Matthew Mincone | November 7, 2024 | Tampa Personal Injury Blog
Visiting the Florida Aquarium can be an exciting and educational experience. However, accidents can occur unexpectedly, even in places as delightful as the Aquarium. Knowing the steps you should take is essential if you or a loved one has been injured during a visit there.
Our Tampa personal injury law firm shares a straightforward guide to help you through the process.
Prioritize Your Health and Safety
Immediately after an injury, your first instinct should be to ensure your safety and well-being. If you are injured, seek medical attention right away. Alert an aquarium staff member; they are trained to handle emergencies and can provide or summon medical assistance.
Even if your injuries seem minor, visiting a medical professional is wise. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time if left untreated.
Report the Incident
Once you’ve ensured your safety, the next step is to report the incident to the aquarium staff. Request the presence of a manager or supervisor and ensure they document your accident in an official incident report. Be sure to obtain a copy of this report for your own records.
When detailing the incident, stick to the facts without embellishment, as inaccuracies might complicate your claim later on.
Gather Evidence
Gathering evidence at the scene can be crucial if you pursue a legal claim.
Here are some steps to help you collect the necessary information:
- Take Photos and Videos: Use your smartphone to take pictures or videos of the scene, your injuries, and any hazards that might have contributed to the accident, like wet floors or poor lighting.
- Get Witness Information: Ask for their contact information if there are any witnesses. Their testimony is invaluable to your case.
- Save Any Related Documentation: Keep any tickets, receipts, or relevant documents related to your aquarium visit.
This information will be important in demonstrating the circumstances of the incident, primarily if the accident resulted from negligence on behalf of the Aquarium.
Avoid Speaking With Other Parties’ Insurance
Soon after your incident, you might be contacted by insurance adjusters from the Aquarium’s insurance company. Be cautious in these communications. Their primary aim is often to minimize payouts, and they may use anything you say against you to reduce liability.
Politely decline to provide statements or sign documents before speaking with a personal injury attorney. You have the right to refer insurers to your lawyer.
Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating the complexities of personal injury law can be challenging, particularly when recovering from injuries. Consulting with a skilled personal injury attorney can clarify and ensure you understand your rights and options.
An attorney can help assess the merit of your case, quantify damages like medical expenses and lost wages, and negotiate effectively with insurance companies on your behalf. A skilled attorney should have significant experience handling accident claims like yours.
Evaluate Liability
In Florida, property owners must maintain a reasonably safe environment for their visitors.
To prove liability, you and your attorney will need to establish that:
- The Florida Aquarium had a duty to maintain safe premises.
- The Aquarium breached that duty by failing to address hazards.
- That breach caused your injury.
- You suffered actual damages as a result.
The key to any personal injury case is determining who was at fault.
Understand Florida’s Comparative Fault Rules
Florida operates under a comparative negligence system. This means if you are found to be partially at fault for your injury, any damages awarded might be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you were deemed to be 20% responsible for the accident, your compensation might be reduced by that amount. This common legal principle underscores the importance of having an attorney who can argue effectively on your behalf.
A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help if You’re Injured at the Florida Aquarium
Injuries at popular attractions like the Florida Aquarium can be distressing, but understanding the steps to take can help you regain control. Prioritize your health, document every aspect of the incident, and seek qualified legal help promptly. Don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer for the guidance you need.
Contact the Tampa Personal Injury Lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa, FL, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County and its surrounding areas:
Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers
1925 E 6th Ave Ste 10
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 430-3338