Basic Facts About Personal Injury Law in Florida

When you’re suffering from injuries that were caused by another person’s negligent actions, you may want to pursue compensation via a personal injury case.

If your injuries are serious and your financial losses are substantial, it can be the best way to restore the balance in your life.

A complex case deserves the attention of a personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale to help you get what’s fair. Before you begin working together, there are a few basic facts you should be aware of regarding personal injury law in Florida.

You May Still Be Liable Even with Florida’s No-Fault Laws

The no-fault insurance policies in Florida are for covering medical care and damages in the event of a crash. In a car accident case, you need to use your insurance coverage first. If the injuries you’ve endured are severe, you can then seek additional compensation. However, in some cases, you may be partially liable for the accident and will receive only a percentage of the compensation.

You’ve Got a Limited Time to File Your Personal Injury Claim

In Florida, you must file your personal injury claim before the statute of limitations runs out, which is 4 years from the date of your injury. There are some exceptions to the limitations that an attorney can explain, but for all personal injury cases, the best thing you can do is file as soon as possible.

Evidence could deteriorate over time and the memories of witnesses can fade. The sooner you get your case started, the more likely you are to have the desired outcome.

There Are Different Ways Pain and Suffering Is Calculated

In addition to seeking damages for economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, you can also pursue non-economic damages for pain and suffering. This is a little more challenging to quantify, but it consists of both physical and mental injuries. The amount you could be awarded for pain and suffering will vary depending on the severity and type of injury you have sustained.

It will also depend on the required medical treatment, recovery period, and effects of the injury on your life. An attorney can help you demonstrate the extent of your injuries concerning pain and suffering by showing the right kind of evidence. It goes beyond hospital bills and may need to include testimony from your doctors, therapists, friends, and family.

You Can Sue Government Entities But It’s Not Easy

In some personal injury cases, the negligent party may be a governmental entity. Sovereign immunity protects them but there are exceptions when your injuries are a result of hazardous conditions on their property or negligent government employees. Ultimately, you will want to have a personal injury attorney to lead the way in a personal injury lawsuit that involves the government.

Depending on the type of personal injury you have sustained, you will want to talk to an attorney who specializes in that area. There are many intricacies for each category of personal injury law and the right lawyer will have a track record of success in that category.