What to Do if You Slipped and Fell at The St. Pete Pier?

August 27, 2024 | Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers | Personal Injury

The St. Petersburg Pier is known as the St. Pete Pier. It extends into Tampa Bay from downtown St. Petersburg, FL. The St. Pete Pier is the most current structure in this location. Several other piers have occupied the location. The City of St. Petersburg owns the St. Pete Pier.

St. Pete Pier is 26 acres where visitors can swim, bike, walk, shop, and dine. Concerts at St. Pete Pier and other attractions are held throughout the year. The pier also includes attractions such as the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center and the St. Petersburg Museum of History.

What Happens if I Slip and Fall at The St. Pete Pier in St. Petersburg, FL?

A slip, trip, and fall at St. Pete Pier can cause severe injuries.

There are many hazards at the pier that could cause a slip-and-fall accident, including but not limited to the following:

Slick and slippery surfaces
Broken or damaged flooring
Uneven surfaces
Inadequate lighting
Cluttered walkways
Broken stairs and lack of handrails

Slip and fall accidents at St. Pete Pier can result in catastrophic injuries. Broken bones, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and neck/back injuries are common slip and fall injuries. If you fall at St. Pete Pier, seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.

Who Is Responsible for Damages Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents at St. Pete Pier?

The location of your slip and fall accident and the circumstances surrounding the accident determine who is liable for damages. The City of St. Petersburg could be liable for slip and fall accidents if the accident occurs on city-owned property. On the other hand, a restaurant or shop owner could be liable if your fall occurs in their business.

A St. Petersburg slip and fall lawyer can investigate the cause of your fall to determine who is liable. If the city is liable, the process of filing a claim is different from filing a slip-and-fall claim against companies and private individuals.

Filing a Claim Against the City of St. Petersburg for Slip and Fall Accidents at St. Pete Pier

Most government entities are protected by sovereign immunity. They cannot be sued unless they waive sovereign immunity. Florida has waived sovereign immunity for tort actions. Tort actions include slip and fall accidents caused by negligence.

You must exhaust administrative remedies before proceeding with a lawsuit against the city. The law requires you to file a written claim within three years of the slip and fall accident. The city has 180 days to investigate your claim. If the city rejects your claim, you can file a lawsuit.

However, the lawsuit must be filed within three years of your slip and fall accident. Therefore, you do not want to wait until three years have passed. Furthermore, the longer you wait to contact an attorney, the more difficult it might be to secure evidence to prove your case. The sooner you seek legal advice, the better for your case.

The statute of limitations for claims against other parties is shorter. Generally, you have two years to file a claim against a private party for a slip and fall accident.

What Damages Can I Recover for a Slip and Fall Accident at The St. Pete Pier?

The damages for a slip and fall accident at St. Pete Pier can include economic and non-economic damages.

Examples of damages for a slip and fall case include:

Medical bills and expenses
Pain and suffering damages
Permanent impairments and disabilities
Lost wages and benefits
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Scarring and disfigurement
Out-of-pocket expenses
Diminished earning capacity
Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life

The amount you receive for damages depends on the facts of your case and the parties involved. Florida does not cap damages in most personal injury cases. However, state law limits compensation for personal injury claims filed against government entities.

The cap for tort claims against the city is $200,000 per agency and $300,000 per claim. Therefore, if your suit is against the City of St. Petersburg, it is only responsible for $200,000 in damages. However, if another party is liable, you may receive more damages.

A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help if You Slip and Fall at the St. Pete Pier

An attorney works to maximize the value of your damages to obtain the best possible settlement for your claim. If you have questions about a slip and fall accident, contact aSt. Petersburg’s personal injury lawyer will schedule a free consultation.

Contact a St. Petersburg Slip and Fall Lawyer from Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in St. Petersburg 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 its 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