I used to defend property owners, landlords, and management companies.Now I represent the people hurt on their property.
Property owners have a duty to keep their property reasonably safe. When they cut corners on repairs, lighting, railings, or pools, people get hurt.
Their insurers then argue it was your fault for not watching where you were going. I know that defense because I used to make it.
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The things people ask first.
You can recover if you are 50% or less at fault. Your award is reduced by your share. Fla. Stat. § 768.81
No fees or costs unless we win. Your consultation is free.
For invited guests and customers, an owner must maintain the property and warn of hidden dangers they knew or should have known about.
Broken stairs and railings, uneven walkways, poor lighting, falling objects, elevator and escalator injuries, pool injuries, and unsafe apartments.
The law requires proof the business knew or should have known. Fla. Stat. § 768.0755 See Slip and Fall.
Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing. Fla. Stat. § 768.81
Most negligence claims arising after March 24, 2023 must be filed within two years. Fla. Stat. § 95.11
I know who actually controls the property. Owners, landlords, property management companies, HOAs, and maintenance contractors often point at each other. I sort out who had the duty to fix the problem. That stops the finger pointing from stalling your claim.
I know what records they keep. Work orders, repair requests, tenant complaints, inspection reports, and prior incidents. Those records often prove the owner knew. Proving knowledge is what gets a premises claim paid.
I know how they argue your status. Florida law treats customers, tenants, guests, and trespassers differently. I know how the defense uses that, and I make sure you are classified correctly. That protects the duty the owner owed you.
I find every policy. Commercial property policies, landlord policies, management company policies, and contractor policies. Every policy found is more money available to you.
I handle your case personally. Not a case manager. You call or text, I answer.
Steps that protect your claim.
Report it to the owner, manager, or landlord in writing.
Photograph the hazard before it gets fixed.
Get names and numbers of witnesses.
If you rent, save your lease and any repair requests you sent.
Get medical care right away.
Don’t give a recorded statement to the owner’s insurer. Call me first.
My office is on North Dale Mabry in Carrollwood. You don’t have to come to me. I’ll meet you at the office, at your home, or at the hospital. Most clients handle everything by phone, text, and email.
Bring what you have: photos, the exchange form, insurance letters, medical bills. It doesn’t need to be organized. That’s my job.
Call or text me at (813) 547-4707.
What your claim can include
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Often, yes, especially when you reported the problem and it wasn’t fixed.
No. Photograph it early, but a repair doesn’t erase what happened.
Sometimes both. I review the management agreement to find out.
Call me. I will give you my honest take. Fault is often shared, and you may still have a claim. The choice is yours.
Nothing unless we win. My fee and case costs come out of the recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing.
Every case is handled by me. Not assistants, case managers, or call centers.
Written by Jacob Gordon, Florida Bar No. 125004 · Updated October 2026