Florida is a popular place to book a vacation. The Sunshine State offers beautiful beaches, exciting theme parks, and a range of outdoor activities, which is why it attracts 135 million visitors each year. However, accidents and injuries can happen even when you’re far from home. If you suffer a personal injury during your Florida vacation, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.
If you experience anything more than minor bumps and bruises, your first step should be to seek prompt medical attention. This is important not only for your health but also to create a record of your injury. Head to the nearest hospital emergency room or urgent care clinic. Be sure to request copies of all treatment records before you leave. These will be vital for any potential insurance claims or lawsuits down the road.
At the medical facility, you’ll be asked for your health insurance information. The Clearwater, FL personal injury attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers suggest that if your injury requires admission to the hospital, contact your insurer as soon as possible to get approval for continued treatment. Many health insurance policies have out-of-network restrictions when you travel domestically. You may have higher copays or lower coverage limits when using non-network providers in Florida.
If you have active health insurance, your provider will pay for covered medical costs per your plan benefits. You will be responsible for paying any deductibles, copays, coinsurance amounts, and non-covered services. If you do not have health insurance, you must pay for all treatment expenses out-of-pocket.
Hospital bills, doctor fees, medications, braces, crutches, and follow-up appointments can quickly add up. For serious injuries, medical costs during a Florida vacation can easily total thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. Personal travel insurance or credit cards with trip protection may help offset some of these expenses. Otherwise, you are on the hook for the full amount.
Once you receive initial medical care, consider whether another party may be liable for your injury. Common scenarios include:
If negligence or misconduct by a person or company played a role in your injury, you may have grounds for a liability claim. Consult an experienced Florida personal injury attorney to discuss your options.
Sustaining an injury can cut your Florida vacation short. If you’re unable to travel back home as planned, work with the hospital or your travel insurance provider to make new arrangements. You may need to extend a rental car or change airline tickets because you cannot fly in your condition. Some policies help cover these costs, as well as expenses for a companion to stay and travel with you.
Seek follow-up care immediately when you get home. Your orthopedist, neurologist, plastic surgeon, or other specialist should get a full report from the treating physicians in Florida.
Suffering an injury on vacation in Florida can be troublesome and expensive. But with proper medical care plus help from your health insurer and an experienced attorney, you can mitigate problems and get back on your feet again. Just stay calm, be prepared, and don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
