Florida Personal Injury Lawyers

Our team of experts can help you determine if you have a viable personal injury case in Florida – then we’ll help you decide what to do about it. If you are considering a personal injury lawsuit in Pinellas Florida, you’ll want to know if you have a strong case. In the end, the truth of the matter is that, when it comes to the law, there is never anything like a guaranteed victory. As a matter of fact, there are times when seemingly uncomplicated cases can lead to an undesirable outcome for the party who has been injured. However, there are some scenarios in which an injured party has a strong chance of receiving the compensation and justice they deserve.

When your attorney prepares your personal injury case for trial, admissions of fault can be the most powerful tool in their arsenal. The allegedly responsible party may admit to their role in the accident in many instances where the plaintiff and defendant communicated before the lawsuit.

Let us say, for instance, that you were injured at your workplace. You receive a text from your boss apologizing for the injury caused by unsafe work conditions on your way to the hospital. In reality, they later claim they weren’t at fault in an attempt to avoid having their insurance premiums skyrocket.

Despite their backtracking, they have admitted their mistake, which is invaluable documentation.

With today’s advanced smartphone technology and increased surveillance, it’s possible for your accident to be captured on camera. Providing video or photographic evidence that corroborates your story and shows the defendant was negligent could improve your chances at trial. Witness testimony is useful, but there is nothing more compelling than being able to examine the accident exactly as it occurred.

The reality is that sometimes people abuse the legal system by fabricating or overstating injuries in order to get a quick payday. There are scams where scammers squirt water on the floor of a business and then feign a fall, in hopes of suing the business for easy money. In these cases, the plaintiff often suffers minor injuries that have not been validated or verified by a medical professional. Even the most committed scammer won’t severely injure themselves for money. You have a stronger case if your injuries are severe and can be confirmed by a medical professional, as this proves to the judge and jury that you did not hurt yourself intentionally.

Having a pattern of behavior or a history of similar incidents may work in your favor when you intend to sue another person or business. As a simple example, suppose you were injured after slipping and falling on a rickety staircase at a local business. In an investigation, your attorney discovers that the business neglected to make repairs necessary to bring the staircase up to code despite dozens of other customers experiencing similar problems.

Clearly, you were not the only victim of this establishment’s negligence, as you are just one of many who have suffered because of their inability to remedy an unsafe situation. In cases where there has been a pattern of negligent behavior, juries and judges are more likely to award significant damages.

Having a track record of diligence is necessary when presenting your case at trial. It means you followed the advice of your medical professionals and sought all the necessary medical care in a timely manner. Additionally, it means you haven’t hesitated to contact your insurance provider or legal counsel. It is crucial that you demonstrate that you are serious about your recovery and treatment. When you sought medical assistance or an attorney months after the alleged incident, it looks bad for your argument.

The idea is to compensate an injury victim so that they are not on the hook for the financial consequences of the act of another. A personal injury lawsuit can award you several types of damages, some of which are “economic” and related to the costs incurred following an injury, and some of which are noneconomic, or more subjective. It depends on where you live and/or where the injury occurred as to what’s available and how (and if) they’re limited.

An individual involved in a personal injury accident might require medical attention. For immediate injuries, this can involve tests, treatment, hospitalizations, and outpatient care. These are not always the only options available.

It could also be necessary to receive ongoing medical care, especially if there are serious or permanent injuries. These expenses can add up quickly. Medical bills for the injured can exceed tens of thousands of dollars. In an ideal world, the damages assessed against the defendant would cover all of this.

As a result of your inquiry, you missed work. Perhaps you took some sick time to go to a doctor’s appointment or maybe you were in the hospital and had to take time off. It could also be that you suffered a severe injury and are unable to work. You may be entitled to compensation if you miss a few days of work or are unable to work going forward.

The amount of compensation you receive is based on the type of injury you sustained and what medical treatment you received. The plaintiff must have as much evidence as possible to prove the harm caused by another’s negligence in order to receive compensation of this kind, which can exceed a million dollars in a jury trial.

It is important to keep track of the extent and duration of recovery following an injury through medical records, which can include diagnoses, prescriptions, clinical visits, and hospital stays.

However, you can only achieve this if you are proactive about your treatment and communicate with your physician effectively. Keep written records of your symptoms and take photos and videos of your injuries.

Compensation is based on the mental and emotional state of an injured person following an accident. Severe injuries don’t necessarily affect just the physical person. The mental trauma a personal injury victim experiences may range from anxiety and depression to post-traumatic stress disorder, depending on the nature of the accident.

In order to receive damages from emotional distress, you typically need comprehensive and accurate records from your therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist, as well as a diagnosis of a specific mental illness.

