There are many highly regarded parks throughout Central Florida. For example, your family may enjoy spending time at Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando, Lake Underhill Park on the east side of Orlando, Shingle Creek Regional Park in Kissimmee or Magnolia Park in Apopka. Whenever visiting any of these parks, it is critically important that you pay attention to safety. In the unfortunate event that you or a family member does suffer a serious injury at a park, you need to contact an experienced Orlando personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Understanding Premises Liability and Park Injuries
In Florida, all property owners and managers have a legal responsibility to keep their premises in reasonably safe condition. If you were injured at a park, and your injury occurred because of the presence of an unreasonable safety hazard, you may have a viable legal claim. However, liability for park injuries can be especially complex due to the fact that many parks are publically owned and operated. Here is what you need to know about the difference between private and public parks:
- Private parks: If you were injured at a privately owned park, you can take legal action based on the traditional theory of premises liability. You will be able to hold the park owner liable if you can prove that their negligence contributed to your injury. The legal standard to which the park operator will be held will depend on your relationship to that park. For example, if you paid for access to the private park, then the park operator has a heightened legal duty to protect your safety.
- Public parks: Bringing a legal claim for a public park injury is more challenging. Government entities, including at the city and county level, have sovereign immunity. This means that you will have to bring your lawsuit under different conditions. Often, you will have significantly less time to take legal action. In fact, you may be required to give notice to the city or state within as little as 30 days after your injury. The bottom line is that if you have been seriously injured a public park in Central Florida, you need to speak to an attorney today.
Two Tips to Help Your Family Stay Safe at Parks in Florida
- Come Prepared
Your family’s trip to the park will be much safer if you come fully prepared. Of course, what constitutes proper preparedness will vary depending on the park you are visiting visit and your family’s individual needs. Still, you should always be sure to pack all of the things you will need for the day and be ready to respond to any potential emergency situations.
- Stay Alert
It is extremely important to keep your eyes open while at the park. This is particularly important if you have young children with you. Safety threats can come in many different forms. You need to watch out for the dangers posed by third parties actors, property defects, animals, branches and any other potential safety hazards.
Get Legal Assistance for Your Orlando Park Injury
At The Benenati Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience helping park injury victims recover the full and fair compensation that they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida park, please do not hesitate to call our office today at 407-777-7777 for free legal advice. We serve park injury victims throughout the Central Florida, including in Orlando, Kissimmee, and Sanford.