What are the steps I need to take if a customer sues my Florida-based business for personal injury?

Legal advice:

If a customer sues your Florida-based business for personal injury, you need to take the following steps to protect your interests:

1. Notify your insurance carrier: If your business has liability insurance, you need to notify your carrier as soon as possible. Your insurance policy should cover your legal defense and any damages you may be required to pay. Therefore, it is important to provide your carrier with all relevant information about the claim, including the date and location of the incident, the identities of the parties involved, and the nature of the injuries sustained.
2. Retain legal counsel: You should retain an experienced personal injury lawyer who can defend your interests and help you navigate the complexities of Florida personal injury law. Your lawyer can represent you in court, negotiate with the plaintiff's attorney, and provide legal advice on the best course of action.
3. Investigate the incident: You need to investigate the incident to determine the facts and circumstances leading up to the injury. This investigation should be conducted by a competent professional, such as an accident reconstruction expert or a private investigator, and should include a review of any available surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, and medical records.
4. Gather evidence: You need to gather all relevant evidence, including photographs, video footage, and any physical evidence from the scene of the incident. This evidence can be used to support your defense and disprove the plaintiff's claims.
5. Prepare a defense: Based on the facts and evidence gathered during the investigation, your lawyer will develop a legal strategy and work with you to prepare a defense against the plaintiff's claim. This defense may include challenging the plaintiff's version of events, identifying any third parties who may be liable, and arguing that the plaintiff's injuries were not caused by your business's negligence.

Limitations and exceptions:

There are several potential limitations and exceptions to the legal advice provided. For example, if your business does not have liability insurance, you may be liable for any damages awarded to the plaintiff. Additionally, if your business is found to have acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct, you may be subject to punitive damages in addition to actual damages. Finally, there may be statutory limitations on the amount of time you have to file a defense, so it is important to act quickly and seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Further action:

If you are sued for personal injury, it is important to take the matter seriously and seek legal advice immediately. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, you may need to take additional steps, such as filing a counterclaim or negotiating a settlement. Your lawyer can advise you on the best course of action based on the specific facts of your case.