Top Five Personal Injury Cases in Florida and How to Navigate Them

Top 5 Personal Injury Cases in Florida and How to Navigate Them

Personal injury cases are a significant aspect of the legal landscape in Florida. In fact, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were over 340,000 traffic crashes in Florida in 2022 alone, resulting in more than 216,000 injuries. This alarming statistic highlights the importance of understanding personal injury law and knowing when to seek legal assistance. If you find yourself in such a situation, an experienced Florida injury lawyer can be your strongest ally. 

There are many types of injury cases that may require a personal injury lawyer. In this blog, we’ll explore the top five personal injury cases in Florida and provide guidance on how to navigate them.

1. Car Accidents

Overview: Car accidents are the most common type of personal injury case in Florida. With its dense population and busy roads, Florida sees a high number of traffic accidents each year. These accidents can range from minor fender-benders to severe collisions, often resulting in significant injuries and property damage.

Common Injuries: Injuries from car accidents can vary widely, including whiplash, broken bones, concussions, spinal cord injuries, and even death. The severity of the injury often depends on the circumstances of the crash, such as speed, impact, and the use of safety devices like seatbelts.

How to Navigate: If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine at the moment. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Once you’ve received medical care, it’s essential to consult with an accident injury attorney who can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process. In Florida, you have a limited time to file a claim, so acting quickly is vital.

2. Slip and Fall Accidents

Overview: Slip and fall accidents are another common personal injury case in Florida. These incidents often occur in public places like supermarkets, restaurants, or private properties where hazardous conditions, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting, are present.

Common Injuries: Injuries from slip and fall accidents can include fractures, sprains, head injuries, and back injuries. Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries from falls.

How to Navigate: If you slip and fall on someone else’s property, it’s important to document the scene as thoroughly as possible. Take photos of the hazard that caused your fall, gather witness information, and report the incident to the property owner or manager. Seeking immediate medical attention is also crucial. A Florida injury lawyer can help you determine whether the property owner was negligent and assist you in pursuing compensation for your injuries.

3. Medical Malpractice

Overview: Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide the standard of care expected in their field, resulting in harm to the patient. These cases can be complex and require a thorough understanding of medical and legal standards.

Common Injuries: Medical malpractice can lead to a wide range of injuries, including surgical errors, misdiagnosis, birth injuries, and medication errors. In some cases, medical malpractice can result in permanent disability or death.

How to Navigate: Medical malpractice cases are often complicated and require expert testimony to establish negligence. If you suspect that you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, it’s important to consult with an experienced accident injury attorney as soon as possible. Florida law imposes strict deadlines for filing medical malpractice claims, and failing to act within this timeframe can bar you from seeking compensation.

4. Workplace Injuries

Overview: Workplace injuries are common in Florida, especially in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. These injuries can occur due to unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, or equipment failure.

Common Injuries: Common workplace injuries include fractures, burns, lacerations, repetitive strain injuries, and exposure to hazardous substances. In severe cases, workplace accidents can lead to permanent disability or death.

How to Navigate: If you’re injured on the job, you’re likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, navigating the workers’ compensation system can be challenging, and disputes over benefits are not uncommon. In some cases, third-party claims may also be an option if another party’s negligence contributed to your injury. Consulting with a Florida injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

5. Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Overview: Dog bites and animal attacks are another common personal injury case in Florida. Under Florida law, dog owners are typically held strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of the dog’s history or the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s behavior.

Common Injuries: Injuries from dog bites can range from minor puncture wounds to severe lacerations, infections, and even disfigurement. In some cases, dog bites can result in psychological trauma, especially in children.

How to Navigate: If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately to prevent infection and document the injury. Report the incident to local animal control authorities and gather information about the dog and its owner. A Florida injury lawyer can help you pursue a claim for compensation, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The Role of an Accident Injury Attorney

Navigating the aftermath of a personal injury can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal deadlines. This is where an experienced accident injury attorney becomes invaluable. Here’s how a Florida injury lawyer can assist you:

  1. Legal Expertise: Personal injury law is complex, and each case is unique. An experienced attorney understands the nuances of the law and can help you navigate the legal system effectively.
  2. Case Evaluation: An attorney can evaluate the merits of your case and provide you with an honest assessment of your chances of success. They can also help you determine the appropriate amount of compensation to seek based on your injuries and other damages.
  3. Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. A skilled accident injury attorney can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement.
  4. Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can represent you in court. They will gather evidence, present your case, and advocate for your rights to secure the compensation you deserve.
  5. Peace of Mind: Dealing with a personal injury can be stressful, but having a dedicated attorney on your side can provide peace of mind. You can focus on your recovery while your attorney handles the legal aspects of your case.

Compassionate Care from Adolphe Law Group

Personal injury cases can have a profound impact on your life, both physically and financially. Whether you’ve been involved in a car accident, suffered a slip and fall, or experienced any other type of injury, it’s crucial to understand your rights and seek legal assistance. 

A Florida injury lawyer from Adolphe Law Group can help you navigate the complexities of your case, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation and take the first step toward securing your future. Our firm has compassionate attorneys who speak multiple languages, including Creole, Spanish, and English.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Adolphe Law Group today. Our team of experienced attorneys is here to guide you through every step of your personal injury case, providing the expertise and support you need to get back on your feet.

Do Personal Injury Lawyers Go To Court? 

Do Personal Injury Lawyers Go To Court

Are you having trouble since a recent accident? Do you worry about how you’ll pay your bills so that you can concentrate on getting better? Was someone else at fault for the accident? If so, you might have a case for personal injury.

