In the state of Florida, there are many situations where a person or a company can face liability for wrongful acts, for negligent actions or for omissions. The term liability is used to refer to a state of responsibility. For example, if a driver is responsible for causing a car accident, he is liable for the car accident.
Florida Statute 768.81 explains grounds for liability in cases of negligence, or in situations where a defective product causes harm to consumers. A person or a company can be liable for the consequences of negligence if that person’s acts or omissions fall below the standard of care imposed upon him by law. A company can also be liable for releasing a defective product under many different theories of liability, including strict liability or breach of warranty.
Liability can have serious legal consequences. If a person or company is found liable for causing economic damage or injury, that person or company may be obliged to make victims “whole.” This can mean paying full compensation for economic and financial loss.
Most people and companies carry liability insurance related to the highest risk activities they do, so an insurer pays for damages if the individual or business is found liable for losses. For example, driver’s generally have auto accident liability insurance in case they are sued for causing a car accident, and homeowners have property insurance in case someone gets hurt on property.
If an injury or financial loss occurs and a victim wants to hold someone liable, it will be up to the victim to prove liability. A Florida personal injury lawyer can provide assistance in determining who is liable for losses and in proving a claim in civil court so the victim can obtain monetary damages.