We Have The Answers You Need
Are you wondering what to do after an accident? Browse our FAQs to get the answers you need, or call our Fort Lauderdale car crash lawyer team for legal guidance.
If this is the first time you have been seriously injured and in need of a personal injury law lawyer, you will likely have many questions and you’re here because you need answers. You probably have concerns about:
- What to do after an accident
- How to deal with insurance adjusters
- Steps involved in filing a personal injury claim in Florida
The South Florida Injury Law Firm
Accidents
To protect yourself, it’s advisable that you get immediate medical attention and contact Fort Lauderdale lawyers as soon after your accident as possible so evidence can be preserved and deadlines met for filing a claim. This is especially important in slip and fall accidents, where evidence can easily be covered up.
Additionally, you should not, under no circumstances, apologize for an accident or say anything that even remotely resembles an apology, even if you think you were partially at fault. Keep in mind that anything you say can be used against you by insurance companies who are looking out for their bottom line.
What should I do after an accident?
- Address and Phone: Inform your attorney immediately of any change of address, telephone number or employment.
- Car Repair: If your vehicle was damaged, try to obtain pictures before you get it repaired. Take many pictures from different angles. Bring the film to us and we will have it developed. If you do not have a camera, please call and we will make arrangements to take the pictures.
- Medical Items: Save all pill bottles, casts, braces, and any other items from your doctors.
- Photographs: Give us any pictures and videos of the accident or accident scene that you or anyone else has taken for you.
- Your job: Tell us of any changes in your job, job duties, salary or anything.
- Receipts: Be sure to obtain and save all receipts itemizing any and all expenses you incurred as a result of your accident. Receipts must be dated and contain legible and complete vendor identification. New information: Inform us of anything you think has a bearing on the case, including extensive medical treatment or hospitalization.
What should I NOT do after an accident?
Auto accidents that result in serious injuries often involve complex legal issues. Medical bills, lost wages, car repairs, and other expenses complicate matters and if your insurance company delays payment or is unresponsive, you are burdened with having to deal with this issue as well.
Who is qualified to offer me advice after a serious accident?
While you may hear many opinions from family members after an accident, you stand to benefit by knowing what a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer says about what to do after an auto accident.
Contacting a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer
Automobile accidents that cause serious injuries are far too complex for you to handle on your own. Contact our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney team to learn what to do after an accident to preserve your rights — 1-877-566-8759.
Our Fort Lauderdale auto accident attorney team is conveniently located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Our attorneys have successfully represented clients throughout Florida. Remember, with your personal injury case, if there is no recovery, there is no legal fee, regardless of the attorney you choose.
A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer is truly qualified to give you advice after a serious accident. Your friends, family, co-workers and insurance company may all have different suggestions for what to do after an auto accident and may try to offer you car accident advice, but they do not have the expertise and knowledge of personal injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale to back them up.
In fact” I think should be: “In fact, you should be careful about who you share information with regarding your accident because the insurance company could take information out of context and possibly use it against you.
The process of filing a personal injury claim after an accident can be complex, complicated and time consuming. There are many special forms that need to be filled out accurately to make sure that your claim is not denied. In addition to knowing how to fill these out correctly, personal injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale will know how to proceed in the rare event that your case goes to court. It is the best decision to have professional legal help when filing a personal injury claim after an accident.
It’s not always easy to know what to do after an auto accident to protect your claim and get the compensation you deserve. That is why you should only accept car accident advice from a trusted Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer.
What is the Florida statute of limitations to file a car accident claim?
If you plan to file a car accident claim after you were injured the Florida statute of limitations states that there is a specific timeline in which you have to take legal action against the other party. To ensure that you meet the deadline, consult with a Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney.
In a standard personal injury case, a car accident attorney will tell you that you have 4 years after the injury is sustained, or the injury is discovered, to file a car accident claim.
Florida’s discovery rule as it relates to a car accident claim means that the statute of limitations begins from the date the injury is discovered or should have been discovered.
These timelines mean that it is crucial to take action as soon as possible after an accident if you wish to file a car accident claim for your injuries. While it may seem that you have a long time to file your claim, this is simply not true and you could risk losing compensation the longer you wait to file.
A car accident attorney can help you file the paperwork in a timely and accurate manner to ensure that you have the best chances of collecting compensation for your damages like medical bills, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Contacting a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney
Automobile accidents that cause serious injuries are far too complex for you to handle on your own. Contact our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney team to learn what to do after an accident to preserve your rights – 1-877-566-8759. We also have a free eBook for your to peruse – What is your Florida car accident claim worth?
Remember, with your personal injury case, if there is no recovery, there is no legal fee, regardless of the attorney you choose.