You may be able to get assistance paying for accident-related costs with a personal injury claim. Although each state has its own laws governing personal injury cases, in general, you have the right to seek monetary compensation if your injuries were caused by the carelessness of another person. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and assist in the negotiation of a just and reasonable settlement should you decide to take your case to court.

What transpires, though, when you and the insurer of the other party cannot agree on what constitutes reasonableness? 

A Personal Injury: What Is It?

The phrase “personal injury” could sound a little esoteric to the typical individual. However, the connotation is really clear-cut. The American Bar Association states that personal injury law safeguards you in the event that your person or property is harmed by the conduct or inaction of another. Essentially, you have the right to recover any further expenses if someone else’s behavior causes your injury directly.

In order to file a smooth personal injury lawsuit, you need to show:

A person has an obligation of care if their deeds or inactions have the potential to negatively impact the livelihood or safety of another individual. For instance, everyone using the road has an obligation to drive safely, and everyone owning property has an obligation to maintain, and even if it wasn’t the result of that person’s acts, you nonetheless sustained harm.

Personal injury attorneys represent people who have been hurt in a variety of accidents.

A personal injury lawyer near you may represent clients in the following situations:

  • Auto accidents
  • Medical error
  • Accidents involving slips and falls
  • Products with flaws
  • Incorrect demise

Are Personal Injury Attorneys Present In Court?

Up to 90% of personal injury lawsuits settle out of court, according to most sources. Trials can be quite expensive and risky for both parties. A jury will make the ultimate decision if you proceed to trial.

Furthermore, the length of the actual case is unrestricted, even though the statute of limitations limits the amount of time you have to initiate a lawsuit. Litigation in complex circumstances may last for several months or even years following the original event. It is usually agreed upon by both parties that an out-of-court settlement is in their best interests.

Your lawyer could also wish to avoid going to court for the following reasons:

There’s the fault question: The insurance provider will make an effort to lessen or completely erase their financial obligation. This implies that they will try to find a means to make the case that you caused the accident or that your actions had a role in it. Your lawyer may determine it is preferable to reach a settlement outside of court if there is cause to think your involvement in the accident could be called into question.

Absence of proof: One of your most powerful tools in a personal injury case is evidence. Photographs from the accident, medical records, and witness accounts all aid in reconstructing the events and can provide the jury with a narrative. There might not be much gain in going to court if you don’t have a lot of supporting documentation.

You’re not a good witness: Regretfully, your counsel will not want to go to court if they believe you would not make a credible witness, regardless of how strong your case may be. A witness’s reliability, prior accident history, history of legal claims, and criminal background are just a few of the many factors that can make you an unreliable witness.

It is important that you get ready for court, so find out about the litigation background of any attorney you plan to work with. Certain attorneys would rather settle out of court, and others have never tried a case in court. Although this does not make them a terrible attorney, you should be aware of this and at ease with it before hiring them.

Conclusion

Your lawyer is going to be your most important resource if you decide to go to court. It follows that you want to select someone who you can trust in addition to someone who is qualified. Consult with a variety of attorneys prior to making a decision. Always prepare a list of the inquiries you would like to make of each lawyer.

You can determine whether your lawyer is prepared for court by asking yourself the following question: 

Does your lawyer have trial experience? This is not a disqualifying question, but if you lost a loved one or suffered life-threatening injuries, you should find a lawyer with trial experience.

What field do you specialize in? It goes without saying that you shouldn’t engage a divorce lawyer for a personal injury case. Contact Adolphe Law Group today for your personal attorney needs. 

What Do I Do If I am In a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Given the nature of the accident, it’s hard to have an accurate number of how many hit-and-run accidents there are in the USA. One report from the AAA Foundation estimated there to be over 737,000 hit-and-run accidents in 2015. This is a shocking number, and sad that it is still so frequent.

Because hit-and-run accidents still happen, you might wonder: What do I do if I’m in a hit-and-run accident? If you’re unfortunately in this place, there are four steps to follow:

Hit-and-Run Accident Personal Injury Lawyer Near You

1. Call the police

The first step is to always call the police. Do this as soon as you’re able or get someone nearby you to help out. The police will be able to help you file a police report that will help record the details of what happened and support your case.

2. Make a report

After calling the police, they will help you make a report about the hit-and-run accident. Here you will record everything you remember about what happened and the case of the details.

A report can help your personal injury lawyer or accident attorney compile all the data for your case and ensure you receive compensation and coverage.

3. Check for traffic cameras or storefront cameras

While you’re filling out the report, check and see if there are any nearby traffic or storefront cameras. Ideally, a camera has captured what happened and the license plate of the person who caused the accident.

You can tell the police officer about the cameras and record them on your report. Even if you are not sure there is a camera, report any potential camera locations to be investigated further.

4. Adolphe will look at your insurance to see if you are covered

The last step is to contact your personal injury or accident attorney to see if your insurance will cover you. The type of insurance you want in this case is Uninsured Motorist Insurance.

Essentially, this insurance will protect you if you were in an accident where the other party caused it and left the scene. It also covers you if the other driver does not have an insured vehicle. Your accident attorney will be able to see if your insurance is covered.

If you have been in a hit-and-run accident, follow these four simple steps. Knowing this information will help you stay calm under a stressful situation and manage it in the best way possible. When you’re in doubt, contact us at Adolphe Law Group, and one of our experienced accident attorneys will be able to give you more information.

We hope you’re never in a hit-and-run, but if you are, these are the four steps to follow. Adolphe Law Group is here to stand by you and fight for you. Contact us for any questions or more information about what we can do.