Potholes create a risk of serious injury if unattended, and can be a hazard for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident caused by a pothole in a Tampa parking lot, you could be entitled to compensation to cover medical bills, time lost from work, and other expenses relating to the accident.
It may be beneficial to seek help from a Tampa slip and fall accident lawyer to determine whether you have grounds to make a claim. Your chosen representation can help you navigate the legal process and may be able to build a robust case to hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries if you qualify.
To find out more about how we can help, contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. Our clients are the heart of all we do, and we negotiate persuasively for the best outcome for everyone we represent. Call for a free case review today to discuss your situation with our team.
Customers Must Be Protected from Negligence Under Florida Law
Under Florida Statute §768.10, it is unlawful for a company or individual to leave potholes deeper or wider than two feet unrepaired or without appropriate safeguards to protect the public. However, to be successful in a personal injury compensation claim, it is necessary to prove the business or property owner behaved negligently.
The owners of the lot could be held liable for any accidents on the property if it can be proven they acted in a careless way, and you were injured as a result. This typically involves your lawyer establishing the following elements:
- The responsible party knew or should have known of the hazard (pothole) in the parking lot
- The responsible party failed to correct the hazard
- The hazard was the direct cause of your trip and fall accident
- You suffered injuries and other damages as a result of the accident
If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident caused by a pothole in a parking lot, contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a free case review at 1-800-747-3733. We can discuss your circumstances and help you determine your legal options. If you have a case, we offer comprehensive legal support from start to finish and offer our services on a no-win, no-fee basis.
A Trip and Fall Accident Can Result in Serious Injuries
While potholes are hazardous for motorists and cyclists, injuries can also result from customers and other guests at the premises tripping on the pothole. Data from the Florida Department of Health shows falls were the leading cause of unintentional injury hospitalizations in Hillsborough County in 2019, exceeding even road traffic accidents, highlighting how common these often-preventable accidents are.
Trip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries that have far-reaching effects on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being, so it is vital to seek medical assistance if you suffer any harm in this way.
Even a relatively minor fall can cause injuries, such as a concussion, that may not be immediately apparent. Properly attending to and documenting your injuries can safeguard against any future complications. Other injuries possible in this type of accident include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Back and spinal cord injuries
Tampa potholes in parking lots lawyer can help you determine who is responsible for the parking lot’s upkeep and may be able to help prove that their negligence resulted in your injuries and other losses.
Further, they can piece together all of the evidence and other documentation necessary to evaluate how the accident has impacted your life, which is used to estimate your claim’s value. When negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf, this information is applied to build a persuasive case presented to the at-fault party’s insurance company.
If a settlement amount cannot be agreed upon, all of the groundwork is already prepared, and we will not hesitate to proceed with a civil action. A benefit of being prepared for civil action is that it often motivates insurance companies to reach an out-of-court settlement to avoid further expense.
Different Types of Compensation Available and How to Claim
When a property owner or business does not properly maintain their premises and people are hurt as a result, your needs should come first, and you deserve fair compensation for damages such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and disfigurement
- Current and ongoing medical expenses
- Lost wages and any reduced future earning capacity
- Other economic and non-economic losses related to your accident
Bear in mind that you can help your case by gathering evidence at the scene. If you can, take pictures using indicators such as a ruler or other objects to illustrate the pothole’s depth or width (a cyclist could use their helmet, or a customer their bag, for example).
Do also take pictures of the surrounding area to demonstrate the defect’s physical location, and if there are witnesses, gather their contact details. This information may help your lawyer build a detailed case carefully.
Finally, be aware of the Florida Statute §95.11, which is essentially a deadline for claiming personal injury compensation. If you let more than four years lapse from the date of your injury, you will unlikely be able to file a claim. If you have any questions or concerns, your Tampa potholes in parking lots lawyer may be able to provide you with further advice.
Get Back on Your Feet with Help from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine
Our team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine provides comprehensive legal support for people injured by others’ carelessness. If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident caused by a parking lot pothole, we could take on the legal burden for you by dealing with insurance companies and fighting for fair compensation while you recover from your injuries.
For more information about our services, call for a free case review today. We are here to help.
We Can Help.
