Florida Personal Injury Lawyer

What Does a Personal Injury Attorney Do?

If a person or organization acts negligently and you get hurt as a result, you might be able to recover compensation. Personal injury lawyers fight to secure this compensation for their clients.

Many people picture personal injury attorneys advocating for their clients in court, but this is just a small part of what they do. If they take your case, a personal injury lawyer will likely do the following:

• Investigate your accident and gather evidence
• Develop a legal strategy
• Prepare and file an insurance claim on your behalf
• Attempt to negotiate a settlement
• File a lawsuit if needed
• Argue your case in court

The majority of personal injury cases are settled before getting to court. However, if both sides can’t come to an agreement, your case might be decided in a civil trial.

What to Look For When Choosing Florida Personal Injury Attorneys

Not all Florida personal injury lawyers are alike. Different attorneys have different approaches, so before you commit to one, it’s a good idea to attend a few consultations. These are some things to look for when making your choice:

• Experience with cases like yours
• A track record of successful cases
• Positive client reviews
• A favorable reputation in the legal community
• Strong communication skills

If a personal injury lawyer offers to take your case, don’t feel pressured to accept or decline right away. It’s perfectly fine to consult other attorneys or just take time to think first.

Common Types of Personal Injury Claims Filed in Florida

You can file a personal injury claim over almost any type of injury, but these are some of the most common claim types attorneys handle:

Car Accidents

Many of the worst car crash injuries come with staggering financial, physical, and psychological consequences. Even if your injuries are moderate, you may still find yourself facing significant hurdles.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

When a car strikes someone on foot or on a bike, the victim’s chances of serious injury or death are substantial.

Truck Accidents

Accidents with commercial trucks may involve multiple liable parties — including the driver, trucking company, and truck manufacturer.

Motorcycle Accidents

Many courts and insurance companies harbor bias against motorcyclists. This makes it more difficult to recover the compensation you’re entitled to receive.

Slip and Fall Accidents

If you suffer an injury because a property owner failed to warn you about a hazard, a slip and fall lawsuit may hold that property owner accountable.

Medical Malpractice

Not all Florida personal injury lawyers handle medical malpractice cases. These cases can be extremely complex and difficult to navigate.

Dog Bites

Serious dog bites can cause lifelong disability and disfigurement. Holding the owner accountable helps ensure you can receive the care you need.

Workplace Accidents

An attorney can help you determine whether you should file a personal injury claim or talk to a Florida workers compensation lawyer.

Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?

The only way to truly know if you have a viable case is to discuss it with a Florida personal injury lawyer. However, a lawyer is more likely to approve your case if the following are true:

• You were hurt because a person (or organization) was reckless or negligent
• Your injuries are serious
• You have substantial financial (and other) losses

Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning you only pay a fee if they win. This also means they are only likely to accept your case if they believe it can be successful.

When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Law Firm?

It’s worth consulting a Florida personal injury lawyer if you think you may have a viable case. However, keep in mind that you can’t hire a personal injury lawyer like you would most other types of attorneys. If a lawyer thinks you have a strong case, they’ll probably offer to represent you.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Florida?

In Florida, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim.

Common Damages in Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury lawsuit settlements include compensation for a wide variety of losses:

Medical Bills

For many people, current and future medical expenses make up the bulk of their compensation.

Property Damage

If your car or other property was damaged or destroyed, you could be reimbursed for repair or replacement.

Lost Income

If your injury caused you to miss work, you may be compensated for the income you lost.

Lost Earning Capacity

If your ability to earn money was permanently damaged, you could receive compensation to offset that loss.

Pain and Suffering

Courts often use a pain and suffering multiplier to approximate how much compensation you should receive for non-monetary losses. Your lawyer can help you understand how much you’re likely to recover.

Loss of Consortium

If your injuries have damaged your relationship with your spouse, your spouse could file a loss of consortium claim.

Serving Personal Injury Clients Across Florida

The ConsumerShield team works to connect injured people with experienced attorneys who can help. We partner with lawyers all across Florida, including in these cities:

• Miami
• Jacksonville
• Orlando
• Tampa
• Tallahassee
• Port St. Lucie
• St. Petersburg
• Hialeah
• Cape Coral
• Hollywood
• Fort Lauderdale
• Gainesville
• Lakeland
• Miramar

No need to worry if you don’t see your city listed — we’ve helped clients in all 67 counties in Florida.

Connect With Experienced Florida Personal Injury Lawyers

If you’ve been injured by a negligent person, you don’t have to navigate your injuries alone. When you choose to work with an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer, you give yourself the best possible chance of success.

Wondering how to find the right attorney for you? We can help! ConsumerShield focuses on connecting people like you with qualified attorneys in your area. Fill out our contact form for a free case review!