Florida, the Sunshine State, is a captivating land of boundless possibilities and breathtaking natural beauty. With its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and pleasant year-round weather, it’s no wonder that millions of people flock here every year. However, Florida can be a perilous place where accidents occur frequently. From car crashes on bustling highways to slip-and-fall incidents in crowded tourist destinations, an accident can occur at any time. In the blink of an eye, lives can be forever altered by the negligent actions of others.
If you or someone you love got seriously hurt because of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, we’re here to help. Our Florida personal injury lawyers have beaten big defense law firms and insurance companies across the state of Florida.
Our attorneys won’t let the person or company who caused the accident blame you. We know how to fight back and secure maximum compensation for our clients. Even better, when you retain our personal injury attorneys to represent you, you can rest easier knowing you have a caring and compassionate law firm that will go the extra mile for you and your family. We know that accidents can completely de-rail your entire life. We help you get it back. Our main goal is to ensure you and your family get the help and money you deserve according to Florida law.
Want to learn more about how we can help you? You can talk to Florida personal injury lawyer Prosper Shaked for free. Just call (305) 694-2676.
What Kind of Cases Do Our Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Handle?
Whether you’ve been involved in a car accident, suffered from medical malpractice, experienced a workplace injury, or faced any other personal injury, our Florida personal injury lawyers are here to advocate for your rights. Our dedicated attorneys understand Florida law and have the resources to tackle any injury case.
While we handle a full range of personal injury and medical malpractice matters throughout the state of Florida, some of the cases our Florida personal injury lawyers handle include:
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Cruise Ship Medical Malpractice
- Product Defects
- Tire Defects
- Trampoline Park Injuries
- Pharmaceutical + Prescription Drug Injuries
- 18-Wheeler + Semi-Truck Accidents
- Amtrak Train Accident Injuries
- Injuries to Children and Minors
- Molestation by Baby Sitters
- Molestation by Coaches
- Church + 15-Passenger Van Accidents
- Injuries Caused by a Nurse
- Injuries Caused by In-Home Care
- Pool Injury + Drownings
- Insurance Companies Bad Faith Claims
- Amazon Truck Accidents
- Florida Crime Victim Injury Claims
What Damages Can I Recover In a Personal Injury Case in Florida?
In a personal injury case in Florida, there are several types of damages you may be able to recover. These damages compensate you for the losses you have suffered due to the injury. The specific damages and the amount of compensation you receive will depend on the circumstances of your case and the severity of your injuries.
Here are some common types of damages that can be pursued:
- Past Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical and emotional distress you endured from the time of the accident until the date of receiving compensation.
- Future Pain and Suffering: An amount is calculated to account for the ongoing pain and suffering you may experience for the remainder of your life, starting from the payment date until your estimated life expectancy.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the wages you could not earn due to the accident, including time off work, disability, medical appointments, surgeries, and other reasons related to your injury.
- Lost Future Wages: This includes the potential income and benefits you may lose due to your inability to work due to your injury.
- Nursing Care: The cost of part-time or full-time around-the-clock nursing care may be included in severe or catastrophic cases, especially birth injury cases.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for any damage caused to your property due to the accident.
- Assisted Living Care: Compensation for care and assistance in a specialized facility.
- Punitive Damages: In exceptional cases of extreme negligence or disregard for the safety of others, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and discourage similar behavior.
- Medication Costs: Reimbursement for the expenses incurred for necessary medications related to your injury.
- Medical Expenses: This includes the past, present, and future medical bills resulting from your disability and injuries.
- Assistive Devices: Compensation for crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, canes, or any other assistive tools needed due to your injury.
- Loss of Consortium: Refers to the deprivation of familial relationships and companionship due to the injuries sustained.
- Wrongful Death: In cases of a loved one’s wrongful death, compensation may include burial costs and funeral expenses.
- Vehicle or Residential Modification: Reimbursement for modifications made to your vehicle or home to accommodate your disability and enable independence and mobility.
It’s important to note that Florida follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule, which means that the amount of damages you can recover may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. Consulting with an experienced Florida personal injury attorney at our law firm will help you understand the specific damages available in your case and maximize your potential recovery.
We Help Injured Florida Accident Victims Like You
At Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA, we proudly represent individuals who have experienced profoundly life-altering catastrophic injuries. We handle a wide range of cases, including those involving the following types of injuries:
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs): These injuries, often caused by accidents or intentional violence, can result in severe or temporary damage to the spinal cord. Depending on the affected vertebrae, victims may experience paralysis in their legs, arms, torso, and hands or even difficulty breathing. SCIs can significantly impact a person’s independence, potentially necessitating around-the-clock care and leading to a loss of wages.
- Internal Organ Damage: Injuries to internal organs can have lasting effects, sometimes requiring organ removal or transplants, dialysis, medication therapies, and other costly treatments. Victims often suffer greatly and face significant medical expenses. In some cases, internal organ damage can be fatal.
- Amputation: Losing a limb is a severe and irreversible injury that often necessitates prosthetics and mobility devices, such as wheelchairs. Victims of amputation face physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs, commonly resulting from motor vehicle accidents, occur when the brain’s proper functioning is disrupted due to head impacts. TBIs can range from mild to severe, leading to long-term brain function alterations and tissue damage. Falls and motor vehicle accidents are the leading causes of TBIs.
- Back or Neck injuries: Frequently occurring in personal injury accidents, these injuries often stem from motor vehicle collisions, trucking accidents, or incidents involving significant impact forces. Slip and fall accidents can also cause back or neck injuries.