You may be able to file a claim against the other party through insurance or Small Claims Court on your own in some circumstances. In other situations you may also need the assistance and advice of a qualified legal professional. Here are some benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Pinellas as opposed to handling a case on your own:

• A lawyer can help you ensure that you receive all of the damages you are entitled to.
• You can maximize your recovery with the help of lawyers who are experts in negotiation.
• When you are represented by an attorney, insurers and defendants may take your claim more seriously.

It is estimated that the average person receives a 3 12.6 what is this supposed to be times larger settlement with legal assistance than without it, according to a 1999 study by the Insurance Research Council. This is especially relevant in personal injury settlements.

When you work with a Pinellas personal injury lawyer, you will be presented with a settlement from the liable party at some point, maybe even several times. You must decide if this is enough and if you are willing to settle. Consult with your lawyer to find out whether the settlement is fair. Taking your chances with a court trial may be your best option if you don’t believe the settlement is fair. It is also important to keep in mind that no one can predict whether you will win in court.

Learn about the statue of limitations for your case and how long you have to take action. In many states, you have as little as a year or two to file a lawsuit after your accident – these laws are called “statutes of limitations.” After two years, a personal injury law firm cannot take your case and you won’t be able to pursue compensation. If you’ve been injured and you face medical bills and can’t work, and want to try to get your life back on track, you should consider contacting a personal injury attorney today. You could lose out on compensation if you wait too long and miss a deadline.

There are a few steps you must take after consulting a medical professional and considering filing a personal injury lawsuit. In cases of motor vehicle accidents, slips and falls, and other personal injury accidents, these steps are the beginning of the filing timeline.

Consult an attorney who has handled personal injury cases for years. They use a strategic approach to assess cases to figure out whether you can pursue a personal injury claim and how much you can get.

The moment you sign a retainer agreement, your attorney and legal team will begin reviewing every aspect of your case, from your injuries and the circumstances that caused them, to your employment history and wages, to the circumstances of your family, and any other elements that will bolster your claim.

The attorney will send a letter that lays out your case for damages to the insurance company or another party. You can often come to an agreement with your lawyer that will make you feel better with a suitable personal injury settlement.

Should the other party, however, offer a low-ball amount or refuse a reasonable settlement outright, your legal team will switch gears and be ready to file a lawsuit in order to get you the most compensation possible.

Documents and other evidence are shared between both sides in a lawsuit during this period. As part of this process, your attorney will request any documentation that the other side may have that could assist in proving your case.

Cases that cannot be settled go to a judge and jury. As part of that process, your lawyer will interview expert witnesses and argue your case.

When selecting the right personal injury lawyer for your case, there are a few things to consider. Many options are available, and you might find that sorting through them is overwhelming. The industry may have a bad reputation, but there are still many good personal injury lawyers out there. Read on to find out how.

You need an attorney with more experience than just handling personal injury cases. A few cases do go to trial, but the vast majority of personal injury claims are settled between the parties before a lawsuit is ever filed. A personal injury attorney should have successfully negotiated settlements and litigated cases all the way to a jury verdict. Determine the attorney’s success rate. They probably don’t have a high rating if they can’t provide it.

Attorneys charge hundreds of dollars per hour for their services. After being injured, you probably cannot afford to pay for this out of your own pocket. A reputable personal injury lawyer works on contingency. They are not paid until you are compensated. Contingency amounts typically range from 25% to 40%, so look for an attorney whose fees fall within those ranges. They’ll take a cut from your winnings, and good ones include legal fees in the final settlement to ensure that you get the most out of it.

There are many moving parts in a personal injury case, including deadlines that must be met to continue settlement negotiations or comply with court demands. In order to perform their job effectively, a lawyer has a professional office. Pick a lawyer whose office is organized and whose files are well organized. You should also expect your lawyer to be on time when meeting with you and to respond promptly to your inquiries.

During the COVID Pandemic, Herman & Wells became a hybrid law firm. While we love our primary offices in Pinellas Park, we also have attorneys and paralegals who work from a professional office situated in their own homes. This modern approach has helped us grow with personal injury lawyers in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Seminole, Tallahassee, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and Sarasota.

Pick a lawyer whose office is organized and whose files are well organized. You should also expect your lawyer to be on time when meeting with you and to respond promptly to your inquiries.

Getting a fair settlement for a personal injury case can be a long road to regaining your health. There will be ups and downs in this journey and you will want to feel comfortable with the conversations you have with your lawyer. It is therefore important to choose a personal injury lawyer with whom you will get along. The attorney will listen to you, answer your questions, and explain things in a manner that makes sense to you. You believe that the attorney is looking out for your best interests. You might want to go to someone else if you feel that they are just taking the case for the money.

Speaking to multiple lawyers will help you identify who is best suited to your needs. Comparing their experience, costs, and office environment will let you see how they stack up. By meeting with multiple attorneys, you can also get a sense of what to expect from the case. The answers will give you an idea of what your case challenges might be and what your chances of succeeding are. People who seem overconfident about their success may not be able to back it up.

