When do I call a personal injury lawyer?

If you have been injured, it makes sense to call a personal injury lawyer to find out what rights you may have. If you believe that your injury has been caused by another person or company, you may have a right to recover compensation for the injury. Although car accidents account for many personal injury claims, many other types of preventable accidents produce injuries that deserve compensation. Examples are: falls caused by snow, ice or a defect in a walkway or stair, work-place injuries caused by defective equipment or unsafe work practices, household injuries caused by defective consumer products, fires and electrical injuries, medical errors and defective medical products such as hip replacements and mesh implants, and sexual assaults. If you have any question about your potential rights following an injury, a call to a personal injury lawyer is essential.

How much is my case worth?

This is one of the harder questions for a plaintiff's attorney to answer. Determining the worth of your personal injury claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, the details of the case, insurance limits and the identity of the defendant. A case's worth is based on five areas, assuming that the liability issue is straightforward. These areas include:

  • Past medical bills
  • Future medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering

There is no blueprint for determining a case's value; it is based on evidence, such as whether there are discrepancies in the testimony, medical records, or other pieces that may detract from the integrity of the injured party's case. However, based on our experience with past cases in Florida, we may be able to estimate the value of your case once we have gathered all medical records and statements and have an idea as to whether the client's physical and mental state has improved or worsened from the date of injury. The following factors will be considered when determining the amount of compensation owed for your injuries: the severity of your injuries; the details of your accident; your degree of fault; your employment history; your ability to work; and your life expectancy. The manner in which you obtain medical treatment, your lifestyle, and your litigation history will also be considered.

How long will my personal injury lawsuit take?

It's difficult to determine how long it will take to resolve a personal injury lawsuit. Each case is unique; therefore, no general timetable can be established for personal injury cases. A personal injury lawsuit may settle in a few months without the need for a trial, while others can take years to complete.