What if a third-party is liable for my car accident in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?
If third party liability is a factor in your car accident case, it can make the claims process more complicated, considering the evidence that needs to be gathered and proven. This is why you should seek help from a Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney.
In most car accident cases, a single individual is generally found at fault. Or it could be that both drivers contributed to the accident; however, there are some accidents where a third party is sometimes involved and may also be responsible for your injuries.
An example would be if you were struck by a bus, the driver and their employer could potentially be found liable if they were negligent in hiring a sufficient driver. This is the same for a car accident involving a truck. The trucking company could also be found at fault if they encouraged their drivers to drive at night, even if they are exhausted.
Other types of third party liability claims could include manufacturers of defective parts. For instance, if a truck ran a red light because the brakes failed, it may be the fault of the maker.
Third party claims are challenging to navigate through and need adequate evidence to prove accountability. This is why you may want to ensure that you have strong legal representation on your side during your pursuit for compensation.
Seeking Help from a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney
If you have sustained serious injuries caused by the negligence of someone else, compensation may be available. With a third party claim, you have the potential to recover additional damages that you are unaware of. In order to learn what your legal rights are available for you, contact the Law Offices of The South Florida Injury Law Firm for a free consultation: (954) 488-JEFF.
What is the key evidence needed to prove my Fort Lauderdale car accident injuries resulted from negligence?
The key evidence to prove that your car accident injuries resulted from negligence would be eyewitness accounts, such as a testimony or video surveillance. If there were no witnesses at the scene, then it is possible, even necessary, to prove your case by using circumstantial evidence as personal injury evidence. Your Fort Lauderdale attorney can help compile this evidence.
Circumstantial evidence can help prove facts in a case. For example, if there were skid marks at the accident scene, you can use photos as personal injury evidence that the car was speeding prior to the car accident. If the guilty party was seen off balance and slurring his words, then you may be able to prove he was intoxicated when the car accident occurred.
In cases such as these, the res ipsa loquitur (affair speaks for itself) doctrine is invoked. Instead of proving that another party did cause the car accident and the subsequent injuries, your goal is to prove that the injuries would not have occurred if it weren’t for the negligence of the other party.
Many accidents and injuries are caused by negligence. However, proving negligence can be complex. That’s why the help of a personal injury attorney can be beneficial. They can review your case and help you find the personal injury evidence you need to prove your case.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney
A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can answer any questions you have about how personal injury evidence plays a role in your claim. If you are in the South Florida area, contact the South Florida Injury Law Firm. They are a team of skilled personal injury attorneys who will be there for you any time, day or night, 24/7. Contact them today at (954) 488-JEFF.
The South Florida Injury Law Firm
Injuries
Before you meet with your potential accident attorney, you should prepare a list of questions to ask, such as:
- What is the statute of limitations for my case?
- What should I say when the insurance adjuster calls?
- Do I really need to keep seeing my doctor?
- I may have been partially at fault; does that matter?
- How will my medical bills get paid?
- How long will it take to settle my case?
- What happens if my case goes to trial?
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida can I file a personal injury claim without an attorney?
On the other hand, some claims are much more complex, especially when your accident resulted in serious injuries. These more complex cases may present many obstacles. The other party might refuse to pay for expenses, or you may be trying to prove negligence and have trouble finding enough evidence to do so. In addition, your case may be a gray area where you do not know enough about the laws surrounding your claim. In these cases, having an attorney is beneficial. He or she will be familiar with the laws that pertain to you and will help you gather the evidence you need to pursue a solid personal injury claim.
Either way, you have the right to choose whether or not you want a personal injury attorney to help you with your claim, but it is important you know that legal counsel can help you in many ways. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney can help you gather pertinent evidence, preparing valuable documents for your case and increasing your odds of a fair and full settlement. In fact, a person who uses an attorney receives a settlement 3.5 times greater than someone who does not use an attorney.
If you suffered an injury caused by another party, you may need legal help from a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney. If you are in the south Florida area, contact the law office of South Florida Injury Law Firm. They are a team of skilled personal injury lawyers who can help you with your claim. Contact them today at (954) 488-JEFF
What damages can I pursue in a personal injury claim?
What damages you can pursue in your personal injury claim will depend on the severity of the accident as well as all the details.
However, even if there is another party involved, you will receive no compensation unless your personal injury attorney can show the court proof of:
- medical bills;
- property damage;
- pain and suffering; or
- lost work time.
If you have proof, you will need to provide it for your attorney so you can review the case together.
If your injuries and losses are minor, your personal injury attorney may advise you not to file a claim because it wouldn’t be a worthwhile investment of time and money. A personal injury claim can take years to settle.
