If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may have a personal injury case. In Florida, personal injury law is a broad legal category that covers a wide range of situations where a person is harmed—physically, emotionally, or financially—because another party failed to act with reasonable care. At Probinsky & Cole, we’ve represented clients across Florida in many types of personal injury cases, helping them secure compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Here’s a closer look at the most common types of personal injury cases under Florida law.
Car Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents are the most common source of personal injury claims in Florida. Despite the state’s no-fault insurance laws, which require drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), serious injuries can still lead to lawsuits—especially when medical costs exceed the limits of PIP coverage or involve permanent injury.
A driver may be held liable if they were speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise negligent. Florida also recognizes comparative negligence, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault—though your compensation may be reduced proportionally.
Slip and Fall / Premises Liability: Property owners in Florida have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. If someone is injured because of unsafe conditions—such as a wet floor, uneven pavement, poor lighting, or broken stairs—they may have a valid premises liability claim.
These cases often arise in places like grocery stores, apartment buildings, hotels, and restaurants. Proving that the property owner knew (or should have known) about the hazard and failed to fix it is critical to the success of a slip and fall case.
Medical Malpractice: When a healthcare professional’s negligence causes harm, it can result in a medical malpractice claim. These are among the most complex personal injury cases, and they typically involve allegations of misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or failure to treat.
Florida law has specific procedures and deadlines for malpractice cases, including pre-suit investigations and a two-year statute of limitations, so it’s crucial to speak with an attorney as early as possible.
Wrongful Death: If someone’s negligence or intentional act causes a person’s death, surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit. Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, eligible survivors can seek compensation for lost support, funeral expenses, and the emotional pain of losing a loved one.
These cases often arise from fatal car accidents, medical errors, workplace accidents, or dangerous property conditions.
Dog Bites: Florida holds dog owners strictly liable for bites that occur in public or lawfully on private property—even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression before. Victims may seek damages for medical bills, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma, especially in cases involving children.
Workplace Injuries (Beyond Workers’ Comp): While most workplace injuries are handled through workers’ compensation, in some cases, a third party (like an equipment manufacturer or contractor) may be held liable in a personal injury claim. These third-party claims can result in greater compensation than what workers’ comp typically offers.
Product Liability: Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held responsible if a defective product causes injury. These cases might involve faulty auto parts, unsafe medications, contaminated food, or household products that lack proper warnings or instructions.
Personal injury law in Florida is designed to protect individuals who are harmed by the careless or reckless actions of others. Each case is unique, and the process of proving fault and damages can be challenging without legal guidance. At Probinsky & Cole, we’re committed to helping injury victims pursue justice and recover the compensation they deserve.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you believe you have a personal injury case, contact a licensed attorney. Probinsky & Cole offers free consultations and can help you understand your legal options under Florida law.
