Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Personal injury claims generally arise from injuries caused by someone else’s unintentional conduct, such as negligence. For example, when driving a car, it is reasonable to drive the speed limit, pay attention to the car in front of you, and keep a safe distance. The law requires individuals and businesses to use reasonable care under the circumstances to avoid injury to others.

Generally speaking, the damages that can be recovered in Florida for personal injury arising from negligence include:

• Lost Wages: This covers income lost due to the injury, including past and future earnings.
• Medical Expenses: Victims are entitled to reimbursement for medical bills related to their injuries, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation costs.
• Physical and Emotional Injuries: Compensation is available for the physical pain and emotional suffering endured as a result of the injury.
• Pain and Suffering / Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Victims can seek damages for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and the impact it has on their quality of life.
• Permanent Disability: In cases where the injury results in a permanent disability or impairment, compensation can be pursued to address the long-term consequences.

The damages that can be recovered for intentional acts are the same and, additionally, may include punitive damages and attorney’s fees to further punish the wrongdoer.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Florida?

In general, Florida's statute of limitations for negligence-based personal injury claims is four years. This means you have four years from the date of the accident or injury to file a lawsuit. However, you must file a wrongful death claim within two years of the date of death. Likewise, a medical malpractice claim must be filed within two years of the harmful incident, or within four years of actually discovering the injury.

If the injured party is a minor (under 18 years old) at the time of the injury, the statute of limitations may be extended. Generally, the minor has up to seven years from the date of the injury; if the minor is close to turning 18, the seven-year "clock" starts running on their 18th birthday.