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Florida Sliding Glass Door Accident Lawyers
Sliding glass doors are everywhere in Florida — from hotel balconies in Miami Beach, to apartment complexes in Orlando, to retail stores in Tampa, and cruise ships sailing from PortMiami and Port Canaveral. While they’re convenient and attractive, sliding glass doors can also be dangerous when they are defective, poorly maintained, or improperly designed. Every year, Florida residents and tourists suffer serious injuries in sliding glass door accidents.
If you or a loved one were hurt by a sliding glass door in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation. At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we represent victims in product liability, premises liability, and cruise ship injury cases across Florida. Call us at (800) 337-7755 for a free consultation. You won’t pay any fees or costs unless we recover money for you.
Common Sliding Glass Door Accidents in Florida
Florida’s climate and architecture make sliding glass doors a staple — but also a hazard. Some common accidents include:
Shattering Doors
Florida hotels, condos, and rental properties often use large glass doors. If the glass is not properly tempered or laminated, it may shatter into sharp shards instead of breaking safely, leading to deep cuts and eye injuries.
Malfunctioning Automatic Doors
Automatic sliding doors in Florida malls, grocery stores, and cruise ships rely on sensors. If those sensors fail, the doors can slam shut on someone — causing broken bones, head injuries, or concussions.
Balcony Door Accidents
Florida hotels and vacation rentals with balconies often have sliding glass doors. A faulty lock, track, or glass panel can lead to falls or shattering glass, especially in high-rise properties.
Cruise Ship Sliding Doors
Cruise ships sailing from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral have been the subject of lawsuits after automatic sliding doors closed on passengers due to sensor malfunctions. Maritime law often applies in these cases.
Poor Maintenance
In humid Florida, sand, salt, and debris easily get into sliding door tracks. If property owners fail to maintain them, the doors can jam, stick, or move unpredictably.
Injuries in Florida Sliding Glass Door Accidents
Victims of sliding glass door accidents in Florida may suffer:
- Severe lacerations requiring stitches or surgery.
- Eye injuries from glass shards.
- Broken arms, wrists, or fingers crushed in door tracks.
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement.
- Wrongful death in severe cases.
Children and elderly individuals are especially vulnerable.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Florida Sliding Glass Door Lawsuits?
Several parties may be responsible depending on the circumstances:
- Property owners and managers – Hotels, apartment complexes, and landlords have a duty to maintain safe premises.
- Cruise lines – For defective or poorly maintained automatic sliding doors on ships.
- Retail stores and malls – For malfunctioning automatic doors that injure shoppers.
- Manufacturers – If the sliding glass door was defectively designed or manufactured.
- Installers or contractors – For improper installation or repair.
Florida Law on Sliding Glass Door Accidents
Premises Liability
Under Florida law, property owners must keep their premises reasonably safe. If they knew or should have known about a defective sliding glass door and failed to fix it, they may be liable for injuries.
Product Liability
Manufacturers may be held responsible if the door itself was defectively designed or made without adequate safety features.
Maritime Law
Cruise ship cases are often filed in Miami federal court under maritime law. Most cruise line passenger contracts limit the filing deadline to 1 year.
Compensation Available in Florida
Victims of sliding glass door accidents in Florida may recover damages for:
- Medical bills – ER visits, hospital care, rehabilitation.
- Future medical expenses – Scar revision, reconstructive surgery, therapy.
- Lost wages – If you missed work while recovering.
- Loss of earning capacity – If permanent injuries affect your career.
- Pain and suffering – For physical pain and emotional trauma.
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement damages.
- Wrongful death damages – For families in fatal accidents.
Statute of Limitations in Florida
Florida law generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Fla. Stat. § 95.11). Wrongful death claims also have a two-year deadline.
Cruise ship cases are different: passenger ticket contracts often reduce the deadline to 1 year. That’s why acting quickly is critical.
Steps to Take After a Sliding Glass Door Accident in Florida
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the accident to hotel staff, property management, or cruise personnel.
- Take photos of the door, the area, and your injuries.
- Preserve evidence – broken glass, video of malfunction, or product packaging.
- Collect witness information.
- Contact a Florida sliding glass door lawyer before speaking with insurers or property representatives.
Example Scenarios in Florida
- A tourist at a Miami Beach hotel is cut when the balcony door shatters without warning.
- A Tampa shopper suffers a concussion when automatic sliding doors at a store close prematurely.
- An Orlando apartment tenant suffers permanent hand injuries when a sliding door comes off its track.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Jason Turchin
- We’ve handled over 6,500 personal injury and product liability cases nationwide.
- We can represent victims across Florida, New York, New Jersey, and nationwide.
- We work on a contingency fee basis – no fees or costs unless we win.
- We understand Florida premises liability and cruise ship law.
FAQs – Florida Sliding Glass Door Accidents
Is a shattering sliding glass door always grounds for a lawsuit?
Not always. But if the door lacked required safety glass or was negligently maintained, you may have a claim.
Can I sue a hotel for a sliding glass door injury?
Yes. Hotels must typically maintain safe premises for guests.
What if my injury happened on a cruise?
Cruise ship claims are usually filed in Miami under maritime law. Deadlines are shorter — often 1 year.
How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
Generally two years from the date of injury, except cruise ship cases (often 1 year).
Speak With a Florida Sliding Glass Door Accident Lawyer
Sliding glass door accidents in Florida can cause devastating injuries. If you or a loved one were hurt by a defective or poorly maintained sliding glass door, legal help is available.
Call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at (800) 337-7755 or start a free live chat for a free consultation. We don’t charge fees or costs unless we win.