When the negligence of another causes you or a loved one bodily injury or harm, you have the right to recover losses for your personal injury claim. Several circumstances can give rise to a negligence claim, but the major categories are as follows:
Automotive Accident Injury (Car, Truck, Motorcycle or Boating)
According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, there are more than 200,000 car accidents annually in Florida. If you are a victim of automobile negligence, take the following steps to protect your personal injury claim.
- Call 911
- If possible to do so safely, move your vehicle out of traffic.
- Get the phone number, address, and insurance information for all drivers involved.
- Seek medical attention at an emergency room or urgent care facility immediately, or at least within 14 days. Based on changes in Personal Injury Protection Laws effective in early 2013, failure to do so may result in you forfeiting insurance benefits which would otherwise be available to pay a portion of your medical expenses and/or lost wages (Source: Tampa Bay Times)
- Contact Attorney O’Connor and secure her as your legal counsel. With her clinical knowledge and background, Attorney O’Connor is qualified to review your medical records to identify clinical proof of your injuries.
- Do not speak to the at-fault party’s insurance company or sign anything without legal counsel. If the insurance company attempts to contact you, give them the number for Brandon Law Offices. Inform them that Attorney O’Connor will handle everything from that point onward.
Medical Negligence/Malpractice Injury
Do you believe you have been misdiagnosed or been a victim of medical negligence? Contact Attorney O’Connor immediately. The time within which you have to file a claim for medical negligence is limited by law, SO DON’T WAIT. If you suspect you are a victim of medical negligence, take the following steps to expedite review of your claim as soon as possible.
- Request the medical records from the treating physician or hospital believed to be responsible. If you were treated by another provider for the same condition after being injured by the negligent physician, you must request those medical records, as well.
- Contact Attorney O’Connor for a consultation. She will review your medical records with an eye toward identifying possible negligent conduct.
Premises Liability Injury
If you are injured on public or private property (for example in a grocery store, park, etc.) and your injury was caused by an existing dangerous condition on that property, you may have a valid premises liability personal injury claim. Take the following steps to assist Attorney O’Connor in securing your potential claim.
- If the injury occurs in a store or commercial place of business, take photographs of the dangerous condition if possible (slippery floor, sharp object, etc.). Ask an employee to document the incident on an occurrence or incident report. Be certain to identify him/her by name and title and identify any witnesses who observed the incident.
- If the injury occurs outdoors, take photographs of the dangerous condition. Also collect the names, addresses, and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the incident.
- Most importantly, gather information to document the dangerous condition, how long it was present, and whether the property owner or employees were aware of the condition prior to your injury. The more information available, the stronger your personal injury claim.
Don’t delay in taking action on your personal injury claim. Contact Brandon Law today!
Attorney O’Connor is available to serve you in Tampa Bay, Brandon, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Plant City, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Polk County and Osceola County.
