Have you been injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault? Florida personal injury law allows you to file a lawsuit against the responsible party and, if your lawsuit is successful, collect money to pay for your injuries and accident-related expenses. An Orlando personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf.
Personal injury laws covers many types of accidents, including dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defective products, nursing home injuries and more.
It’s important to note, however, that Florida has a no-fault system when it comes to injuries suffered during automobile accidents. That means your insurance company will compensate you for any injuries you suffer even if another driver was at fault. You’re only able to file a personal injury lawsuit in connection with a car crash if your injuries are very serious. An Orlando accident attorney can help determine if your injuries are serious enough to allow you to file a case against the responsible party.
Basics of Florida Personal Injury Law
For your lawsuit to be successful, your Orlando personal injury attorney will attempt to prove three things:
- The person or organization responsible for your accident (known as the defendant) acted in a manner that was careless or negligent
- You were injured as a result of the defendant’s actions or inactions
- You suffered financial losses — such as medical expenses, damaged property or lost wages — as a result of your injuries
If you reach an out-of-court settlement with the defendant or win your case in court, you’ll be entitled to damages, or compensation for your losses.
Statute of Limitations for Florida Personal Injury Lawsuits
Every state imposes a time limit — known as the statue of limitations — on filing a lawsuit. Under Florida law, the statute of limitations on personal injury claims is four years from the date of your injury. This means your lawsuit must be filed with the court no more than four years to the date of your accident. In certain instances where you don’t immediately realize you’ve been injured, the statute of limitations may be extended.
It’s important to contact a Florida personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident or injury. Although four years may seem like a long time, the sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner that attorney can get to work on your case. It can take time to gather evidence and prepare a lawsuit, so don’t wait until the last minute.
