Injuries often lead to significant expenses for victims, including medical bills and lost wages. In many cases, a personal injury victim will also suffer from an ongoing disability that continues to affect their life for many years to come.
To recover from these losses, victims can file personal injury claims against the person or organization responsible for their injuries.
Personal injury claims can be complicated and overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with the aftermath of the incident. To give yourself the best chance of recovering the settlement you deserve, contact the experienced attorneys at Florin|Roebig for assistance.
Car Accidents And Other Incidents That Lead To Personal Injury
In the Zephyrhills area, personal injury claims may arise in a variety of different circumstances.
Situations that often lead to a personal injury claim include:
1. Dog Bites
Dog attacks happen all too frequently, often leading to severe injuries and even disability for victims. Fortunately, Florida law allows victims in these situations to pursue compensation from the animal’s owner.
2. Car Crashes
Car crashes happen every day in Zephyrhills and Pasco County. In fact, Pasco County recorded nearly 7,000 auto accidents just in 2017, leading to a total of 6,382 injuries and 107 deaths. Car crash victims can file claims against responsible drivers or other negligent parties to collect compensation.
3. Medical Malpractice
Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to protect their patients from harm. When a healthcare professional fails to uphold this responsibility, they may be liable for any harm caused to the patient.
4. Swimming Pool Accidents
When someone is injured because of an unsafe swimming pool environment, the party responsible for maintaining safety around the pool may be held responsible for damages.
5. Slips And Falls
Florida Health lists falls as one of the most common reasons for visits to the emergency room and hospitalizations across the state. Fall-related injuries are especially common among older people. When a fall occurs because of a preventable safety hazard, property owners may be held responsible for resulting injuries.
All injuries are different, and it can be challenging to determine whether your injury qualifies you to file a claim. Talk to a personal injury attorney in Zephyrhills for advice tailored to your unique situation.
Listed below are the top five accidents that cause injuries specifically in Zephyrhills:
- Skydiving Accidents: Zephyrhills is well-known for skydiving, with Skydive City being a notable destination. While safety measures are typically rigorous, accidents can still occur, leading to injuries from hard landings, mid-air collisions, or equipment failures.
- Extreme Weather-Related Accidents: Zephyrhills, like many Florida cities, can experience extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes and tropical storms. These conditions can lead to accidents, such as debris-related injuries or accidents due to floodwater.
- RV and Mobile Home Accidents: Zephyrhills is home to many RV parks and mobile homes. Accidents related to these can occur, including falls from mobile homes or collisions involving RVs.
- Golf Cart Accidents: In areas like Zephyrhills, where golf courses and retirement communities are prevalent, golf cart accidents can be relatively common. These might involve collisions with other vehicles or golf cart rollovers due to steep terrain or sharp turns.
- Outdoor Activity Accidents: The city’s local parks, wildlife preserves, and camping grounds offer numerous outdoor activities. However, these activities can also lead to accidents. For instance, a hiker might get injured due to a snake bite or a fall on a hiking trail.
What To Know About Personal Injury Claims
Every personal injury claim is unique, but there are certain common factors that must always be considered. For example, it is important for claimants to understand the basic requirements to file a claim.
In order to file a successful personal injury claim, you must be able to show that:
- a person or organization was negligent
- negligence led to an injury
- your injuries resulted in verifiable losses
Florida law also requires all claimants to make their claims within a certain period of time after the incident occurs. This is known as the “statute of limitations.” To ensure that you file your claim in time, we recommend talking to a personal injury attorney as soon as you have received any emergency medical treatment you may need following an injury.
In some cases, a victim may share some of the responsibilities for their injuries. When this occurs, the state of Florida will use a policy of comparative negligence to decide the outcome of the case. If you think you may share fault for your accident, talk to one of our attorneys to learn more.
Types Of Damages Awarded For Personal Injury Claims In Zephyrhills
The majority of damages you receive when you win a personal injury case will be classified as compensatory damages, which means they compensate you for a loss related to the injury.
The most common examples of compensatory damages awarded in these cases include:
- medical payments
- benefits to cover lost wages
- damages for pain and suffering
- compensation for changes to quality of life
If your injuries were the result of extreme negligence or intentional harm, you may also receive punitive damages. These damages are intended to act as a punishment for the defendant.
Knowing What Your Claim Is Worth
A variety of factors may affect the amount of compensation the court will award you if your personal injury claim is successful. For this reason, estimating the value of your claim can be a challenge.
However, you can get an idea of how much you may be able to collect by considering the following factors:
1. The specific details of the accident and your injuries
When determining your settlement amount, the court will consider the specific circumstances of the accident and the injuries it caused. Different types of accidents may be treated differently. Likewise, the exact nature and extent of your injuries will have an effect on the claim’s worth.
2. The impact the injury has had on your life
The court will consider the ways in which your injuries have impacted your personal life. For example, if you can no longer participate in the hobbies you once enjoyed, the value of your claim will likely increase.
3. Your documented expenses
Your documented expenses will have a direct effect on the value of your claim. These expenses may include hospital bills, lost wages, doctor bills, and any other expenses directly related to your injuries.
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Do I Need To Hire A Personal Injury Attorney?
Many potential claimants wonder whether they will be required to hire a personal injury attorney before filing a personal injury claim in Zephyrhills.
Under Florida law, having legal representation is not a requirement. However, you should still consider hiring an attorney in order to improve your likelihood of taking home a suitable financial settlement.
Personal injury attorneys have the knowledge necessary to make sure you have complied with all relevant Florida laws when filing your claim. Your personal injury attorney will also be available to answer any questions you may have throughout the case, ensuring that you have all the resources you need to make the right decisions.
In addition, your personal injury attorney will be a source of support for you at all times, even standing by your side as you take the matter to court.
List Of Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Zephyrhills
If you are planning to file a personal injury claim in Zephyrhills, you need to hire an experienced, dedicated attorney to represent you in your case.
Here is a list of some of our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Florin|Roebig who currently serve Zephyrhills:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Shaun M. Cummings B.C.S.
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- Parker Y. Florin, LL.M.
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
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Find Help With Your Personal Injury Claim
Personal injury claims can be complicated, especially when you are still dealing with the aftermath of your injuries. To give yourself the highest chance of taking home a fair and adequate financial settlement, you need a qualified attorney on your side. Please contact Florin|Roebig today to make an appointment to discuss your claim.
