleanup logs
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Video footage
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Witness statements
…can disappear quickly.
A premises liability lawyer knows exactly how to preserve that evidence and build a rock-solid case. If you’re asking, “What is a premises liability case, and do I have one?” — it’s time to get answers from someone who knows.
When Should You Call a Florida Premises Liability Lawyer?
If you’re seeing any of these five signs, don’t wait.
Florida gives you just two years to file most premises liability lawsuits — and the sooner you act, the better your chances of getting the evidence and compensation you deserve.
Hiring the right lawyer can make all the difference. At Louis Berk Law, we’ve helped countless clients across Florida fight back after being injured on dangerous property — and win.
Final Word: Know the Signs. Know Your Rights.
Here’s the truth: premises liability insurance companies don’t work in your favor — they work to protect the property owner.
That’s why understanding these five signs matters. If any apply to your situation, your next step is simple:
📞 Call Louis Berk Law today for a free consultation with an experienced premises liability lawyer. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you fight for a fair settlement.
Because no one should pay the price for someone else’s negligence.