- Crushing Damage: A crushing injury is devastating and often seen in construction accidents involving heavy machinery. Workers may lose limb function or require amputation if the damage is severe, while injuries involving the abdomen or head may have dire consequences for survival.
- Sensory Impairment or Loss: Losing a sense, particularly vision or hearing, can profoundly impact a person’s life and overall well-being.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Scarring and disfigurement can result from various incidents, including car accidents, trucking accidents, dog bites, or animal attacks. These injuries may necessitate plastic surgery and can cause emotional distress and upset for individuals.
At our firm, we understand the significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens that accompany these types of injuries. Our dedicated team is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to help Florida personal injury victims obtain the justice and compensation they deserve.
What To Do After an Injury Accident in Florida?
After an injury accident in Florida, taking certain steps to protect your rights and ensure a smooth process is essential. Here are some of the steps you should take to help your claim:
- Ensure Safety: Prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. Move to a safe location if possible and away from any immediate dangers.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, seeking medical evaluation is crucial. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and documenting your injuries is essential for your case.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Report the accident to the appropriate authorities, such as the police, and cooperate fully with their investigation. Request a copy of the police report for your records.
- Gather Evidence: Collect evidence at the accident scene, if possible. Take photos of the scene, including any damage, injuries, skid marks, or road conditions. Obtain contact information from witnesses.
- Document Details: Keep track of important information related to the accident, including the date, time, location, and the parties involved. Record the names and badge numbers of responding law enforcement officers.
- Notify Insurance Company: Promptly notify your insurance company about the accident. Provide them with the necessary details, but avoid providing a detailed statement until you consult an attorney at our law firm.
- Consult a Florida Personal Injury Attorney: Seek legal advice from a skilled personal injury lawyer with experience handling Florida accident cases. At Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys, PA, our lawyers will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you pursue rightful compensation.
- Preserve Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to your accident and injuries. This may include medical records, bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies.
- Follow Medical Recommendations: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for treatment, follow-up appointments, and rehabilitation. Keep records of all medical expenses and treatments.
- Be Cautious with Statements: Avoid discussing the accident or your injuries with anyone other than your attorney. Statements made to insurance companies or the opposing party can be used against you.
- Keep a Record: Maintain a record of the impact the injuries have on your daily life, including pain, emotional distress, missed workdays, and any limitations you experience. This documentation can support your compensation claim.
Remember, each case is unique, and it is crucial to consult with a Florida personal injury attorney at our law firm to get personalized advice based on your situation.
Wrongful Death After an Accident in Florida
Unfortunately, some individuals do not survive their injuries, which can be an incredibly heartbreaking experience for their loved ones. Losing a family member due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions is devastating and overwhelming. During this difficult time, family members and survivors face numerous challenges, including medical and funeral expenses resulting from their loved one’s death.
In wrongful death cases, families may be eligible to seek compensation for various damages, which can provide some financial relief and help address the following aspects:
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Coverage for the costs of arranging a funeral and laying their loved one to rest.
- Medical Bill Coverage: This includes expenses for any medical services, treatments, or emergency services rendered to the deceased.
- Loss of Income: Compensation for losing your loved one’s financial support. This includes the loss of support to dependents.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to compensate for the loss of companionship, emotional support, and guidance the deceased provided to their family members.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for any property damage resulting from the accident leading to wrongful death.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for the emotional pain, suffering, and mental anguish experienced by the family members due to losing their loved one.
- Punitive Damages: Punitive damages may be awarded in rare and exceptional cases. These damages punish the responsible party for their gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
It’s important to note that a limited timeframe exists to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida. The statute of limitations is set at two years, which means the lawsuit must be initiated within two years of the date of death.
During this challenging period, it is important to know that you are not alone. Seeking the assistance of an experienced wrongful death attorney at our law firm is crucial. We can provide guidance, navigate the legal complexities, and help ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
Is it Possible to File a Personal Injury Case If I Share Some Fault?
After an accident, it is not uncommon for injury victims to wonder if they’re partly to blame for the accident. Perhaps they were speeding, or maybe they weren’t watching where they were walking. Even insurance adjusters may point fingers at the victim and try to convince you that you’re to blame. However, the reality is that many accidents involve multiple parties who bear varying degrees of responsibility for the injuries sustained by the victim.
Even if you are partly to blame for the accident and your injuries, you can still pursue compensation under Florida law. In Florida, the legal system follows a modified comparative negligence approach. Under this system, victims may seek compensation based on the proportion of fault assigned to each party involved, as long as the victim’s own responsibility does not exceed 50 percent.
If the victim’s degree of fault is determined to be less than or equal to 50 percent, they remain eligible for damages. However, the amount of compensation they can recover will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if a victim is found to be 10 percent at fault and is awarded $100,000, the final compensation amount may be adjusted to $90,000 to account for their contribution to the accident.
Contact Our Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Today
After an injury accident in Florida, knowing that you don’t have to face the challenges alone is important. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys in Florida is here to guide you through this difficult time, fighting relentlessly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll accidents can have on your life. That’s why we are dedicated to providing you with personalized attention and compassionate support. With our extensive knowledge of Florida’s laws and a proven track record of success, we are prepared to take on a wide range of personal injury cases.
Your journey to justice starts with a simple phone call. By reaching out to us, you can speak directly with one of our skilled attorneys, who will listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your legal options. Our initial consultations are free, allowing you to explore your case without financial obligations.
Learn how we can help you today by calling (305) 694-2676 for a free case evaluation with Prosper Shaked.