Walking on a sidewalk should never be a cause for concern in St. Petersburg. No one expects to become injured because of unsafe sidewalk conditions. Unfortunately, sidewalk accidents happen more often than they realistically should. Property owners who fail to make sure their sidewalks are free and clear of any potential hazards may be held liable for any injuries. If you have been seriously injured in a sidewalk accident, you may want to consider your legal options. The Youngblood Law Firm is here to help you explore all of your options after an accident. You may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries. Our firm is ready to take on your case. Contact our sidewalk accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.
Causes of Sidewalk Accidents
The sidewalk owner is required to fix any issue that may arise that could cause a pedestrian to become injured. Of course, it can be challenging to determine exactly who the owner of the sidewalk is. If a sidewalk owner fails to maintain their sidewalk, pedestrians can become seriously injured. In the majority of cases, the sidewalk owner is the person who owns the adjacent property. This can be a private citizen, a business owner, or a municipality. Some of the various dangerous conditions that can cause a pedestrian to become injured on a sidewalk include the following:
- Standing water
- Surface issues
- Hazardous materials
- Loose debris
- Potholes
Recovering Damages in a St. Petersburg Sidewalk Accident
It is important to take legal action if you have been seriously injured in a St. Petersburg sidewalk accident. One of the key elements of any personal injury case is fulfilling the burden of proof. If you are successfully able to prove that the sidewalk owner knew or should have reasonably known about the dangerous conditions and failed to remedy them, they can be held responsible for your injuries. You may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, lost future wages, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of independence, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. Of course, it is important to retain the services of an experienced attorney who can work to prove that the sidewalk owner was negligent.
Statute of Limitations
The state of Florida requires that all personal injury cases are filed within two years from the date of the accident. This is known as the statute of limitations. It simply acts as a deadline by which you must file your claim against the property owner. If you fail to do so within this period of time, you will not be permitted to take legal action and may ultimately lose out on significant compensation. It is important to note that if you have to take legal action against a municipality, you may have to file a Notice of Claim that informs them of your intent to sue. This deadline is often much shorter. An experienced St. Petersburg personal injury attorney can help you determine whether this is necessary and what the deadline is, if so.
Contact Our Florida Sidewalk Accident Attorneys
If you have been seriously injured because of the negligence of a sidewalk owner, it is important to take action. Our firm understands that you may be suffering from significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens as a result of the accident. At the Youngblood Law Firm, our attorneys have decades of combined experience guiding clients through each step of the claims process. While you focus on recovering from your injuries, we will focus on recovering compensation. Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help.
