By Steven Meyer
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August 16, 2023
Personal injuries can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. The injuries can be severe, resulting in significant financial and emotional losses. If you've been hurt due to someone else's negligence or wrongdoing, you might be entitled to compensation. In Florida, personal injury law is comprehensive, and the legal process can be overwhelming for the victim. Therefore, it's essential to have a basic understanding of personal injury claims and the legal landscape. In this blog post, we'll discuss what personal injury claims involve and how the legal process works in Florida. What is a personal injury claim? A personal injury claim is a legal dispute that arises when a person is injured because of someone else's negligence or wrongdoing. The goal of a personal injury claim is to seek compensation for the victim's losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To file a personal injury claim, the victim must prove that the other party was at fault, and their negligence caused the injury. Types of personal injury claims in Florida In Florida, personal injury laws cover a wide range of incidents, including car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, dog bites, and product liability. Car accidents are the most common type of personal injury claim in Florida, followed by slip and falls. Medical malpractice claims are also prevalent in Florida, where medical professionals are held accountable for their actions during treatment. If a product is defective or causes harm to the consumer, the manufacturer could be held liable for the injury. The legal process for personal injury claims in Florida After being injured due to someone else's negligence, the victim can file a personal injury claim. The victim's personal injury lawyer will file the claim with the defendant's insurance company. The insurance company will investigate the claim and determine the compensation amount. If both parties agree on the settlement amount, the case will be closed. However, if the parties aren't able to reach a settlement, the case will proceed to court. The court will hear the evidence and render a verdict. If the verdict is in favor of the victim, the court will determine the compensation amount. Statute of Limitations in Florida In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four years. This means that the victim has four years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. However, there are exceptions to the rule. For example, if the victim is filing a claim against the government entity, the deadline is reduced to three years. Personal injury claims can be stressful and overwhelming, but with the right legal guidance, victims can recover the compensation they deserve. It's essential to seek legal representation as soon as possible and file the claim within the statute of limitations. If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Florida and learn about your legal rights. Remember, a personal injury claim can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and help victims get back on their feet.