Dangers Of Hurricane Debris
Tropical storms and hurricanes are a reality for Miami residents, often leaving behind widespread damage and debris. While the immediate threat comes from high winds and storm surges, post-storm conditions also present significant hazards.
Hurricane debris, which can range from broken glass and tree branches to dislodged building materials, can cause serious injuries. If you believe you have a right to file an injury claim after a storm, talk to a Miami personal injury lawyer about how to hold responsible parties accountable.
Is Someone Liable for Your Debris-Related Injuries?
Various injuries can be sustained when there is hurricane refuse. For example, some experience lacerations and puncture wounds from broken glass, sharp metal, or jagged wood. Others suffer head injuries caused by falling debris or infections from wounds contaminated by floodwaters. These injuries can result in costly medical bills and time away from work. Individuals also report coping with long-term physical and emotional impacts, too.
In the aftermath of a storm, property owners and municipalities have a duty to ensure their areas are, as much as they can control, reasonably safe for others. While hurricanes are unpredictable and some hazards are unavoidable, negligence in managing debris can make parties liable for injuries.
- Owners of private property. Landlords, businesses, and homeowners are responsible for maintaining their properties and addressing hazards. So, if a business owner fails to clear dangerous debris from their parking lot after a storm, they may be liable for injuries sustained by customers or passersby.
- Municipalities and public entities. Cities and counties are responsible for keeping public spaces, such as roads and parks, safe. When there is negligence in clearing debris or warning about hazards leads to injuries, these organizations could be held accountable.
Florida premises liability laws require injured parties to prove that the property owner or entity knew, or realistically should have known, about the hazard. Also, that they failed to take action in a timeline that follows common sense.
How Does One File a Strong Injury Claim After a Storm?
If you’re injured due to hurricane debris, document your injuries with a healthcare provider. Immediate treatment not only protects your health but also creates records that can support your claim. You will also want to collect evidence as soon as possible, such as taking photos of the hazardous debris and gathering witness contact information.
Claims connected to storm injuries can be complex, especially when dealing with insurers or public entities. Storm debris cases may involve disputes over responsibility or delays in addressing hazards due to widespread storm damage. A Miami personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process, ensuring your claim is handled efficiently.
Were you injured during a storm and believe a property owner should be held accountable? Recovering from a hurricane is hard enough without dealing with injuries caused by negligence. If you’ve been hurt by hurricane debris in Miami, the attorneys at Spencer Morgan Law can help you pursue the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Call 305-423-3800 to book a confidential consultation.