When someone else’s negligence harms you or someone you love, it can be a confusing time. You may not know who will pay for your injuries and other damages. You may also be asking yourself, Do I need a personal injury lawyer? There’s no legal requirement to hire a lawyer in Florida, but there are many situations where it’s highly beneficial. Here’s a look at some situations where you should hire a personal injury lawyer.
You Suffered Severe Injuries in an Accident
One of the most critical times to hire a top rated injury law firm in Boca Raton, FL is when you sustain severe injuries in an accident. These types of claims tend to be complicated. You want someone on your side who understands how insurance companies will try to lowball you and settle for an amount far lower than your claim is worth.
Some insurance adjusters will try to resolve your case early on in the claims process if they know your injuries are severe. You may consider settling so you can have some money now, but you should never accept a settlement or sign a release of all claims without first speaking with an attorney. If you need future treatment or your doctor recommends surgery, you cannot go back to the insurance company for additional compensation after you’ve signed a release.
A Negligent Party Killed Someone in Your Immediate Family
When a family member dies due to someone else’s actions, you may have a legal right to compensation. However, only certain surviving family members are qualified to receive benefits. Florida law requires the personal representative of the estate to file a wrongful death lawsuit. You should not attempt to handle a wrongful death claim independently. Florida laws regarding wrongful death benefits are confusing. You risk not receiving the total amount you are entitled to if you don’t hire an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer.
There Is Disputed Liability
If your claim involves disputed liability, consider hiring a personal injury lawyer. It would help if you had a legal advocate on your side who can protect your rights. You may need to hire experts to prove your version of the events, such as in a Florida car accident. Unless you have thousands of dollars to front the costs to retain an accident reconstructionist, you are better off speaking with a lawyer.
Florida personal injury lawyers know the tricks and tactics insurance companies use to try and avoid paying a claim. They are trying to reduce or eliminate their exposure by placing all the blame on you. They rely on the fact that you are inexperienced with the legal claims process and do not negotiate for a living. Don’t let an insurance company take advantage of you. Let an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer help instead.
The Insurance Company Unfairly Denied Your Claim
If the at-fault party’s insurance unfairly denied your claim, you can either walk away or file a lawsuit. You should not attempt to litigate a case on your own. There are numerous expenses and costs, not to mention you don’t know the rules of procedure. One mistake could result in the judge dismissing your case.
A Dog Bit You
Dog bites are some of the most complicated legal matters. If someone else’s dog attacked you, speak with an attorney to determine what your legal rights are. You should not have to pay for your bills if you did not provoke the dog when it attacked you. Florida is a strict liability state for dog bites. That means the owner can be responsible for your injuries, even if they did not know their dog was aggressive.
A Defective Product Injured You
As a consumer, you have the right to expect that a product you purchase will work as designed without causing you physical harm. Defective product cases are varied and can involve everything from a child’s toy to an automobile. Medical devices, medications, household appliances, and other consumer products are just a few of the items that could be the subject of a product liability lawsuit.
But product liability cases are typically very complex, and can involve numerous defendants. They are often highly disputed, and you will likely be suing one or more large corporations who have entire staffs of aggressive attorneys ready to fight for them. You need a strong, experienced attorney who can protect your rights.
You Are the Victim of Medical Malpractice
Medical professionals have a duty of care they must live up to when providing medical treatment to you. When their actions fall short of the accepted duty of care, it can be considered medical malpractice. For example, if a doctor was sloppy or used poor judgment and that caused you injury, you may have a valid cause of action for medical malpractice. The sloppy doctor could be legally responsible for your damages in this situation. Examples of medical malpractice include:
- Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose;
- Birth injuries, such as cerebral palsy;
- Operating on the wrong part of the body;
- Unnecessarily operating on you;
- Ignoring diagnostic tests or lab results;
- Leaving a surgical instrument inside; or
- Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage.
Medical malpractice claims are typically very complicated, which is why hiring a personal injury lawyer is crucial.
You Slipped and Fell on Someone Else’s Property
Slip and fall accidents are addressed by premises liability laws. Property owners must keep their premises reasonably safe from hazards that could injure someone visiting the location. Slip and falls can occur anywhere—a public sidewalk, a grocery store, a neighbor’s house, a hotel, an amusement park, etc. Identifying the proper defendants can be complicated. Defendants typically aggressively defend against slip and fall claims, with some insurance companies outright denying them. You need a legal advocate on your side who can determine who’s liable for your injuries.
Hiring Personal Injury Lawyers in Florida
Most law firms offer a free initial consultation for personal injury cases. You have nothing to lose by contacting an attorney to discuss your immediate legal needs. When you contact our legal team at Grossman Attorneys at Law, we will review your case and let you know the best course of action and your potential settlement value. If you are searching online for why you should hire a personal injury lawyer, give us a call. Let us show you how we can help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you are owed.
