The holiday season means time with family and friends, busy roads traveling from place to place, and hectic retail establishments. Unfortunately, the increased traffic and people on roads and in stores also increase the likelihood of personal injuries.
With the holiday season in full swing, there is a truth to remember: personal injury accidents don’t take a vacation. Chances are you aren’t thinking about the impact of an accident; however, a slip and fall or traffic accident can impact your entire holiday season.
At Zimmet & Zimmet, we want you and your entire family to stay healthy and happy this holiday season. However, if you are involved in an accident,such as if you need assistance of a car accident lawyer, we are here to help. Here you can learn more about the most common personal injuries that occur during the holiday season and how we can help you recover the compensation you are entitled to.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
According to a recent survey conducted by PwC, up to 47% of people who responded stated they would be traveling this holiday season. The increase in vehicles and people on the roads often results in more car accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Sometimes, these accidents are unavoidable; however, many are due to things like speeding, poor weather conditions, distracted driving, and negligence.
If you are involved in a car accident, it is bound to result in significant medical costs. It may also lead to emotional and physical pain and suffering during and after the holiday season.
Premise Liability
According to the National Retail Federation, over 166.3 million people shopped online and in-store from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday in 2022. With so many people in any retail establishment, the likelihood of accidents is high.
Even with more shoppers in store, it is still up to the business owners, employees, and managers to ensure the property is free from hazards and reasonably safe for patrons.
Issues like soiled or wet flooring, boxes in aisles, and defective elevators can all lead to accidents, injuries, and a personal injury claim.
It is important to note that slip, trip, and fall accidents are included under the premise liability umbrella. Unfortunately, these are many people who need the help of a slip and fall attorney, as they are of the most common premise liability lawsuits filed this time of year.
You should also understand that both public and private property owners have a legal responsibility to keep their property clear from hazards.
Defective Products
It does not matter how old you are; everyone looks forward to receiving gifts. Once you have opened a gift, chances are you want to try it out right away.
Even if you are the gift-giver, you may not realize that the heartfelt item you have purchased for someone you care about could cause an injury.
Unfortunately, there are quite a few defective products on the market, with many being children’s toys. If a product is defective or malfunctions in some way, it may be possible to hold the manufacturer liable for any injuries and damages that occur.
Some of the causes of defective products include:
- The use of low-quality materials
- Improper or poor design
- Not warning about potential risks
If you are injured by a defective product this holiday season, you have the right to receive compensation. Our legal team can help ensure you get the damages you are entitled to.
How a Third Party May be Responsible for Your Accident and Injuries
Sometimes, accidents during the holidays occur because of your own negligence. Other cases are true accidents that no one could have prevented.
While this is true, there are situations where the fault or negligence of a third party may cause your accident and injuries. In these situations, you may have the right to pursue a legal claim for the injuries you sustained during the holiday season.
It is possible to seek compensation for injuries you experienced when they result from one of the following situations:
- Distracted drivers
- Intoxicated drivers
- Fatigued or drowsy drivers (this is particularly the case for truck drivers who have exceeded the hours-of-service limits to deliver their cargo faster for the holidays)
- Home builders or maintenance companies that do not perform quality work on gas lines or fireplaces
- Toymakers (or other manufacturers of consumer products) that sell defective or dangerous holiday gifts
- Winter sports equipment manufacturer who released a defective product
- Property owners who did not address hazards or other dangerous conditions
If you find yourself in one of these situations, you may be eligible for monetary damages for your injuries.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover in a Holiday Personal Injury Case
If someone else is determined to be responsible for your injuries, you can seek financial recovery for the losses and costs you experienced. Some of the compensation you can recover when filing a personal injury lawsuit include the following:
- All medical-related costs, including treatment and rehabilitation
- Long-term care costs for any permanent impairments or disabilities
- Lost income or wages if you are unable to return to work
- The loss of future earnings if you are disabled
- Emotional trauma, distress, and physical pain caused by the accident
- Reduced quality of life and enjoyment because of disfigurement, scarring, or physical disabilities
Contact a Florida Personal Injury Attorney to Learn More
If you are injured because of someone else’s recklessness or negligence, our legal team at Zimmet & Zimmet is here to help.
We can review the facts of your case and provide you with the legal guidance and assistance you need to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. The first step is to contact our office to schedule a free consultation for a potential personal injury lawsuit.
Read More
Understanding the Stages of a Personal Injury Claim in the State of Florida
