Personal injury lawsuits are considered the most common type of civil lawsuit in Florida. Civil lawsuits differ from criminal lawsuits. In civil lawsuits, one individual sues another party, while in criminal cases, the government compels the trial in response to a violation. Many legal advertisements promote personal injury attorneys, most notably those who help victims of automobile accidents. However, many other scenarios may require the assistance of a personal injury attorney. Let's take a look.
Situations Included Under Personal Injury
Personal injury law covers more than just car accidents. It can include:
- Pedestrian, bicycle, boat, and motorcycle accidents
- Medical malpractice, physician and prescription errors
- Premises Liability
- Wrongful Death Cases
- Nursing Home and Elder Abuse Cases
Note: If you need clarification on whether your case falls under the personal injury umbrella, call Hale Law. We are here to help.
In general, in any situation in which you or a loved one are injured or killed by someone's negligence, whether behind the wheel, at the hospital, or on someone else's property, you likely have a personal injury case.
Automobile, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents: Vehicular accidents are the most common personal injury lawsuits. The latest statistics from the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)'s reveal that over 38,000 Americans lose their lives annually on the road, with millions more suffering injuries. These deaths are tragic, and accident injuries can result in a reduced quality of life for years to come. Compensation in these lawsuits can be won for your medical bills, car damages and repairs, pain and suffering, and emotional damage. Motorcyclists, bikers, and pedestrians can also receive compensation if a negligent driver causes physical harm or kills a family member.
Medical Malpractice, Physician Errors, and Prescription Errors: Thousands are injured or lose their lives every year due to medical malpractice. These cases can range from a straightforward, avoidable mistake made by a doctor to an incorrect prescription medication that causes internal damage. Complex medical malpractice cases can last for years, but they often represent the best way to keep you and your family financially afloat following extensive medical bills and injuries.
Premises Liability: Leaving your home and traveling out into the world, you assume that most places you visit are safe. Whether you were in a public mall or an acquaintance's house, an injury on someone else's property can result in a premises liability lawsuit. Examples of premise liability lawsuit scenarios include injuries from wet floors in public stores or a pool in a private residence lacking critical safety features.
Wrongful Death Cases: Wrongful deaths can apply to various scenarios of injury lawsuits. Wrongful deaths may stem from negligence in any of the categories mentioned above - but are most often caused by car accidents and medical malpractice. Other scenarios include premises liability incidents such as drowning or elderly deaths in nursing homes.
Elder Abuse: Florida is a famous retirement destination, and for many, moving to an assisted living, memory care, or nursing home facility becomes necessary. While many of these facilities provide exceptional care, we know that approximately 10% of the elderly population has experienced elder abuse - including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, passive neglect, and financial exploitation.
Do You Need Representation for Your Personal Injury Claim?
If you have experienced physical pain, emotional distress, or financial hardship due to someone else's negligence, you are likely eligible to receive compensation according to the law. The personal injury attorneys at Hale Law have the experience, skill, and tenacity you need to achieve the settlement you deserve. Call today, and remember - we don't get paid unless you win.