If your personal injury attorney believes your injuries are severe, you may be able to claim compensation for your:
- medical bills;
- pain and suffering;
- emotional distress;
- loss of enjoyment of life; and
- lost wages.
If there is any property damage, or, in the case of a car accident, any vehicle damage, you may be able to claim compensation for that as well. Your personal injury attorney will assess your case and determine your rights before filing a personal injury claim on your behalf.
A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can answer any questions you have about your personal injury claim. If you are in the South Florida area, contact the South Florida Injury Law Firm. They are a team of skilled personal injury lawyers who will be there for you any time, day or night, 24/7. Contact them today at 1-(954) 488-JEFF.
How do I choose a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer to seek car accident claim compensation?
When you have been in a serious car accident, a claim for personal injury compensation can spare you a lot of undue financial burden and hardship, but it comes with its own headaches. Most of the obstacles presented by filing a car accident claim, however, can be mitigated by involving a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer, but finding one who is right for your case is not always easy.
When you are selecting an attorney from the dozens, if not hundreds, of Fort Lauderdale injury attorneys vying to take your case, take into consideration the following:
- friends and family member recommendations for injury attorneys that have helped them;
- meeting with the attorneys one-on-one
- avoiding attorneys who do not offer free consultations and promise a certain recovery;
- finding out about the fees up front – most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, but read the fine print;
- asking any Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer you meet with for references; and
- always meet with more than one attorney before you decide who you want to hire to take on your case.
When you need an attorney to fight for personal injury compensation in your car accident claim, be investigative and inquisitive. Who you choose to represent you in your case could have a tremendous impact on the outcome, so thoroughly investigate each option before you choose a lawyer.
Do you need a lawyer? Contact Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorney Today
Our Fort Lauderdale lawyer’s office conveniently located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Our attorneys have successfully represented clients throughout Florida. Remember, with your personal injury case, if there is no recovery, there is no legal fee, regardless of the attorney you choose.
Automobile accidents that cause serious injuries are far too complex for you to handle on your own. Contact our Florida injury lawyer team to learn about questions to ask a lawyer and what to do after an accident to preserve your rights – 877-566-8759.
Do I need a special attorney for my personal injury claim?
You need a special attorney to help you file a personal injury claim because every personal injury claim is different. There is never a one-size-fits-all mentality when it comes to defending a client in a case where injury is involved.
Additionally, personal injury encompasses a wide array of laws that span from medical malpractice to Worker’s Compensation. This means you put yourself and your claim at a disadvantage if you choose a South Florida personal injury attorney who doesn’t have extensive experience with the personal injury case in question.
Also, there are some law firms that specialize in a particular kind of injury or cause of action. For example, a firm may only take cases that involve traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injuries. Another South Florida personal injury attorney might focus primarily on car accidents or defective products.
Yet another firm might focus on medical malpractice, and even that specialization has various concentrations. A medical malpractice lawyer may argue only those cases dealing with birth injury or wrong-site surgery. All of these examples can involve personal injury claims, but they may require a specialized attorney to win the kind of judgment that the plaintiff deserves.
Before you pick a South Florida personal injury attorney to handle your case, be sure to learn the level of experience each potential attorney has with the type of personal injury claim you have in mind. Note the organizations specific to his or her specialization and ask if the attorney belongs to them.
Contact a South Florida Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or someone close to you has been severely injured due to another’s negligence, the Law Offices of The South Florida Injury Law Firm can help. From motor vehicle accidents and defective product injuries, we will work hard on your behalf to attain the compensation you deserve.
Our experienced lawyers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your personal injury claim. Call us at 1-(954) 488-JEFF for a free, no obligation consultation today.
Can I sue for negligence in Florida if I fall in a supermarket and suffer injury?
If you fell in a supermarket and were injured, you may be able to sue. There are 2 basic requirements for a successful premises liability case (also called slip and fall) in Florida:
First, you must have sustained injury and damages. Without damages, there’s no case. If you fall, get up, and keep walking, then you haven’t suffered any damages.
On the other hand, if you fall and break your elbow upon landing, you have sustained damages. You may also have injured other body parts, were forced to take time off from work, and so on.
Second, the property owner must have caused, or allowed, the accident to happen through negligence or direct action. If you tripped and fell on your own feet, you likely don’t have a case.
But if you:
- slipped on a puddle from a leak in the roof;
- got your foot caught on some loose material on the stairs so you tripped and fell; or
- fell in a pothole in the parking lot – all of these are examples of accidents that could have been prevented if the property owner was maintaining the premises properly.
