An amusement park accident at places like Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, or SeaWorld Orlando can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional distress. If you’re considering a personal injury claim, one of the most pressing questions is: How long do I have to file? At Kaiser Romanello Accident & Injury Attorneys, with nearly 25 years of experience helping victims in Orlando and across Florida, we’re here to clarify the legal deadlines and why acting quickly is crucial.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those from amusement park accidents, is two years from the date of the accident, as outlined in Florida Statutes § 95.11 (2023). This applies to injuries from roller coaster malfunctions, slip-and-fall accidents, car accidents in parking lots, or other incidents on park property. For wrongful death claims, such as those resulting from a fatal theme park accident, the statute of limitations is also two years from the date of death.
This means you have a two-year window to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party, such as the amusement park operator or a third-party contractor. Missing this deadline typically bars you from seeking compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
Why Time Is Critical
Waiting too long to act can jeopardize your claim in several ways:
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Lost Evidence: Physical evidence, like a malfunctioning ride part or hazardous walkway, may be repaired or removed, making it harder to prove negligence.
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Fading Memories: Witnesses, including park guests or employees, may forget key details or become unavailable over time.
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Insurance Tactics: Insurance companies may delay negotiations, hoping you’ll miss the filing deadline, leaving you with no legal recourse.
By contacting an attorney promptly, you ensure your case is built on solid evidence, including incident reports, medical records, and witness statements, to maximize your compensation.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the two-year rule applies in most cases, there are rare exceptions, such as cases involving minors or delayed discovery of injuries. However, these exceptions are complex and require legal expertise to navigate. Consulting an experienced attorney early ensures you don’t miss critical deadlines or opportunities to pursue your claim.
How Kaiser Romanello Can Help
At Kaiser Romanello, our Tampa and Orlando personal injury attorneys have nearly 25 years of experience securing verdicts and settlements for amusement park accident victims. We investigate every detail to hold negligent parties accountable, ensuring you receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our contingency fee basis means you pay nothing unless we win.
Learn More About Amusement Park Accident Claims
To understand your rights and legal options, visit our Amusement Park Accident and Injury Attorney page for detailed insights and success stories from clients across Florida.
Contact Us Today
Don’t let time run out on your amusement park accident claim. Florida’s two-year statute of limitations means urgency is key. Call Kaiser Romanello Accident & Injury Attorneys at 844-877-8679 for a free case evaluation, or complete our online contact form to start your journey to justice today!