The beaches of Florida draw tourists from all over the world. Endless days of sun, sugar-white sand, and temperate waters encourage people to plan a beach vacation to relax for a few days. Even at inland destinations like Disney, spectacular lakes and swimming pools attract people into the water in the hot weather.
However, with so many people enjoying the beaches and other Florida hotspots, a vacation can turn tragic. Children, in particular, are vulnerable to drowning and other water accidents that could lead to severe injury or even be fatal.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury near the water, consider talking to a knowledgeable Florida beach accident and drowning lawyer to learn more about your legal rights to recover compensation for your damage. A personal injury lawyer at Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa could investigate to help you find answers and provide a sense of justice, as well as fight for payments to help offset your losses.
Dangers of Florida Waters
Visiting international tourists and others often do not realize the dangers posed by the easily accessible waters of Florida. At the beach, waves and tides can pull swimmers out or suddenly overtake someone.
If a person becomes trapped underwater but is rescued before drowning, the near-death experience could leave permanent, devastating injuries, such as brain damage. A head injury could lead to learning disabilities or memory problems. In situations where these injuries could have been prevented if someone had only exercised reasonable care, it could be possible to hold that party accountable. Florida beach accident and drownings attorneys could help determine whether the duty of care was violated.
Time to Act is Limited
Florida law outlines a deadline to file a claim for a beach accident or drowning incident. If the victim is deceased, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years under the statute of limitations set in Fla. Stat. §95.11(4)(d). In situations where the incident causes injuries but not death, the claim must be prepared and filed within four years.
To prove liability, it is necessary to collect evidence to show how another person’s negligent or reckless behavior caused the injury or death. The best time to gather and preserve evidence is right after the incident leading to the injury. A beach accident and drownings lawyer could start working on a case immediately so that evidence could be collected, and the deadline is met in a timely manner.
Damages Available After a Beach Accident
Once liability is established, the victim or their family could pursue compensation to make up for losses caused by the incident. In a wrongful death claim, survivors could receive payments to make up for the value of lost companionship, mental pain and suffering, and other emotional damages.
Compensation could also provide for loss of support services and medical and funeral expenses. In situations where the accident victim survives, similar compensation could be available, but it would be paid to the victim rather than the surviving family members.
Consult a Florida Beach Accident and Drownings Attorney
In the aftermath of a beach accident or drowning, you may not want to think of legal or financial matters. Working with a law firm could enable you to focus on other aspects of your life by turning legal matters over to an experienced Florida beach accident and drownings lawyer.
A legal claim cannot replace loved ones lost or restore health, but it can help ease financial burdens in the future. Call the attorneys at Domnick Cunningham & Whalen today to set up a consultation to learn more about how a dedicated legal representative could assist your family during this difficult time.
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