Whether you’re taking your dog for their daily walk through the neighborhood or just looking to get a little exercise yourself, the last thing you expect when you set out for a walk is to end up with injuries that impact your life. Unfortunately, due to unsafe sidewalks, these accidents are common. It’s important to understand that if you have been hurt, you do not have to accept this as an unfortunate accident. It’s in your best interest to consider connecting with an Orlando sidewalk accident lawyer who can help you explore your legal options. The following blog covers how these accidents happen and how long you have to pursue a claim if you wish to do so.
What Makes a Sidewalk Unsafe in Florida?
Though you may not think twice before walking down the street, understanding what makes a sidewalk unsafe can help ensure you are alert to potential hazards. Common hazards that can render sidewalks dangerous include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Broken slabs
- Cracks or holes in the concrete
- Uneven or sinking sidewalks
- Debris littering the area
- Wires and cords left on the ground
Though falling on a sidewalk may not seem like a big deal, when unsafe conditions lead to a slip-and-fall, pedestrians can sustain serious injuries. This includes broken bones, sprains, traumatic brain injuries, and neck and spinal cord injuries.
Ultimately, the homeowner can be held responsible for unsafe conditions on their property in most instances. This is because they have a duty to ensure the premises are safe for those walking on their sidewalks.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date on which your accident occurred. Though this may seem like a lot of time, it can go by incredibly quickly when you are navigating injuries. As such, it’s critical to ensure you connect with an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options if you wish to pursue a claim to recover compensation for your damages.
However, if you were injured on the sidewalk of municipal property, the statute is much different. You must first file a Notice of Claim with the appropriate party that informs the government of the details surrounding the injury you sustained on municipal property and the damages you see. It’s imperative to understand that you must file this notice before you can bring about a lawsuit against a government entity.
The damages one can sustain because of a sidewalk accident can be devastating and can seriously impact your life. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced personal injury lawyer from Tropical Injury Law Firm to investigate the circumstances of your accident. We will examine all potential avenues to assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve if you’ve been hurt because of the negligent actions of another party. Contact us today for more information.