We offer a free consultation for those who believe they have a case at (727) 821-3195. There will be no pressure to hire us. Whether or not you have a case, we’ll be honest with you from the beginning. Unless we are successful in recovering compensation for you, you owe us nothing. We handle the following types of cases in Pinellas County, Florida:

The most common type of accidents in the United States involves cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and other vehicles. Personal injury claims typically result from another motorist’s negligence. These accidents can have lifelong impacts, regardless of the cause or the negligence involved. It’s possible to need long-term medical care after crashes that at the time don’t seem that bad. In this case, you would file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for immediate medical bills associated with the crash as well as future medical expenses, such as rehabilitation. Additionally, you may be entitled to damages for lost wages, because you were unable to work and will be unable to work in the future, as well as compensation for your physical or emotional pain.

The law in Pinellas, FL deals differently with drunk driving accidents. This is because in such cases, if someone is drunk while driving and causes harm, they will be held liable for “punitive damages” in addition to the harm they caused. As punishment for the wrongdoer and as a deterrent to future drunk driving, punitive damages are extra compensation awarded. These cases are quite serious, so you should contact a board-certified Pinellas attorney with extensive trial experience in this field. An experienced attorney will be able to handle not only your injury claim, but also the potential punitive damages case against the drunk driver.

Florida parking lots are surprisingly dangerous places to walk or drive. Parking lots are surprisingly dangerous places to walk or drive in Florida. Blind spots are common for both pedestrians and drivers. Our Pinellas personal injury lawyers have only seen parking lot accidents increase. There can be relatively minor parking lot accidents, but there can also be catastrophic accidents. You can contact one of our personal injury attorneys for a free consultation if you have been involved in a parking lot accident in Florida.

Similarly to other poor drivers, bad ridesharing drivers tend to focus on other things besides the road. Drivers and passengers can suffer significant injuries when inattentive moments occur. Some ridesharing companies do not require specialized training or have rules regarding sleeping. The only requirement for becoming a Lyft or Uber driver is one year of driving experience. You should contact us if you have been involved in an accident in Pinellas caused by a rideshare driver.

Often, tractor-trailer accidents result in serious or catastrophic injuries. Cars and trucks are different in that the damage they cause is usually more severe. When a truck collides with a car, many motorists suffer serious injuries like paralysis, TBIs, limb loss, fractures, or death. Recovering from serious injuries caused by tractor-trailers can be challenging and may last for a lifetime. These injuries require more medical treatment, so you should work with a team that will ensure your needs are met financially.

It is clear that walking is statistically more dangerous than driving, since Pinellas pedestrian accidents account for over 13% of fatalities in the United States but only 10.9% of total trips. In 2008, 16.5% of all fatalities in Florida were due to pedestrian accidents. Herman & Wells can help if you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle. We offer free consultations with our experienced trial lawyer Clifford Wells. Clifford has expertise with pedestrian accidents and has specialized in these types of cases since 2002. In addition, Herman & Wells has represented countless bicyclists who have been involved in collisions. It is important to hire a Florida personal injury attorney who has knowledge of handling car accident claims if you are injured in a bicycle collision.

In Pinellas, premises liability accidents are caused by negligent property owners (either businesses or homeowners). It is important to prove the negligence of the owner or manager of the premises before a personal injury claim can be validated. Most homeowner’s policies include liability insurance, which covers injuries caused by negligent behavior on the part of the homeowner, employees, or contractors working on the property. Premises liability claims include:

More and more evidence is accumulating that soft tissue injuries cause significant disruption to people’s lives. The treatment is costly and may even require surgical intervention. Among the most common soft tissue injuries in Pinellas county are head and neck injuries, especially whiplash. Common injuries are often mistaken for minor injuries, and whiplash is one type of head injury that may require a prolonged recovery period, as well as lost work time and a significant medical bill. Our personal injury lawyers at Herman & Wells have helped many clients get maximum compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Brain and spinal cord injuries are some of the most horrifying and heartbreaking types of personal injury accidents. As a result of these injuries, you may sustain physical and/or mental damage, including cognitive impairment, and paralysis. If a negligent person or company injures you or a family member, all of you are victims to their carelessness. In any case, you will not be on your own in trying to hold these negligent parties accountable. An experienced Pinellas personal injury attorney will work tirelessly on your behalf along with their legal team. A legal team will use medical records, photographs, videos, and other documentation, as well as depositions of medical experts, to build a case to support your claim for compensation to cover past and ongoing medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

A death unexpectedly changes the lives of family members, friends, and loved ones. A wrongful death in Florida occurs when the incident that caused it could have been prevented. Those who believe that negligence, carelessness, or intentional misconduct caused their loved one’s death may want to speak with a personal injury lawyer about filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Herman & Wells is here to help you understand your options after losing a loved one.