Personal Injury Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The majority of people have never been part of a lawsuit. So, if a person finds themselves having suffered a personal injury accident, they may not know what to expect when initiating legal action against the responsible party. During this time, it is key to meet with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida about your options. What many victims of personal injury accidents may not realize, is that they deserve much more in financial compensation that they originally thought.
Q: What are examples of recoverable damages in a personal injury lawsuit?
A: There are various types of recoverable damages that the victim of a personal injury accident may be entitled to receiving. There are two types of recoverable damages: economic and non-economic. Examples of economic compensatory damages are things like medical bills, prescription medications, loss of income, legal fees, and property loss. Non-economic (or “hedonic”) compensatory damages are intangible injuries the victim has suffered, such as:
- Pain and suffering: physical anguish or discomfort that is a direct result of the accident and injury pain in the immediate aftermath of the incident. This can also entail future pain associated with the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment: injuries from the accident that has prevented the victim from being able to enjoy his or her daily life as normal.
- Emotional trauma: serious accidents can lead to psychological trauma, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, loss of sleep, newly developed fears, etc.
- Physical impairment or disfigurement: these are injuries related to visible scars, brain damage, paralysis, and compensation depends on the length and extent of time the condition is expected to last.
Q: Is it possible to settle the lawsuit before going to court?
A: Yes, there is the option of settling the case through mediation, avoiding attending court altogether. However, both sides would have to reach an agreement regarding how much the victim will receive in compensation for what happened. Unfortunately, many people accept the very first offer when they deserve much more in monetary restitution. That is why getting advice from a knowledgeable attorney is imperative, so you don’t make any decisions that you regret later down the road.
Q: What happens if my case goes to trial?
A: If an agreement cannot be reached with help from an attorney and mediator, then it will go to trial. Both sides of the case will present their side to the judge and/or jury. After each side showcases their arguments, the jury decides if the defendant is liable for the person injury accident, and how much in damages the defendant must pay to the plaintiff. A personal injury trial often entails the following phases:
- Selection of Jury
- Opening Statements from Plaintiff and Defense
- Witness Testimonies and Cross-Examinations
- Closing Arguments from Both Sides
- Jury Instruction
- Jury Deliberation and Announcing Verdict
Q: How soon after the accident should I talk with an attorney?
A: Once you are of stable health after the accident, contact a reputable attorney in your town as soon as possible. There may be a statute of limitations for how long you have to take action against the individual, company, or entity that caused you harm due to negligence or recklessness.
Contact Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. for their insight into personal injury claims and initiating a lawsuit.