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Why Hire a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney?
If you have suffered physical disability, lost wages, pain and suffering or other hardships as a result of the negligence of another, a personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can help.
Because of the huge amount pf lawyers practicing these days in Fort Lauderdale, personal injury attorneys who know the local laws are crucial to your success. Finding the right personal injury lawyer may seem like trying to pick a needle out of a stack of needles, but it does not have to be so daunting.
First, know there are specific laws and statutes of limitations, laws and regulations imposed on the various types of personal injury claims which dictate how long you have to file a claim. Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys are well versed in these specifics, and can help you determine the best course of action. But, it is extremely important to contact one as soon as you can following the incident.
Comparative Fault
Florida has what is called "Comparative Fault," which means damages may be reduced by the percent that you were also at fault in an accident or other personal injury incident.
Generally, in Florida, there are the following statues of limitations:
- Personal Injury: 4 years
- Libel, defamation: 2 years
- Injury to personal property: 4 years
- Product/manufacturer liability: 4 years
There are also rules of discovery, statutes of repose, and a toll on the statute of limitations.
- Rules of discovery: Because it is not always possible to determine if or when you have been injured until after, this rule permits a suit to be filed within a certain time period after an injury is discovered.
- Statutes of repose: This statute puts an extended time period on when a suit can be filed, preventing claims from being filed after a set period of time.
- Tolling the statute: In certain instances, the statute of limitations can be tolled, or stopped, for a set time period. A Miami Injury Lawyer can determine if this is applicable.
When can I contact a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Any one of Florida's personal injury lawyers can help you determine if you are entitled to seek financial damages for any of the following that may qualify for a personal injury action:
- Automobile accidents
- Construction accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Malpractice
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Associated emotional hardship
- Pain and suffering
Generally, any instance in which a person or a loved one is physically and/or emotionally hurt by another's wrongful actions or inaction may be a personal injury case. If you feel you may qualify, contact lawyer as soon as possible following the incident.
How much does a Personal Injury Attorney Charge?
There are thousands of personal injury attorneys in Florida, and fees will vary depending on experience, the type of case, damages and other factors. Generally, lawyers will follow one of the following fee structures:
- Contingency: : If your case is won, the attorney receives a percentage of the settlement, usually 1/3. If they lose, they do not receive a fee. You may be required to pay costs, such as filing fees. In South Florida, fees for workman's compensation claims are tightly regulated, and are generally lower.
- Hourly: This is usually higher or lower based on the experience of the attorney.
- Retainer: This involves the creation of an escrow account into which you pay in advance. Lawyers deduct from this account in accordance with their hourly rate.
We thank you for visiting our directory, and wish you well in whatever endeavor brought you here. We are constantly adding new information and resources to our site, both general and state specific in nature, so check back often.
Disclaimer: The articles provided herein are for information purposes only and are not destined as a substitute for specific legal advice. The reader is urged to seek professional legal counsel for their specific circumstances, as the law constantly changes and varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and is subject to changeable interpretations.
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