Legal Steps to Take After an Injury At the Florida Aquarium in Tampa
November 8, 2024 | Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers | Personal Injury
Visiting the Florida Aquarium in Tampa is an educational experience for children and families. However, accidents can happen even in well-maintained places such as the local aquarium. People can be hurt in various ways, from slips and falls to accidents involving interactive exhibits.
If you or a loved one has been injured, taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights. A Tampa personal injury lawyer can then evaluate whether you may be entitled to compensation.
1. Prioritize Medical Attention
The first step after any injury is to seek medical attention. You should do this even if you suspect only minor injuries. Some serious conditions, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may worsen over time.
Obtaining medical treatment is important for safeguarding your health. It is also crucial to create an official record of your injuries after an accident at the Florida Aquarium. Your medical chart will provide a causal link between the incident and your injuries.
2. Report the Incident to Florida Aquarium Staff
Notify Florida Aquarium staff about your injury and ask them to create a record of it. The aquarium may have procedures for handling accidents and maintaining records, which could later support your claim.
If a staff member asks you to fill out an incident report, be honest and accurate in describing what happened. Do not speculate. Request a copy of the report after it is completed, and keep a copy safe for your records. This document can provide additional evidence if you pursue a legal claim.
3. Document Your Injury At the Florida Aquarium
Collecting evidence is an essential part of any injury claim. Document the scene and circumstances surrounding your injury at the Florida Aquarium if you can do so safely. Capture photos or videos of the area where you were injured, including any hazardous conditions involved, such as wet floors, poor lighting, or defective equipment.
Take note of any witnesses and ask for their contact information so that they can corroborate your story later. Once you return home, write down what happened. Include details such as the time and location of your injury and how it happened. That way, important information is not forgotten over time.
4. Refrain from Talking About Your Aquarium Accident or Signing Documents
You may feel compelled to discuss the details of what happened with staff, family, or friends. However, it is typically wise to avoid making detailed statements regarding the accident or signing any documents the Florida Aquarium or its management may present to you. Your statements may be used against you to minimize or deny a potential personal injury claim.
5. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer in Tampa
Speaking with an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney is recommended after an accident at the Florida Aquarium. A lawyer can help evaluate your case and advise on the next steps. That may include filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit for compensation if negligence by the Florida Aquarium or its staff contributed to your injury. This is because businesses in Florida are required to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors.
You may have a premises liability claim if the Florida Aquarium’s negligence led to your injury. An experienced lawyer can help determine whether the aquarium breached its duty of care. They can assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
An attorney can also file a personal injury lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, which is two years from the injury date for most cases (with some exceptions).
Injured At the Florida Aquarium? Schedule a Free Consultation With a Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Getting injured at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa is always unexpected. However, taking certain steps and consulting a Tampa premises liability lawyer can help protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving potential compensation.
If you or a loved one were injured at the Florida Aquarium, do not hesitate to speak with a legal professional. Schedule a free consultation today.
Contact a Tampa 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 Tampa 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
