Gainesville Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Laws in Florida

You may file a personal injury lawsuit if you were injured in an accident caused by a negligent person or entity. You have four years from the date of the accident to file a claim in Florida in civil court.

You must prove the following elements to be successful in a personal injury lawsuit:

• You were owed a duty of care by the at-fault party
• The at-fault party breach their duty
• The at-fault party’s breach contributed to the accident that caused your injuries
• Your injuries resulted in monetary losses

There are three types of damages you could be eligible for: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. Economic damages are tangible monetary losses like hospital bills, lost income, and property damage, while non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. On the other hand, punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault party for their grossly negligent or malicious behavior and deter similar misconduct in the future.

Yet, the defendant may say you are completely or partially at fault for the accident. If that is the case, Florida follows a rule called “pure comparative negligence,” which means your total compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of liability. So, if a jury awards you with $100,000 in total damages but also determined you were 20 percent at fault, you will only receive $80,000.

Let Us Help You Recover Your Entitled Compensation Immediately

Our legal team understands how frustrating and confusing personal injury claims can be. But while you do your best to get well and back to work, we will protect your rights and best interests throughout the legal process from start to finish. Do not wait to let us fight for you today.

Contact us today for more information about your legal options.