Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Florida personal injury cases can help individuals better understand the legal aspects of personal injury claims in the state. Here are some common FAQs for Florida personal injury cases, along with brief answers:
How Much Does a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means they don't charge upfront fees but instead take a percentage of the final settlement or award if the case is successful. The contingency fee typically ranges from 25% to 40% of the recovery, with the specific percentage being subject to a fee agreement between you and your attorney.
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. Monetary damages include medical expenses, lost income, and property damage resulting from negligence. Non-economic damages include things like pain and suffering. 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.
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 skilled attorney will know 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.
What is "Comparative Negligence," and How Does It Affect My Case in Florida?
Florida follows a "comparative negligence" system, which means your compensation can be reduced if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, you can still recover damages, even if you share some responsibility.
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 to 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 a Personal Injury Attorney?
Some people may believe they can handle personal injury claims without legal assistance. This is rarely possible for the average person without legal experience, especially when 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 they win.
Have You Been Injured Due To The Negligence Of Others? Williams Law, P.A. Is Here To Help.
If you or a loved one has 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 Florida law office at 800.451.6786 to schedule your free consultation. We help Florida residents 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.