October 9, 2025 | Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers | Premises liability
Hollis Garden is one of Lakeland’s hidden gems — a beautiful, peaceful spot with lush greenery, colorful flowers, and walking paths overlooking Lake Mirror. Whether you’re there for a stroll, a photo session, or just to enjoy the view, it’s a space meant for relaxation.
However, accidents can still happen, even in a serene place like Hollis Garden. If you slipped on a wet surface, tripped over an uneven path, or were hurt because something on the property wasn’t maintained properly, you might be wondering if you should hire a lawyer.
The answer depends on the situation — but if your injuries are more than minor, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed about what to do next, speaking with an experienced injury lawyer can make a big difference.
Understanding Liability for Injuries on Public Property
In Florida, property owners — including cities — are required to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This falls under premises liability law. If the City of Lakeland failed to fix or warn about a hazard at Hollis Garden and you were injured as a result, you may have a valid claim.
That could include hazards, such as:
- Slippery walkways after watering
- Cracked or uneven pavement
- Poor lighting along garden paths
- Damaged railings or steps
While this list isn’t exhaustive, it provides a good starting point for understanding potential hazards on public property.
When Does It Make Sense to Call a Lawyer?
Not every trip or fall results in a lawsuit, and not every injury requires the services of a lawyer.
Here are a few signs that it’s worth having a conversation with someone who knows the law:
Your Injuries Are Serious
If you broke a bone, needed stitches, suffered a head injury, or are dealing with long-term pain, your medical bills and recovery time can add up quickly.
You’re Unsure Who’s at Fault
Sometimes, the cause of the accident isn’t obvious. A lawyer can help investigate what really happened and who may be responsible.
The City or Insurance Company Denies Your Claim
Government agencies and their insurers often try to avoid blame or offer the bare minimum to settle a case. An attorney can make sure you’re not pressured into settling for less than you deserve.
You’re Not Sure What Your Rights Are
Injury claims against a city or local government follow different rules — including shorter deadlines and required notices. A lawyer can guide you through the process to ensure that nothing is missed.
What Kinds of Compensation Could You Receive?
If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may be eligible for compensation.
That might include:
- Medical bills, now and in the future
- Lost wages if you had to miss work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or anxiety
- Ongoing treatment, like physical therapy
- Any lasting effects, like scarring or limited mobility
Every case is different. The best way to get a clear picture of what your claim may be worth is to speak with a lawyer who’s handled similar cases before.
What if the Accident Was Partly Your Fault?
It’s not unusual to feel unsure — maybe you weren’t paying attention, or maybe the area was crowded. That doesn’t automatically mean you’re out of options.
Florida uses a modified comparative fault system. That means you can still recover compensation as long as you weren’t more than 50% at fault. Even if you share some responsibility, you may still be entitled to a portion of your damages.
Call Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a Lakeland Premises Liability Lawyer
If you were hurt at Hollis Garden or another public place in Lakeland, you don’t have to handle it on your own. It’s completely normal to have questions, and we’re here to help you find answers.
At Winters & Yonker, we’ve helped people across Florida who were injured through no fault of their own. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal rights, and let you know what your options are.
Call us today for a free consultation with a trusted Lakeland premises liability lawyer.
For more information, please contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Lakeland today. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, and Lakeland.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Polk County, and their surrounding areas:
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 223-6200
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
600 Bypass Dr Suite 224-D, Clearwater, FL 33764
(727) 493-4418
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Office
111 2nd Ave NE Suite 350, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 314-5988
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
5006 Trouble Creek Rd Unit #200, Port Richey, FL 34652
(727) 910-5060
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Lakeland Office
1543 Lakeland Hills Blvd Suite 18, Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 251-6196
