What is Breach of Duty in Florida?

Table of Contents

Breach of duty in Florida is when an individual fails to meet the standard of care owed to another person, causing harm. This legal concept is crucial in negligence lawsuits. To establish a breach of duty, you must prove the defendant owed you a duty, they violated that duty, their actions caused your injuries, and you suffered damages.

For example, a slip and fall accident due to a wet floor without a warning sign could be a breach of duty by the property owner. Motorists cause car accidents through a breach of duty to drive safely, which endangers other drivers on the road.

Understanding the concept of breach of duty is crucial if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Florida. This legal term is a cornerstone of personal injury cases. It refers to the failure of an individual or entity to fulfill their legal obligation to another person. This failure must directly result in harm or damages to the injured party. You can rely on a Florida personal injury lawyer to handle the relevant legal issues, but an overview is useful.

What is Negligence?

Negligence is the underlying concept that gives rise to a breach of duty. It occurs when someone fails to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would, given the same or similar circumstances.

For example, a driver who speeds through a red light and causes an accident can be considered negligent. According to the reasonable person standard and duty a person owes to another, that motorist would not speed through the light, endangering other drivers.

To establish negligence in Florida, four elements must be proven:

Duty of Care: The defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff.
Breach of Duty: Despite the fact that a duty of care exists, the defendant breached that obligation.
Causation: The defendant’s breach directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
Damages: Actual losses resulted because of the harm to the plaintiff.

Though not an essential element, it is also important to keep in mind the Florida statute of limitations as a legal requirement. You must file a lawsuit in court within 2 years after an accident, or you lose your rights.

It’s important to note that negligence is not intentional harm. It’s about the failure to act reasonably, which leads to unintended consequences. Negligence also differs from strict liability cases, in which the victim does not need to prove fault. Injuries caused by a defective product are an example of a strict liability case, so you don’t need to prove the elements of negligence.

What are the Standards of Care in a Personal Injury Claim?

The standard of care is the level of care expected from a person in a particular situation. It’s determined by the relationship between the parties involved. For instance, the standard of care for a doctor is different from that of a homeowner. Another example is cases involving abnormally dangerous activities, where the standard would be different due to the risks.

In Florida, courts consider various factors to establish the standard of care, including:

The nature of the relationship between the parties: This could be a doctor-patient, landlord-tenant, or employer-employee relationship.
The foreseeable risks involved: The defendant must anticipate potential risks and take reasonable precautions to prevent harm.
The customs and practices of the industry or profession: Professionals are held to the standards of their respective fields.

Understanding the applicable standard of care is crucial in proving a breach of duty.

How a Breach of Duty Occurs in a Negligence Case

A breach of duty occurs when someone fails to meet the required standard of care. This can happen in numerous ways, such as:

Negligent acts: This includes actions that directly cause harm, like reckless driving or medical malpractice.

Negligent omissions: This involves failing to do something that a reasonable person would have done, such as failing to warn of a dangerous condition.

Breach of contract: Sometimes, a breach of contract can also be considered a breach of duty, especially if it leads to harm.

Proving a breach of duty often requires expert testimony. For example, in a medical malpractice case, a medical expert might testify that the doctor’s actions fell below the accepted standard of care.

What Compensation Could I Recover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

If you successfully prove that someone’s breach of duty caused your injuries in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation. This compensation, often referred to as damages, can cover various losses, including:

Medical expenses: This includes past, present, and future costs of treatment, surgeries, medications, and therapy.
Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to the injury.
Pain and suffering: This is awarded for physical and emotional pain experienced.
Property damage: If your property was damaged in the accident, you may be eligible for compensation.

The amount of compensation you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your losses, and the strength of your case.

What Happens When the Injury Victim Breaches the Duty of Care?

In some cases, the injured person might also have contributed to the accident or injury. This is known as contributory negligence. In Florida, however, the concept of comparative negligence applies. This means that the injured person’s fault is considered, but it doesn’t necessarily bar them from recovering damages.

The jury will assess the percentage of fault for both parties. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your award will be reduced by 20%.

If you believe you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Florida, consulting with a personal injury attorney is crucial. An experienced lawyer can evaluate your case, determine if you have a valid claim, and guide you through the legal process.

Trust Our Personal Injury Lawyers to Protect Your Rights

Don’t let someone else’s breach of duty ruin your life. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation. Because of the Florida statute of limitations, it is critical to take prompt action.

Contact Rosen Injury Law, P.A. today for a free consultation. Call us at 954-466-9689 or check out our website to learn more about your legal options.

Common Questions About Duty in Personal Injury Law

What is an example of a breach of duty?

A breach of duty occurs when someone fails to meet their legal obligation to someone else. A breach forms the basis of negligence cases in Florida.

For example, if a property owner fails to repair a known hazardous condition, such as a broken stair, and someone is injured as a result, the property owner may have breached their duty of care. Another common example is a car accident caused by a driver texting while driving, which puts other drivers at risk.

What is required to establish a breach of duty?

To establish a breach of duty, you generally need to prove the following:

The defendant had a legal obligation to protect you from harm.
The defendant failed to meet the required standard of care.
The defendant’s breach directly caused your injuries.
You suffered actual losses as a result of the injury.

What are the consequences of breach of duty?

If you can prove that someone’s breach of duty caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

In addition, you might quality to recover damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and related losses. The specific consequences will depend on the circumstances of your case.

What is an example of a breach of duty in nursing?

A breach of duty in nursing occurs when the jury finds that a nurse fails to provide the standard of care expected of a reasonably prudent nurse. Examples include medication errors, failure to monitor a patient’s condition, or neglecting to follow proper hygiene procedures. These failures can lead to serious patient injuries and may result in medical malpractice lawsuits.

Consult with Our Personal Injury Team About Your Rights

Understanding your rights after a breach of duty can be overwhelming. Let Rosen Injury Law, P.A. guide you through the legal process. Our experienced attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation by calling (954) 787-1500 or visiting our website.

Related Content: What Is a Personal Injury Lawyer?