If these 2 things can be proven, then you have a viable claim for a slip and fall in Florida, and you should reach out to a team of Fort Lauderdale injury lawyers who routinely handle this sort of case immediately. Just as in auto accident cases, property owners have insurers who will ruthlessly attack your claim, and your best defense is legal representation.
Contacting Fort Lauderdale Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. Our Florida slip and fall attorney team is based out of Fort Lauderdale, but we service all of South Florida. Remember, with a slip and fall/premises liability case, if there is no recovery, there is no legal fee. – 1-877-566-8759.
Under what circumstances can I file a premises liability claim against a government entity in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?
An injury that occurs at a place of business or private building can be covered through a lawsuit against the property owner. But if you’re injured due to a defect on a public sidewalk or because of a faulty traffic signal on a road, the target of your suit may not be as clearly defined. That’s because this type of premises liability claim centers on suing a government entity. A Fort Lauderdale premises liability lawyer can advise you on whom to sue.
Unfortunately, it can be tricky to bring a successful claim against the government. But the good news is that state and federal governments have gradually reduced their sovereign immunity over the years. This means government entities can be sued in premises liability claims under certain circumstances.
But there is a detailed process to get your lawsuit acknowledged. In short, you need to get permission from the federal government before a claim can move forward. The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) decides whether or not you may file any kind of lawsuit against a government entity.
According to the FTCA, the government can be held accountable for damages or injuries caused by a federal employee or agency that acts in a negligent way.There are some strict rules that accompany this ruling, however. For one, a rigid timeline exists, along with a number of administrative filing requirements. In addition, the FTCA only allows a lawsuit that involves the wrongful actions of a federal employee or government entity, not an independent contractor.
With a premises liability lawyer, you can be prepared to follow rigid FTCA requirements, which include naming the exact federal agency involved in your suit and adhering to the strict 2-year statute of limitations from when the incident occurred. Furthermore, there is always the chance that the government will deny your lawsuit after its 6-month decision-making process.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale, FL Premises Liability Lawyer Today
Although suing a government entity for a premises liability claim can be challenging, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries. So turn to a premises liability lawyer who will fight for you and the damages you need to make a full recovery. The Law Offices of The South Florida Injury Law Firm are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us at 1-(954) 488-JEFF for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
When should a South Florida personal injury attorney take a personal injury case to court?
A personal injury case should go to personal injury trial when it becomes apparent that settlement negotiations are not going to result in a fair compensation for the plaintiff. An experienced South Florida personal injury attorney can help you decide when this watershed has been reached.
In some instances, settlement negotiations break down or fail to initiate between the parties. When that happens, the injured party reserves the right to go to court to seek compensation.
There are other considerations as well. In court, personal injury cases can be time-consuming. For some people, the commitment required to see a case through to a verdict in court is too much time and money. If a plaintiff isn’t willing to make that investment, then the case won’t go to court.
A personal injury trial does have its advantages, however. A plaintiff has the opportunity to win a much larger award than in a settlement. Also, in the event of the death of the plaintiff because of a severe injury, sometimes it’s necessary to go to court to ensure than the plaintiff or their family receives the compensation they deserve.
There are other considerations. If you’re offered a settlement, ask these questions:
- Does the settlement cover my medical bills?
- Does the settlement cover my lost wages and pain and suffering?
- Is the settlement in line with similar case?
Your South Florida personal injury attorney will be able to answer those questions and help you make an informed decision about taking your case to court.
Don’t Make a Decision Without Sound Legal Advice
An attorney from the Law Offices of The South Florida Injury Law Firm understand the difficult decisions that come with making a personal injury claim.
Call today for a free consultation at (954) 488-JEFF.
How do the negligence laws in Florida pertain to my personal injury claim?
Under Florida negligence laws if you behaved in a careless or negligent manner and caused an accident that injures another, you may be liable for their damages in a personal injury claim.
Those damages may include:
- medical expenses;
- property damage; and
- lost wages.
Florida also follows a system of comparative negligence meaning that even if you were found partially at fault for an accident you may still be able to collect compensation through a personal injury claim. Some states do not allow a person partially responsible for an accident to collect any damages whatsoever.
To have a successful personal injury claim, you and your attorney will need to prove that the other party behaved in a negligent manner, causing you to be hurt.
To prove negligence you should provide copies of:
- police reports;
- medical records;
- eyewitness reports; and
- any other information that can show you were not to blame.
An attorney based in Fort Lauderdale can guide you through how to obtain this evidence and how to best present it to give your case the best chances of a favorable outcome. In addition to negligence laws, Florida also has strict time limits on how long you have to file a claim so do not wait to seek legal assistance after your accident.
