Anyone facing a personal injury lawsuit likely has several questions about what to expect from the process. Consider the following frequently asked questions about personal injury lawsuits and contact a Tampa personal injury lawyer to schedule a consultation about your personal injury claim.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
The cost of an attorney can vary depending on how the attorney charges for services. One attorney may charge a flat hourly rate to every client, regardless of the types of cases they have. Another may use contingency fee billing. Contingency fee billing only requires a client to pay legal fees if his or her attorney wins the case. You should make sure to discuss this issue with the attorney you consult.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?
Plaintiffs with personal injury claims have the right to compensation that makes them “whole” again. This typically requires economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can include medical expenses, lost income, and property damage resulting from negligence. Non-economic damages include things like pain and suffering. Different courts use different systems to calculate how much a plaintiff can receive in non-economic compensation.
Florida limits punitive damages in personal injury lawsuits to $500,000 or three times the compensatory damages. The lawyer you consult should provide you with a realistic idea of the value of your claim, both in settlement and at trial.
Will I Receive Pain and Suffering Compensation?
“Pain and suffering” is difficult to quantify with a monetary figure. Different courts use different systems for determining whether a plaintiff may receive pain and suffering compensation. A plaintiff’s attorney may call on expert witnesses who can explain the patient’s condition to the jury in a way they can understand and use to derive an appropriate figure. A good attorney will understand that the experience of a traumatic event or injury is worse for victims than the economic effects and will work to maximize every client’s recovery.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In most states, the statute of limitations, or time limit, in which a plaintiff must file a personal injury lawsuit is two years, starting on the date the injury occurred, but in Florida the limit is four years. Suits against government agencies or government offices have limitations that vary between two and three years. It is crucial to work quickly to start building your lawsuit, so you can meet the statute of limitations for your claim. Your attorney can help ensure that you meet all the appropriate filing deadlines.
How Long Will It Take to Receive My Settlement?
Some personal injury cases take months or even years to resolve. It may take quite a long time for a plaintiff to receive a settlement or case award, especially if the defendant contests the trial verdict or disputes settlement terms.
Why Do I Need an Attorney?
Some people may believe they can handle their own personal injury claims without legal assistance. This is rarely possible for the average person with no legal experience, especially when he or she is recovering from an injury. Hiring an attorney leads to a better level of representation than the plaintiff could manage otherwise. It also increases the plaintiff’s chances of winning and the amount he or she wins.
Have You Been Injured Due To The Negligence Of Others? Williams Law, P.A. Is Here To Help.
If you or a loved one have been physically injured due to someone else's neglect you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Tampa, Florida law office directly at 800.451.6786 to schedule your free consultation. We help Florida residents just like you who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall, or other accident resulting in an injury. Remember, we work on a contingent basis, meaning you don't pay us anything until we win your case.