Hurricane Season and Personal Injury Claims in Florida: Know Your Rights

When most people think of the hurricane season, they think of wind damage, flooding, and downed power lines, but some of the most serious dangers during hurricane season are the injuries people suffer in the chaos of the storm. 

From slips and falls on wet surfaces to injuries caused by flying debris or collapsed structures, these accidents can have life-altering consequences.

At The Nation Law Firm, we’re here to help you understand your rights if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence during a hurricane. Just because there’s a storm doesn’t mean property owners and businesses are off the hook. If your injury could have been prevented with proper care or precautions, you may be entitled to compensation.

Common Personal Injuries During Hurricane Season

Hurricanes can cause more injuries than just the obvious, including:

Slips and Falls

Wet floors, slick entryways, and poorly lit stairwells can become hazardous during storms. Businesses and property owners are still responsible for maintaining reasonably safe premises, even during inclement weather. If someone fails to mop up water, put out wet floor signs, or secure dangerous walkways, and you’re injured as a result, you may have a valid personal injury claim.

Falling or Flying Debris

Strong winds can turn ordinary objects into dangerous projectiles. Construction materials, signs, tree limbs, or unsecured patio furniture can cause serious injuries. If a business or homeowner failed to properly secure these items despite adequate warning, they could be held liable for resulting injuries.

Structural Collapses

Hurricanes often expose weaknesses in buildings, from faulty roofing to unstable decks or awnings. If a poorly maintained structure collapses and injures someone, the property owner or contractor responsible for upkeep could be held accountable.

Car Accidents

Poor visibility, flooding, and debris-covered roads increase the risk of auto accidents during hurricanes. If another driver was reckless, speeding through flooded areas or ignoring road closures, they could be liable for your injuries.

Who’s Responsible? Understanding Liability

While hurricanes are acts of nature, many injuries occur due to human negligence. Just because there’s a storm doesn’t mean safety standards disappear. Florida law still requires:

• Property owners to keep premises safe
• Employers to protect their workers
• Municipalities to maintain safe public areas, to the extent reasonably possible

If a party had a duty of care and failed to take proper precautions before or during a storm, they may be considered negligent.

For example:

• A store that fails to secure heavy signage despite hurricane warnings
• A landlord who ignores roof repairs and the ceiling collapses during a storm
• A neighbor who leaves loose tools in the yard that injure someone

These are all scenarios where liability may apply.

How to File a Personal Injury Claim After a Hurricane

If you’ve been injured during a hurricane or tropical storm, follow these steps to protect your rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health is the top priority. Prompt medical care not only aids recovery but also documents your injury for legal purposes.

2. Document the Scene

Take photos or videos of where the injury occurred, including any visible hazards (e.g., puddles, debris, broken structures). If weather conditions prevent this, try to get evidence as soon as it's safe to do so.

3. Get Witness Information

If anyone saw the accident happen, collect their contact details. Their account could strengthen your claim.

4. Report the Incident

If the injury occurred at a business, report it to management. For injuries on residential property, notify the homeowner or landlord.

5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Hurricane-related claims can be complex. Insurance companies often try to avoid paying out by blaming the weather. But if negligence played a role, you deserve to be heard and compensated.

Don’t Let Insurance Companies Dismiss Your Claim

Insurance providers may argue that your injury was an "act of God," meaning it was caused solely by natural forces. But this defense doesn’t apply when human negligence contributes to the incident.

At The Nation Law Firm, we’ve helped Florida residents fight back when insurers try to deny or minimize legitimate claims. Our attorneys understand how to investigate these cases, identify liable parties, and build strong arguments on your behalf.

You Have Rights — Let Us Help Protect Them

Hurricane season is unpredictable. But your legal rights shouldn’t be. If you’ve been injured during or after a storm due to unsafe conditions, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Ongoing therapy or rehabilitation

Let The Nation Law Firm evaluate your case at no cost. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win for you.

Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane or preparing for one on the horizon, knowing your legal rights is just as important as having a storm safety kit. If the worst happens, we’re ready to help you rebuild. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.