What is a Personal Injury Claim?

Understanding a personal injury claim in Fort Lauderdale is important when you or a loved one suffers physical or emotional harm due to another party’s negligence or intentional misconduct. You may have questions about the types of accidents that can lead to a personal injury claim or how to establish liability in court.

At The Schiller Kessler Group, our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer, knows that filing a claim can be a difficult task, but understanding the process and your entitlements is important to securing the compensation you need.

Our team has over three decades of experience handling personal injury claims. Read on to learn more about what a personal injury claim is.

Types of Accidents that Can Lead to a Personal Injury Claim

Accidents can happen anywhere, at any time, and in various forms, often leaving victims with physical and emotional scars. As you go through your daily life, you may be involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, leading to a personal injury claim. 

Car accidents, for instance, can occur due to another driver’s negligence and result in injuries or fatalities. Slip accidents can happen on someone else’s property and cause people to fall and get hurt. 

Workplace injuries can occur due to hazardous conditions or employer negligence. You may also be a victim of medical malpractice, dog bites, or product liability. Additionally, boating accidents and bicycle accidents can lead to serious injuries.

The Process of Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Fort Lauderdale

After seeking medical attention and documenting your injuries, you’re ready to take the next step: filing a personal injury claim. This process typically begins with notifying the at-fault party or their insurance company of your intention to file a claim. 

You’ll need to gather claim documentation, including medical records, police reports, and witness statements, to support your case. It’s important to understand the filing timeline, as the statute of limitations in Florida is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can bar you from pursuing compensation. 

Your claim will be reviewed, and the at-fault party’s insurance company may make an initial offer. Be prepared to negotiate or potentially take your case to court.

Having a clear understanding of the process and seeking guidance from a personal injury attorney can help you handle the challenges of filing a personal injury claim.

Proving Liability in a Personal Injury Case

As you proceed with your personal injury claim, establishing liability becomes an important component of your case. You must prove that the defendant’s actions or inactions caused your injuries. 

This involves meeting the negligence standards, which require showing that the defendant failed to act as a reasonably prudent person would have in a similar situation. You’ll need to gather evidence to support your claim, as you bear the burden of proof. 

Damages You Can Recover in a Personal Injury Claim

Your personal injury claim seeks to hold the liable party accountable for the harm you’ve suffered, and a significant aspect of this process involves recovering damages.

These damages are meant to compensate you for the losses and hardships you’ve endured as a result of the injury. You may be eligible to recover:

• Economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage
• Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Compensation for permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Reimbursement for future medical treatment and care
• Punitive damages, in cases where the liable party’s actions were particularly reckless or negligent

Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Fort Lauderdale

When you’re dealing with a personal injury claim in Fort Lauderdale, you need a lawyer who can accurately evaluate your case, provide a proven track record of success, and aggressively represent your interests. Our team can provide:

Case Evaluation Experience

Evaluating a personal injury claim requires a deep understanding of the legal system, insurance company tactics, and the nuances of Florida law. You need a personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale who can conduct a thorough case assessment and injury evaluation to determine the strength of your claim.

Here’s what our team can help you with:

• Review medical records, police reports, and witness statements to build a strong case.
• Identify all liable parties and potential sources of compensation.
• Calculate the full extent of your damages, including lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
• Handle communication with insurance companies and negotiate on your behalf.
• Prepare your case for trial, if necessary, to increase the chances that you receive fair compensation.

Proven Track Record

Having a thorough case evaluation is just the starting point for a successful personal injury claim. You need an attorney with a proven track record of delivering results. Look for an attorney with a history of securing fair compensation for their clients. 

Check their case results to see if they consistently win settlements and verdicts. Read client testimonials to get a sense of their communication style and level of dedication. 

You want an attorney who will fight for your rights and interests. By choosing an attorney with a proven track record, you can feel confident that your case is in good hands.

Aggressive Representation Style

A personal injury claim in Fort Lauderdale requires an attorney who will fight relentlessly on your behalf. You need a lawyer who will employ aggressive tactics to increase the chances that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

This means using negotiation strategies to maximize your settlement, not just accepting the first offer. Here’s what a lawyer will do:

• Conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence and build a strong case.
• Communicate effectively with insurance companies and opposing counsel.
• Prepare your case for trial, if necessary
• Be your advocate, fighting for your rights and interests
• Help you through the legal process, guaranteeing you understand your options and make informed decisions

Learn More About What a Personal Injury Claim Is

You’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, and now you’re considering a personal injury claim in Fort Lauderdale. By understanding the process, gathering evidence, and working with a knowledgeable attorney from The Schiller Kessler Group, you can build a strong case and increase your chances of securing the damages you need. 

Contact us today for a free consultation.