Premises Liability Attorneys Tampa

Property owners are legally liable for the safety and wellbeing of legal visitors to their premises. That means you have a right to expect that your visits to someone else’s property — whether government, private, retail, or commercial — will be free from avoidable hazards that could result in an accident. Accidents stemming from hazards or issues that an owner either knew about or should have known about and failed to address may entitle you to seek compensation for your damages through either an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. These types of accidents are known as premises liability accidents in the world of personal injury law, and working with an attorney is one of the best ways to successfully navigate this process while also having the time and space you need to focus on recovering from your injuries. 

1-800-INJURED MAKES FINDING A TAMPA ATTORNEY EASY

1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service. After a premises liability incident, you may be feeling a lot of pressure from the at-fault party, their attorneys, or their representative insurance company to quickly settle your claim and move forward. But this is a tactic specifically meant to reach an affordable settlement by those liable for your damages. Unfortunately, this tactic is often effective because a victim and their family may try to manage their stress and financial concerns by accepting a low one-time settlement in an attempt to move forward with their lives. They might then realize after the fact that they were likely entitled to far more than they accepted. 

1-800-Injured can connect you with a proven premises liability lawyer in Tampa while you stay focused on recovery and getting your life back on track. Contact us as soon as possible so we can work on scheduling a free consultation with an experienced attorney. That attorney can help you make sense of your situation and give you an idea of how they can help you fight for the money you rightfully deserve. You should be compensated for all of the damages you have suffered as a result of the at-fault party’s negligent property management, and working with an attorney is one of your best chances to make sure this happens.

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT ON SOMEONE ELSE’S PROPERTY

Whether you are hurt at a shopping plaza, on government property, or on someone’s private property, the following steps are meant to ensure that you get the medical care you need while also protecting your potential legal options after the fact. The most important thing to keep in mind after any accident is that your health and safety should be your top priority. Anything that could exacerbate your injuries or put you in danger must be avoided. Use your discretion as you follow these steps, and make sure that you get the medical care you need.

Call 911

We encourage victims to call 911 immediately to ensure that EMTs are dispatched promptly so that they get the medical care they need as soon as possible. The other benefit of calling 911 as soon as you are injured is that it may avoid an uncomfortable or contentious confrontation with a property owner who might implore you to handle the situation directly without involving authorities. While this may seem like a way to simplify matters, the reality is that too often, people are left with their word against another if the at-fault party’s story changes after the fact. When there is no accident report, this may ultimately complicate the entire process. 

Alert the Property Owner or Management

If the owner or management is not aware of your injury, you will need to alert them immediately If you are on commercial or government property, the management will likely need to complete an internal accident report, and they will be able to provide you with assistance until the EMTs, fire department, and police are at the scene and able to take over. Inform them that you have called 911. 

Record the Accident Scene

If possible, take a video of the accident scene and narrate the video so that you are able to recall key events and details because your memory fades over time. Pictures are helpful, but a narrated video is even more advantageous. Call out any key information that comes to mind, including who was there, what they were doing, what you were doing, what the hazard was, and how you came to be injured. If others witnessed your accident, get their contact information and encourage them to make their statements to submit to the attending officer. All of this information will help your attorney piece together a clear picture of the situation while they determine fault and liability.

Get Medical Care

As soon as the EMTs arrive, let them give you a full health check and follow their advice. If they suggest an ambulance to the emergency room, it is in your best interest to do so — your attorney will fight to get the money back for the cost of the ambulance during your claim. If you are able to leave the scene without an ambulance, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician as soon as possible. Each check you get will ensure that you are not missing any possible injuries that need treatment. 

Make a Statement To the Attending Officer

The Tampa police officer at the scene will compile an accident report that includes a wealth of information as well as the officer’s opinion on what happened. This report will be central to your claim. However, it is important to remember that the officer may record information incorrectly or arrive at an incorrect conclusion, but your attorney will be able to handle these errors if they arise. Give the officer a clear statement about your experience, but be sure not to make any statements that may implicate you, including even something as innocuous as an apology or politely looking for a way to shift blame from the at-fault party. These types of statements can complicate your claim as your attorney is working with an insurance company or defense attorney who is focused on paying as little as possible regardless of what you are truly owed.