What Happens if You Get Hurt on Vacation?

Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, with millions visiting every year to enjoy its beaches, restaurants, resorts, theme parks, and warm weather. But when an accident, or injury, happens on vacation, such as a parasailing mishap in Fort Lauderdale, a food poisoning incident in Miami, or a slip and fall while visiting Disney in Orlando, it can turn a dream getaway into a nightmare.

Getting hurt while traveling adds unique challenges; you may be far from your doctors, unfamiliar with local laws, and unsure who is responsible for your medical bills or lost time from work. As a premier Florida injury law firm, RTRLAW understands how common these vacation accidents can be in our state, and we’re here to help you understand what happens if you get hurt while on vacation, and what steps you should take.

What Types of Injuries are Typical When Vacationing?

Vacation injuries can happen anywhere; on the beach, at a theme park or restaurant, or even just walking around a hotel. Unfortunately, recreational activities often pose the highest risks. Some of the most common vacation accidents, and injuries, include:

Water Sports Injuries

  • Parasailing: Equipment malfunctions, improper instruction, or sudden weather changes can cause catastrophic injuries or even fatalities
  • Jet Skiing: High speeds and crowded waters often lead to collisions, falls, and serious trauma
  • Snorkeling or Scuba Diving: Faulty gear, inadequate supervision, or unsafe conditions can result in drowning or decompression sickness

Resort & Hotel Accidents

  • Slip and falls near pools, wet lobbies, or poorly lit walkways
  • Elevator or escalator malfunctions
  • Sexual assaults from negligent security measures
  • Food poisoning from improperly handled meals
  • Bed bug bites from unsanitary room conditions

Excursion Mishaps

  • Tour bus crashes due to negligent drivers
  • Amusement or theme park ride failures
  • Injuries during hiking, zip-lining, or guided tours where safety protocols aren’t followed

Every one of these situations can quickly transform a relaxing vacation into a medical concern and legal issue. That’s why knowing your rights and options is essential.

Who is Responsible for Injuries Sustained While on Vacation?

Liability for a vacation injury depends on the circumstances. Determining who is at fault often requires looking closely at how the accident happened, who was responsible for safety, and whether negligence played a role. For example:

  • Negligence by operators or staff: If your parasailing company fails to maintain equipment, they may be legally responsible.
  • Premises liability: A hotel or resort may be liable for unsafe conditions like wet floors or broken handrails.
  • Product liability: Defective equipment, such as a faulty jet ski or diving gear, could lead to a manufacturer being held accountable.

The challenge comes when accidents happen out of state or in another country. Different jurisdictions have different rules, deadlines for filing claims, and caps on damages.

What Type of Lawyer Do You Need When Injured on Vacation in Another State Than Where You’re From?

One of the biggest mistakes injured vacationers make is assuming they can handle their case back home. In reality, you’ll need an attorney licensed in the state, or even the country, where the injury occurred.

  • If you were injured in Florida while on vacation, you’ll need a Florida personal injury attorney.
  • If the accident happened in Texas, you’ll need a lawyer licensed to practice law in Texas.
  • If you were hurt outside the U.S., you may need to work with both local counsel and a U.S.-based attorney who can help navigate international law and insurance issues.

At RTRLAW, with offices throughout Florida and Texas, we’re well-positioned to assist both locals and visitors hurt while vacationing in these states. If your injury happened elsewhere, we can still help guide you to the right resources and local counsel.

What Should You Do After Getting Injured While on Vacation?

If you’re hurt while on vacation, quick action is key. Here are steps to protect your health and your potential legal claim:

  • Seek medical care immediately because your health comes first.
  • Report the accident to the business, resort, or excursion operator. Get a copy of any incident report.
  • Gather evidence:
    • Photos or videos of the scene, injuries, or hazards
    • Names and contact information of witnesses
    • Copies of medical records and receipts
  • Avoid signing liability waivers or agreements without legal advice.
  • Contact an attorney in the jurisdiction where you were injured as soon as possible.

Taking these steps not only safeguards your health but also strengthens any potential injury claim you may pursue. By acting quickly and documenting everything, you’ll give your attorney the tools they need to fight for your rights.

How RTRLAW Helps Accident Victims After a Vacation Injury

With over 35 years of experience representing accident victims, RTRLAW has the skill and resources to guide you through the aftermath of a vacation injury. Whether your case involves negotiating with insurance companies, investigating negligent operators, or litigating in court, our attorneys fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

While we can directly represent injured victims in Texas and Florida, our network allows us to connect you with trusted attorneys nationwide if your accident happened elsewhere.

Florida is a hot spot for tourism, drawing visitors from around the world to its beaches, resorts, and theme parks. Unfortunately, it’s also a hot spot for vacation accidents. From jet ski collisions in Miami to slip and falls at Orlando hotels, these injuries can disrupt not only your trip but also your future.

That’s why having the right legal team matters. If you or a loved one has been injured while on vacation in Florida or Texas, don’t wait. Contact RTRLAW at 1-833-HIRE-RTR (1-833-447-3787) for a free case evaluation today.