Deadlines for Slip-and-Fall Lawsuits in Tampa
If you’re considering a slip-and-fall lawsuit in Tampa, you should become aware of the various deadlines that apply to your situation. Generally speaking, it’s best to move fast when it comes to injury claims. The faster you take action, the sooner you’ll have the necessary compensation to cover your various damages. To learn more about these deadlines, contact an experienced Tampa injury attorney.
The Deadline to See a Doctor
Perhaps the most important deadline after a slip-and-fall involves medical treatment. This deadline is also the easiest to remember: Seek medical treatment as soon as possible after a fall. Every moment you delay could make your injuries worse – and only a medical professional can accurately evaluate your condition.
You should also know that some injuries are virtually invisible and undetectable. A clear example is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). You might not notice your TBI at all, even if it is causing life-threatening conditions like intracranial bleeding. Prompt treatment also makes it easier to prove your injuries are real. You can use your medical records as evidence when pursuing your slip-and-fall lawsuit.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality also recommends that doctors monitor your condition for 72 hours after your fall. Don’t rush your recovery, and give doctors enough time to evaluate your situation.
The Statute of Limitations
The second major deadline you need to be aware of is the statute of limitations. Although this phrase might sound complex, it is a relatively basic “legal time limit.” Once this time limit runs out, you can’t file your personal injury lawsuit.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for a slip-and-fall lawsuit is just two years. Although this might seem like a long time, this time limit was previously much longer in Florida. You have less time to file your claim, and it’s best to get started as soon as possible.
Even if there were no statute of limitations, it would still make sense to proceed as quickly as possible. Evidence has a habit of disappearing, and witnesses could be difficult to track down years from now. To ensure you’re working with the most up-to-date, reliable evidence, you should contact a lawyer as soon as you’re medically able.
Note that the time limit might be slightly more generous if you’re filing a claim against a government agency. This might be relevant if you slipped and fell at a government building, such as a courthouse or police station.
Can a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer in Tampa Help Me File My Claim?
Now that you’re aware of how important speed is in these situations, it’s time to take action. The good news is that you can get the ball rolling today by contacting a slip-and-fall lawyer in Tampa. During your first meeting with one of these legal professionals, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your next steps. Contact Anderson & Anderson now to continue this important conversation.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0095/Sections/0095.11.html
ahrq.gov/patient-safety/settings/long-term-care/resource/injuries/fallspx/man2.html
