Injured on Vacation in Orlando?

Orlando's highest-risk venues for visitors

Each venue below creates its own injury patterns and its own legal complexities. Here is what you need to know about the most common locations where tourists are seriously hurt in Orlando.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sue Disney World or Universal Studios if I was injured at their park?

Yes. Theme parks owe visitors a duty of reasonable care. When a ride malfunction, a wet floor, inadequate staffing, or a defective restraint causes an injury, the park can be held liable. These companies have large legal teams and will begin building their defense the moment an incident is reported. You need an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer as quickly as possible.

I signed a waiver when I bought my ticket. Does that end my claim?

Not necessarily. Florida courts scrutinize waivers carefully. A waiver may not cover gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or injuries caused by a defective product. Whether a waiver holds up depends on its exact language and the facts of your case. Send us a copy and we will tell you where you stand.

My child nearly drowned in a hotel pool. Who is responsible?

Hotels and resorts have a legal duty to maintain safe pools — adequate lifeguard staffing, compliant drain covers, working pool barriers, and proper signage. When a child drowns or suffers a near-drowning because a hotel failed those duties, the hotel can be held liable. These cases require immediate action because evidence disappears fast. Call us now.

I was robbed or assaulted near my hotel or on International Drive. Do I have a claim?

Possibly. Property owners — hotels, parking garages, shopping centers — have a duty to provide reasonable security when crime is foreseeable. If the business knew or should have known about prior criminal activity in the area and failed to take reasonable precautions, it may be liable for your injuries. This is called negligent security.

I was in a rental car accident on I-4. How does insurance work?

Multiple insurance policies may apply: your own auto policy, the rental company's coverage, the at-fault driver's liability insurance, and possibly your credit card's rental coverage. I-4 crashes often involve serious injuries and disputed fault. We sort out which coverage applies and deal with all the insurers so you do not have to.

I was injured on a Disney Cruise Line ship that departed from Port Canaveral. Where do I file?

Disney Cruise Line ticket contracts typically require that lawsuits be filed in a specific federal court, usually in Florida, within a shortened time period — often one year from the date of injury. Written notice may be required within six months. These deadlines are strictly enforced. Call us as soon as possible.

I was hurt at SeaWorld Orlando. Is my claim different from a Disney or Universal claim?

The legal standard is the same — SeaWorld owes visitors a duty of reasonable care. However, SeaWorld's animal interaction attractions, water rides, and stadium seating create specific hazard patterns. Injuries from animal encounters, wet stadium steps, and ride boarding areas are among the most common claims. The park's risk management team will respond immediately — so should you.

I was injured on a resort shuttle bus or Disney transportation. Who is liable?

Resort shuttle operators and Disney transportation are common carriers in Florida, which means they owe passengers the highest degree of care. A sudden stop, a crash, or a fall while boarding can give rise to a claim against the transportation operator, the resort, or both. These cases often involve commercial vehicle insurance with high policy limits.

I slipped and fell at the Orange County Convention Center. Is that a government claim?

The Orange County Convention Center is a government-owned facility. Claims against government entities in Florida require a written notice of claim within three years, but the practical deadline is much shorter — evidence disappears fast and the government has its own investigators. Call us immediately after any injury at a government-owned venue.

Can I bring a claim from another state or another country?

Yes. If you were injured in Florida, your claim is governed by Florida law and any lawsuit is filed in Florida. You do not need to be a Florida resident or a U.S. citizen. In most cases you can start the process entirely from home — by phone, video call, and electronic signature. We handle the evidence gathering here.

Do I have to come back to Florida for the case?

Usually not to get started, and often not at all. Many claims settle without a lawsuit. If a lawsuit is filed, depositions and mediation are frequently held by video. A trial or a medical examination requested by the defense may require a trip — we will tell you well in advance if that becomes necessary.

How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?

Most negligence claims: two years from the date of injury for incidents on or after March 24, 2023. Wrongful death: two years from the date of death. Cruise ship injuries: often one year under the ticket contract, with written notice required within six months. Government claims: additional notice steps apply. Your home state's deadline does not apply. Evidence also disappears much faster than any legal deadline — call as soon as you can.

Who pays my medical bills while the claim is pending?

In most cases your own health insurance at home covers treatment in the meantime, and it may seek reimbursement from any recovery. After a vehicle crash, your auto policy, the rental company's coverage, or the at-fault driver's insurance may also apply. Travel insurance sometimes covers medical costs and the trip home. We identify which coverage applies and deal with those insurers for you.

What does it cost to hire you?

The consultation is free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We work on a contingency fee — we are paid a percentage of what we recover, and you owe no attorney's fee if there is no recovery.

Do you handle cases in languages other than English?

Yes. Our staff speaks seven languages: English, Spanish, German, Italian, French, Swiss German, and Portuguese. We believe this makes us uniquely equipped to represent international tourists injured in Florida. You do not need to speak English to work with us. We communicate by phone, email, video call, and WhatsApp across time zones.