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Many individuals in search of "fun in the sun" choose Florida as a vacation destination. In fact, the tourism industry makes up a large part of the state's economy. Every year, Floridians welcome thousands of vacationers and individuals who choose to call Florida home for a portion of the year.

Many of those visitors will come and go without incident; however, as Fort Myers personal injury attorney Randall Spivey knows, there will be times when vacationers sustain injuries during their visit to the "Sunshine State." But what legal rights do visitors who incur injuries have under Florida state law?

What Types of Injuries Can Occur While on Vacation?

Any number of incidents can happen while you and your family are on vacation. For example, an Indiana teen who was visiting Florida with her friend in 2013 has made a miraculous recovery after being involved in a parasailing accident that almost took her life. She was sent crashing into nearby condos after the line broke away from the boat and sustained brain trauma and a cracked vertebrae.  According to news reports, she is also dealing with long-term medical issues like the loss of her peripheral vision and double vision.

Some vacationers slip, trip or fall while visiting area hotels, pools and theme parks. Your Fort Myers personal injury attorney is well aware that such accidents could result in injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to broken bones and paralysis. It is important for accident victims who are visiting the state to understand they have certain rights under Florida personal injury law, even as visitors.

Making a Claim as a Visitor       

Visitors to Florida can file injury claims if they have been hurt while either vacationing or visiting the state on business. If the injuries were incurred anywhere in Florida or within its navigable waters, accident victims may choose to sue the individual and/or entity that allegedly caused the accident. But what happens if an injured individual needs legal assistance after he or she returns home?

Using the services of an attorney in their home state is not the best option for most victims of Florida accidents. It is important for those individuals to keep in mind that the claim will still need to be made in the Florida county where the injury occurred and it will be governed by Florida law in many instances. Additionally, an out-of-town attorney will likely need to work with a Florida attorney to pursue the claim and help ensure justice is served, particularly with respect to obtaining just compensation for their injuries. 

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries while visiting Florida and you have questions or concerns about your ability to file a claim as a visitor, contact a Fort Myers personal injury attorney at the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. as soon as possible. Time is of the essence in personal injury cases, so do not delay.