Injuries occur every day in the Lutz area, but not all of these incidents will lead to personal injury claims. Personal injury claims typically occur when someone is injured due to the fault of another, leading to mounting expenses and other unwanted consequences. In these cases, the victim can file a claim against the party responsible for their injuries.
To maximize your chances of winning a personal injury case, you need a qualified attorney on your side. The experts at Florin|Roebig attorneys are here to help you file a claim against the party who caused your injuries and recover the compensation you deserve.
Car Accidents And Other Incidents That Lead To Personal Injury
In order to file a personal injury claim in the state of Florida, you must be able to show that another party failed to exercise the minimum amount of care the law requires, leading to a preventable injury.
Many different types of situations can fall into this category.
However, some of the most common incidents that lead to personal injury cases are as follows:
1. Auto Accidents
One of the most common situations that leads to a personal injury claim is an auto accident. In Hillsborough County, which contains Lutz, there were nearly 28,000 car accidents just in 2017. These accidents caused thousands of injuries and killed 191 people.
2. Pool Accidents
Swimming pools are common in the Lutz area. When accidents occur around a swimming pool, the owner of the pool may be held legally responsible for resulting injuries and expenses.
3. Animal Attacks
If someone is attacked by a dog or another pet, the owner of the animal can be held liable for damages.
4. Slips And Falls
When someone falls in an unsafe environment, such as on a wet floor, the property owner may be guilty of negligence. Falls are extremely common in Florida and rank as one of the top causes of injury-related hospitalizations.
5. Medical Malpractice
When a doctor or another healthcare professional fails to exercise the proper care, patients who suffer harm may be able to collect compensation.
If you are wondering whether your situation qualifies you to file a claim, our personal injury attorneys are happy to review your case.
What To Know About Personal Injury Claims
When preparing to file a personal injury claim in Lutz, there are several important factors to consider. Each of these factors can impact the outcome of your case.
1. Comparative Negligence
Every personal injury claim must involve negligence to be successful. However, in some states, the victim must not have been negligent at all in order to collect a settlement.
In Florida, however, victims can still pursue compensation even if they are found to be partially responsible for their own injuries. Florida courts use a policy of comparative negligence to assign fault and calculate settlements in these cases.
2. Statute Of Limitations
The state of Florida limits the amount of time personal injury victims have to file a claim against the party responsible for their injuries. For this reason, it is important to move quickly after you have been injured in order to protect your right to compensation.
3. Legal Representation
Because of the statute of limitations and the complexities of Florida law, it is in your best interest to seek legal representation when filing a personal injury claim. We recommend contacting an attorney as soon as you have received any necessary medical care.
Types Of Damages Awarded For Personal Injury Claims In Lutz
Most of the damages including in your personal injury claims settlement will be compensatory in nature, which means they will be designed to make up for a specific loss you experienced because of your injuries.
The exact compensatory damages you receive will vary, but these damages may be intended to compensate you for:
- medical bills
- future estimated medical costs
- lost wages
- lost earning ability
- physical pain
- emotional and psychological trauma
- ongoing disability
Some financial settlements will also include punitive damages intended as a punishment for the party who caused the victim’s injuries.
The five biggest accident types that cause personal injuries in Lutz:
- Car Accidents: Given its proximity to major highways like the Interstate 275, car accidents are a common occurrence in Lutz. Recently collision on the I-275 due to poor visibility during one of Florida’s sudden and heavy rain showers. According to the Lutz Herald, a three-car pileup occurred on the I-275 last Tuesday afternoon. Reports suggest the accident was triggered by low visibility during a sudden downpour. Two people were seriously injured and are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Lutz’s tropical climate means rain is a frequent occurrence, potentially leading to slip and fall accidents. A user on Yelp recently reviewed a popular restaurant in Lutz and reported a personal injury: ‘The food was great, but I slipped on the wet floor near the entrance during a rainstorm. There were no ‘wet floor’ signs. I fractured my wrist due to the fall.
- Boating Accidents: Lutz is near many bodies of water, including lakes and rivers, making boating accidents a potential risk. A local news article reported a jet-ski collision on Lake Hobbs that resulted in serious injuries to one individual. The report highlighted the importance of water safety and proper training before operating watercraft.
- Cycling Accidents: The scenic roads of Lutz attract many cyclists. But, busy roads and a lack of bicycle lanes can also lead to accidents. A TripAdvisor review from a tourist who rented a bike in Lutz warns others: ‘Lutz is beautiful, but be cautious while cycling. I was hit by a car near Lutz Lake Fern Road. The driver didn’t notice me because of the sun glare.
- Swimming Pool Accidents: Many residents and hotels in Lutz have swimming pools. Without proper safety measures, these can be sites for accidents. An anguished parent shared on Facebook about a near-drowning incident at a community pool: ‘My daughter almost drowned in the pool because there wasn’t a lifeguard on duty. Thankfully, another parent was attentive and helped her. Please, everyone, ensure your pools are safe!
Understanding How Much Your Claim Is Worth
Understanding how much your claim could be worth can help you decide whether or not you want to proceed with filing. However, because every personal injury claim is different, determining your claim’s exact value can be a challenge.
To estimate the value of your claim, consider each of the following factors:
1. The type of injury you sustained
The type of injury you sustained will impact your claim’s value considerably. The value of your claim will be higher if your injury is severe and expected to impact your life in the future.
2. The financial impact of the injury
One of the most important factors considered when calculating your settlement amount will be the way in which the claim has impacted you financially. Financial settlements for personal injury claims will typically include enough money to compensate you for all documented costs.
3. The way the injuries have changed your personal life
In most cases, personal injuries will impact your quality of life. The greater this impact has been, the higher your settlement amount will likely be. Your settlement amount will increase if your quality of life is expected to change indefinitely.
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Do I Need To Hire A Personal Injury Attorney?
In the state of Florida, you can file a personal injury claim without the help of a licensed legal representative. However, hiring an attorney can dramatically improve the outcome of your case.
For example, because your attorney understands the requirements of the Florida legal system, you won’t have to worry about failing to comply. Likewise, because your attorney has experience with these cases, they will be able to help you know what to expect at all times, and they will be able to guide you as you make important decisions.
Further, the defendant in your case is more likely to take your case seriously when you have an attorney, which can lead to a higher settlement offer in mediation.
List Of Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Lutz
Filing a personal injury claim is the best way to recover compensation after you have been injured in Lutz. However, you will have a greater chance of collecting a fair settlement if you work with an attorney.
At Florin|Roebig, we have a team of dedicated professionals who have a strong record of success in personal injury cases.
Some of the members of our team serving clients in Lutz include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Reach Out For Help With Your Personal Injury Claim
If you are preparing to file a personal injury claim in Lutz, you need the right attorney on your side in court. At Florin|Roebig, we know the stakes are incredibly high in these cases, and we are here to help you succeed. Please contact our office today to make an appointment.
