Florida Premises Liability Attorney
Recovering from injuries sustained while on someone else’s property can be a long and painful process. If the responsible party’s insurance company denies or delays payment of your premises liability accident claim, the recovery process can be even more difficult.
All too often victims of a premises liability accident are unsure what steps to take following the accident. They also may not know who to call for help with their insurance claim. If you need assistance with a premises liability claim, the following information could help.
What Should I Do After a Premises Liability Accident?
If you are injured while on someone else’s property, the law often holds the property owner/manager legally liable for those injuries. For example, if you are injured in a slip and fall accident at the grocery store, the grocery store’s insurance company may be responsible for compensating you for the injuries you suffered. Similarly, if you are injured at a hotel’s pool or while at an amusement park, the owners’ insurance companies should cover your medical expenses and other costs associated with your injury.
To ensure that your right to compensation is protected, there are some steps you should take following a premises liability accident.
- Notify the property owner or manager. Even if you believe the accident did not result in injuries, notify the owner or manager of the property immediately. If the property is a commercial business, ask to complete an incident report and request a copy of the report. Get the name and contact number of the person to speak to about the accident.
- Document the scene of the accident. If your injuries allow, document the scene of the accident. Take photos with your cell phone, if possible. Focus on any obvious contributing factors, such as a liquid spill on the floor, boxes in an aisle, or cracked pavement that caused the accident. Also, obtain names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Get a thorough medical examination. Go to the emergency room or your primary care physician and have a thorough physical examination done to check for injuries that do not produce obvious symptoms. A traumatic brain injury, for example, does not always cause visible symptoms immediately following the injury, but can be life-threatening.
- Contact the insurance company. Contact the property owner’s insurance company as soon as possible to initiate the claims process.
- Follow up with medical treatment. If your injuries are such that a physician has recommended ongoing or further treatment, make sure you follow up and complete that treatment. Not only is this important for your physical recovery, but your claim cannot be settled until your treatment is complete.
Do I Need a Florida Premises Liability Attorney?
The insurance company responsible for compensating you for your injuries should pay your claim in full and in a reasonable amount of time. Unfortunately, however, insurance companies frequently try to avoid paying claims or offer to pay less than what the claim is worth because that is how they make a profit.
If your claim is denied or the insurance company does not offer you what your claim is worth, you should consult with a Florida premises liability attorney. An experienced attorney will review the property owner’s insurance policy and investigate the accident. Your attorney will then attempt to negotiate a full and fair settlement on your behalf. If a settlement is not possible, the attorney will represent you in court at a trial.
Will I Need to File a Lawsuit?
Although it is impossible to know in advance whether a claim will turn into a lawsuit, most premises liability claims are resolved without the need for litigation. If filing a lawsuit does become necessary, your attorney will make sure the lawsuit is filed before the statute of limitations expires to protect your interests. If the case cannot be resolved out of court, your attorney will present your case to a judge or jury at trial to get you the maximum award possible.
How Much Will a Florida Premises Liability Attorney Cost?
When an insurance company denies a claim or delays payment of a claim, it is common for injured victims to believe they have no recourse because they cannot afford an attorney. The truth, however, is that there is no upfront cost for an injured victim of a premises liability accident. The attorney is paid only after the victim accepts a settlement or secures an award at trial.
Where Can I Get Help with My Premises Liability Accident Claim?
If you have been involved in a Florida premises liability accident and the negligent party’s insurance company is refusing to pay your claim in full, we can help. Call us at 407-500-1000 or submit our online form today. One of our experienced Florida premises liability attorneys will review your case and discuss your legal options with you at no cost.