Can I File a Claim If I Got Injured at Clearwater Marine Aquarium?

September 16, 2024 | Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers | Personal Injury

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting marine life, research, and conservation. Since 2010, thousands of marine animals have been rescued, rehabilitated, and released. A visit to Clearwater Marine Aquarium is fascinating and educational.

However, an injury or accident can interrupt a pleasant day at the aquarium. If you or your family member were injured at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, you may be able to file a claim for damages. A Clearwater personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim to protect your rights.

Premises Liability Claims for Injuries and Accidents at Public Locations

Premises liability laws hold property owners and parties responsible for the property liable if someone is injured while on the property. The owners and operators have a duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors. That means Clearwater Marine Aquarium may be liable if you are injured while visiting the facility.

Common reasons for injuries at an aquarium include:

Lack of safety measures and warnings to prevent visitor injuries
Slip and fall accidents because of wet, slippery, or uneven surfaces
An interaction with an animal could result in an injury
Malfunctioning or defective equipment and displays
Inadequate maintenance of the facility and equipment

Proving liability for an injury or accident at Clearwater Marine Aquarium can be challenging. You must prove the legal elements of a premises liability claim. Therefore, consulting a Clearwater premises liability lawyer is a wise step.

What Steps Should I Take if I’m Injured at Clearwater Marine Aquarium?

If you are injured while visiting the aquarium, the steps you should take include:

Notify the aquarium staff immediately.
Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Call 911 or ask someone to do so if your injuries require emergency medical services.
Gather evidence at the accident scene by taking photographs and asking witnesses for their contact information.
Ask the aquarium staff to provide you with a copy of the accident report.
Document damages by keeping detailed records of monetary losses and expenses. Report all symptoms and injuries to your physicians to document in your medical records.
Consult a Clearwater personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

The aquarium or an insurance adjuster may ask you to answer questions or provide a statement to file a claim. It is best to consult an attorney and allow them to handle filing a claim.

What Damages Can I Receive for an Injury Claim at Clearwater Marine Aquarium?

Florida premises liability laws provide for economic and non-economic damages. If you prove the aquarium or another party is responsible for causing your injuries, you may receive compensation for damages, including:

Past and future medical bills and expenses
Impairments and disabilities
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Lost wages, income, and benefits
Pain and suffering
Reduction in future earning capacity
Scarring and disfigurement
Out-of-pocket expenses
Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life
Rehabilitative therapies

The amount you receive for damages depends on the circumstances and facts of your case. Your injuries are a significant factor in determining how much your claim is worth. However, other factors can also impact how much you receive for an injury claim.

What Happens if I’m Partially to Blame for an Accident at Clearwater Marine Aquarium?

Florida’s comparative negligence laws do not bar injured parties from receiving damages if they are partially to blame for causing their injuries unless they are more than 50% at fault. You cannot receive damages if you are even 51% to blame for causing your injury.

However, if your blame is less than 51 percent, you can receive a portion of your damages. The court reduces the amount you receive based on your level of fault. Therefore, if you are 25% at fault, your damages award is reduced by that amount.

The insurance company or aquarium may try to shift some of the blame to you to avoid paying the full value of your damages. If you are accused of being at fault, contact an attorney immediately.

Were You Injured at Clearwater Marine Aquarium?

You deserve fair compensation for injuries and damages because of an accident at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. If you have questions about an injury claim, contact the Clearwater personal injury lawyers at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.

Contact a Clearwater Personal Injury 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 Clearwater 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