Have you ever been injured by someone else’s recklessness or carelessness? If so, then you were likely pretty frustrated. After all, you’re the one who ended up suffering physically and financially after the accident, and it wasn’t even your fault! You’re probably also wondering – do I have the basis of a personal injury lawsuit after my incident in Florida?
Related blog: What You Need To Know About Negligence
An Overview of Florida’s Liability Laws
Liability laws in Florida dictate that a negligent person or entity is financially responsible for any fallout that occurs due to their action or inaction. In our state, the responsible party will be considered at-fault when:
- They have a duty to provide for your care
- They fail to uphold their duty of care
- The breach in care led to an injury
- Your injury led to specific damages like medical bills or lost wages
If you were involved in a car accident, then it’s important to understand our state’s no-fault system. Under this type of system, you’ll get compensation through your own insurance provider rather than through a lawsuit. You’re only entitled to seek out a lawsuit if you’ve suffered a significant, serious, and permanent injury.
Related blog: How Long Will It Take To Settle My Car Accident Case?
If you were attacked by someone’s dog, then courts will have to determine whether the owner had any reason to believe the dog was dangerous. If the pet has been aggressive in the past, then the owner may be liable for the victim’s medical bills and other expenses.
If you were injured by a doctor or health care provider, then the courts will need to determine whether the medical provider’s care was reasonable or not before awarding damages.
After your accident or injury, you have a limited amount of time to seek out a claim. The statute of limitations in Florida is generally four years after you learn about your injury.
What You Need to Know About Comparative Negligence in FL
There’s also another important factor that will impact a personal injury claim in Florida. Our state uses a comparative negligence standard, which means your compensation could get reduced if you were partially at-fault for the accident or injury. If you were 25% at fault, then your compensation award will get reduced by 25%.
Related blog: Florida Personal Injury Compensation
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Injury Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients injured in Broward, Dade, Palm Beach Counties, and throughout Florida. Call 954-525-2345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach and Plantation.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.