What To Do if You Get Injured at the Tampa Theatre
April 2, 2025 | Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers | Premises liability
As a Tampa local, you’re likely fully aware of the allure of the Tampa Theatre. With its ornate architecture, ceiling full of twinkling stars, and the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, it’s an enchanting landmark that is designed to make memories.
The problem, however, is that one wrong move on the stairs or a slip on a wet floor can make your night at the theatre memorable for all the wrong reasons. It’s a devastating thought, but accidents can happen anywhere, even at places you’d expect to be perfectly safe.
Common Injuries at Historic Sites Like the Tampa Theatre
Despite meticulous upkeep, the Tampa Theatre is still an older building, and that means there are certain inherent risks to visiting it that might not factor in at more modern venues, such as:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Uneven flooring and steps, as well as unexpected obstacles like cords or misplaced items, can send you tumbling
- Stair-Related Accidents: The theatre has multiple levels that are accessible by stairs; a stumble on these can lead to serious injuries, especially if they’re crowded or poorly lit
- Falling Objects: Though less common, there’s always a heightened risk of objects falling from balconies or ceilings
- Crowd-Related Accidents: Areas get congested during entry, exit, and intermission, creating the potential for injuries from pushing, shoving, or trampling
Some of these risks are common to movie theaters, old and new; crowds, sticky or wet floors, and trying to navigate in the dark are all things moviegoers must be aware of. However, the fact that Tampa Theatre is a historic site just dials up some of these risks.
Were You Injured at the Tampa Theatre? Do This First
The first steps you take following an injury are some of the most crucial. Assess the situation and get help. Don’t try to tough it out; if you’re in pain from your injury or accident, stay where you are (as long as it’s safe to do so) and call for help. Alert a theatre staff member, usher, or security personnel right away. If you’re with someone, have them get help.
Even if you don’t seem to be in any serious pain, it’s vital that you agree to be checked up; things like adrenaline and shock can dull your senses in the heat of the moment, and some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, aren’t always immediately apparent.
As you wait for emergency personnel to arrive, try to document the incident as thoroughly as you can (if it is safe to do so). Take photos or videos of the area where it occurred, making sure to capture any visible hazards. Make a note of the time, date, and specific location within the theatre where the accident happened as well.
If anyone saw your accident, ask for their names and contact information to get their accounts later on. And before you leave the theatre, work to ensure that management creates an official incident report of your accident. Be factual and detailed in your description of what happened if they ask you for a statement and then request a copy of the report for your records.
Finally, follow up with your doctor after receiving emergency or urgent medical care. Adhere to all of their medical advice and keep records of every appointment you attend, as well as your treatments and medications.
Bouncing Back After an Unexpected Injury
When what should have been a special night ends in an unexpected tragedy, your memories may be forever tainted. Nevertheless, it’s important to focus on your recovery and take the steps you need to protect your well-being. Following the steps laid out above will not only serve your health but also set you up for success when you choose to pursue a personal injury claim.
Contact a Tampa Premises Liability 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 premises liability 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