Basics of Personal Injury Law
Advertisements for personal injury law firms – whether billboards or television commercials – are all around us. Still, many people do not clearly understand what personal injury law entails.
The need for representation in a personal injury case is more common than you may think. If someone has caused you harm, you should not be expected to bear the burden of injuries, medical expenses, and loss of work without compensation. In this article, we will take a closer look at what types of situations are considered “personal injury” and how you should proceed if you have been the victim of negligence.
Most Common Personal Injury Law Cases
There are three common attributes to every personal injury case – an injury occurred, it was due to the negligence of another party, and financial hardship resulted from the injury.
This body of law covers a wide range of injuries, including these everyday situations.
Car Accidents: Many personal injury cases are related to vehicle accidents that involve cars and trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians, including drunk and distracted driving accidents, collisions, and accidents implicating uninsured drivers.
Slip and Falls: These types of injuries involve falls caused by someone’s negligence or lack of care. These may include incidents at shopping centers, office buildings, or public recreation areas, as well as in personal residences.
Intentional Acts: These cases reflect injuries caused by someone else’s willful actions, such as an assault. While many of these cases will appear before a criminal court to determine punishment for the aggressor, victims may seek financial restitution through a civil personal injury case.
Wrongful Death: These cases apply when someone loses their life due to someone else’s negligent actions or misconduct. These types of cases are considered civil actions, not criminal cases. They can arise from many different circumstances, including car accidents, product defects, medical malpractice, or illegal behavior.
Personal injury cases often end in settlement, meaning that you will receive financial relief from insurance companies or third parties without going to court. However, if your case does proceed to a lawsuit and a court hearing, your attorneys will help you to navigate the process successfully.
Time is of the Essence
Every situation is unique, but if you have experienced harm or injury and believe you may deserve compensation, it is essential to:
- Receive medical attention right away: The success of your case may depend on receiving prompt medical care and documenting a diagnosis and prognosis based on your injuries.
- Gather any documentation and evidence that may be relevant: It is always easier to obtain witness testimony or collect necessary evidence as close to the event as possible.
- Call a personal injury attorney: An experienced personal injury attorney can help with evidence, speaking with insurance companies, and negotiating with other parties on your behalf, taking the pressure off you during this difficult time.
What are the Statute of Limitations? While you are legally entitled to pursue compensation from someone who has injured you, Florida law requires these claims to be filed within a specific time frame. If you do not hold the negligent party accountable within the legal window, you will lose any right to do so. Most Florida personal injury cases must be filed within two years – and while this may seem like you have plenty of time, some circumstances can drag on and delay your case. An attorney will advocate for you and ensure you do not lose your opportunity to receive the compensation you deserve.
At Hale Law, we are dedicated to providing high-quality legal services combined with compassion for our client’s individual needs. We are happy to evaluate your personal injury case free of charge and with no obligation. We will fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve, and our services are free unless we win.
