Thousands of Floridians rely on medical transport services every day to get to doctor visits and other medical appointments, both in emergency circumstances and otherwise. The passengers using these services are usually not feeling at their best in one way or another, potentially making them much more vulnerable than most people would be to suffering a catastrophic injury if an accident occurs.
Victims may be entitled to significant compensation in these cases through filing a personal injury claim. Below is a look at how Florida medical transport accident claims work in Florida and what you should know if you or a loved one has been injured in this type of situation.
Types of Florida Medical Transport Accidents
Medical transport accidents in Florida are not limited to motor vehicle collisions. While crashes on the road do happen, many of these injuries occur during the boarding and unboarding process or while the passenger is inside the vehicle. Common types of incidents include:
- Car accidents and other crashes caused by driver negligence
- Wheelchair lift malfunctions that result in falls
- Failure to properly secure a passenger restraint
- Patients being left unattended in vehicles and suffering harm as a result
- Rough driving that causes a passenger to be thrown from their seat
- Dropping a patient during a transfer into or out of the vehicle
Florida law is expansive in that, so long as someone else caused your injury, you may be able to take legal action against them and win money damages.
Who Is Legally Responsible in a Florida Medical Transport Accident Case?
Medical transport companies in Florida must meet certification requirements and carry commercial auto insurance. Their drivers are required to hold a for-hire chauffeur registration and are expected to be trained in safely handling passengers with mobility challenges and medical needs.
When an accident happens, liability may fall on one or more of the following parties:
- The medical transport company that operated the vehicle
- The driver who was behind the wheel or handling the patient at the time
- A vehicle maintenance provider that failed to keep the transport in a safe working condition
- A medical facility that contracted with an unqualified transport company
- The manufacturer of a defective piece of equipment
If the transport company was negligent in any aspect of its operation, from driver screening to vehicle upkeep, it can potentially be held liable directly. This is an important component to look into because holding the company itself liable could raise the value of your claim substantially.
Contact Elliott Law Firm To Schedule a Free Consultation
Patients who use Florida medical transport services deserve to arrive safely. If you were injured in this type of accident in Florida, you may be able to recover compensation for both your economic and non-economic damages as well as punitive damages in certain cases.
Contact Elliott Law Firm to get started with your case today by calling (800) 300-0303. We offer a free consultation and work on contingency, so you only pay attorney’s fees if you win your claim.