Every week, we look at unique aspects of personal injury law and provide insights into the topic. However, there may be some of you who don’t know the first thing about personal injury law. Today, as a quick refresher of personal injury basics, we will be looking at what personal injury law entails and what it means for you, an injured party in Florida. Remember, anyone needing legal advice should contact us to schedule a consultation and let us learn more about your situation.
What is Florida Personal Injury Law?
In Florida, personal injury law offers a lifeline to those harmed by another’s negligence or deliberate actions. It’s the legal mechanism through which individuals can seek compensation for injuries, even if insurance companies won’t help. Generally, personal injury law applies in any situation where one party’s failure to act responsibly harms another. “Responsibilities” in this context can refer to implied responsibilities, such as the duty of care a driver owes to other drivers, as opposed to just contracts and specific guarantees.
Among the most common personal injury scenarios in Florida are:
Auto Accidents: Florida’s roads witness thousands of auto accidents yearly, often due to reckless driving, DUI, and other negligent behaviors. Victims initially turn to their own insurance due to our no-fault system, but severe injuries that lead to hardships might warrant further legal action.
Slip and Fall Incidents: Whether on a wet supermarket floor or an uneven public sidewalk, slip and fall accidents make up a decent chunk of personal injury claims. Property owners’ failure to maintain safe premises can lead to these often-preventable incidents.
Workplace Injuries: Workplace accidents occur when employers fail to keep a safe working environment. Injuries might stem from inadequate safety protocols, faulty machinery, or lack of proper training.
Medical Malpractice: When healthcare professionals deviate from the standard of care, their actions can lead to serious injuries or worsening of conditions.
How Compensation Works and What You Can Be Compensated For
Injuries can impact the rest of a victim’s life, and personal injury law allows victims to receive compensation for these injuries. If you suffer a personal injury in Florida, you can seek compensation for:
Medical Expenses: This broad category covers everything from emergency room visits to long-term therapy, which may last the length of someone’s entire life.
Lost Wages: Injury-induced work absences can strain financial stability. Compensation for lost wages supports victims until they can return to work.
Pain and Suffering: This compensation makes up for the non-monetary impacts of an injury and is relevant in almost all personal injury contexts.
Property Damage: Compensation can cover the costs of personal property affected during the incident.
Determining the amount of compensation warranted for an injury involves considering the nature and extent of the injuries, the impact on the victim’s life, and the costs incurred due to the injury. Calculating the correct amount may rely just as much on the current financial burden placed on the victim as it will rely on negative ramifications 20 years down the line.
Injury Basics: How Attorneys Help Can Help
The one constant among all personal injury cases is the important role of an experienced personal injury attorney. Attorneys in this field serve as staunch advocates for their clients, especially in negotiations with insurance companies. These companies often aim to minimize payouts, but experienced Florida personal injury attorneys are proficient at negotiating to secure a fair settlement that covers all expected losses and expenses. When a settlement cannot be reached, it may be time for a personal injury lawsuit, and attorneys play an even more critical role in helping laypersons through this process.
Attorneys also provide clients with a network of resources to assist them after injuries. Most people do not know what to prioritize after an injury, but attorneys have seen it all and know what matters when attempting to secure compensation. They help clients document evidence of their injuries, meet all filing deadlines, and get the help they need from local resources as they struggle before receiving compensation.
From personal injury basics to the most complex cases, we are here to help. Have you been injured in Florida due to someone else’s negligence? Contact Probinsky & Cole today to speak to a team member in a free consultation.