Contacting a Florida Personal Injury Claim Attorney
Automobile accidents that cause serious injuries are far too complex for you to handle on your own. Contact our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney team to learn what to do after an accident to preserve your rights – 1-877-566-8759. Another piece of literature you might be interested in after your accident is our free eBook: What is your Florida car accident claim worth?
Remember, with your personal injury case, if there is no recovery, there is no legal fee, regardless of the attorney you choose.
Should I give a recorded statement for my Fort Lauderdale personal injury case to my insurance company?
No. In a personal injury case, it is best to talk to an injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale before giving a recorded statement to your insurance company.
What many people do not understand is that the insurance companies are not necessarily “on their side.” Insurance adjusters may seem sympathetic, but it often is just a ruse for them to get you to relax and start talking. The casual conversation you may have about your past health, recollection of the incident or current physical condition could end up being used against you.
For example, your statement recalling you looked both ways before proceeding through the intersection could be used to point partial fault at you for looking away as the other car drove into the area. Likewise, your statement that you were injured 10 years ago could provide the insurance company with an argument that your current pain must be related to your old injury.
Any statement on your current physical condition is not advisable either. More than likely your conversation will be taking place just days after the incident. You may not even know the extent of your injuries at this juncture.
Your recorded words will be hard to dispute in a personal injury case. This is why you should just state that the accident investigation and your medical treatment is continuing and you will discuss this when more definitive information is available. Then, talk to an injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale.
Call an Injury Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
The attorneys at The South Florida Injury Law Firm are experienced injury lawyers who know how to work with insurance companies while protecting the rights of personal injury victims. Our law firm is available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a call today at (954) 488-JEFF.
The South Florida Injury Law Firm
Wrongful Death
Contacting a Florida Wrongful Death Attorney
Cases involving fatal driving accidents are far too complex for you to handle on your own. Contact our Fort Lauderdale attorney team to learn what to do to preserve your rights – 1-877-566-8759.
Our Fort Lauderdale wrongful death attorney team is conveniently located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Our attorneys have successfully represented clients throughout Florida. Remember, with your wrongful death case, if there is no recovery, there is no legal fee, regardless of the attorney you choose.
What are the common defenses used against a Florida wrongful death claim for driving accidents?
Common Defenses in a Wrongful Death Claim
Because thousands — or millions — of dollars could be at stake in your claim, insurance companies most likely will pull many tactics to avoid a hefty payout, especially if you have not acquired legal assistance.
Some of the defenses you can expect insurers to use in an attempt to minimize or deny the amount of compensation you may be entitled to include:
- blaming the deceased for the accident;
- blaming the beneficiary for the accident;
- offering a settlement before the deceased died;
- insisting there is no medical causation;
- insisting there is no evidence of pain and suffering;
- casting doubt on economic damages;
- questioning the relationship between the beneficiary and the deceased; and
- stalling until the Florida statute of limitations runs out.
Be aware that insurers have a strong legal team on their side. Likewise, you should have a Florida wrongful death attorney advocating for your rights and holding liable parties accountable for the accident that killed your loved one and turned your life upside down.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Florida?
Not everyone can file a wrongful death claim in Florida. It will depend on your relationship to the victim. You may need to consult a wrongful death lawyer in Fort Lauderdale to understand your legal rights better.
Those who generally are able to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a victim include:
- parents;
- spouses; and
- children.
Age of the victim and those filing can impact the ability to file a claim. There may be state laws that also apply.
Others who may be able to file, depending on Florida law, include:
- extended family members;
- grandparents; and
- legal dependents.
Dealing with a wrongful death claim is traumatic. Not only is the one filing trying to deal with the loss of a loved one, but also he or she may face a complicated and time-consuming process.
The difficulty in pursuing this type of claim will be dependent on the cause of wrongful death. This can stem from a car accident, medical malpractice or a work-related accident.Seeking Help from a Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Lawyer Proving that someone else acted in a negligent manner and caused the death of your loved one can be challenging. You will need to establish the losses your family has incurred, financial and emotional, in order to recover damages. The best thing you can do to protect your rights is to seek help from a Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer at the Law Offices of The Injury Law Firm of South Florida. Contact our office today for a free consultation: 1-(561) 599-JEFF.
When a loved one’s death was a result of both their own actions and another’s negligence, is it still grounds for a wrongful death claim?
Wrongful death claims require evidence that a person was wholly or partially negligent, and that this carelessness caused the fatality. A South Florida wrongful death attorney can help determine whether you have a viable case.
Yes, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim in Florida – provided another’s negligence contributed to the fatality. This is even true in cases where your loved one was not wearing protective gear or did not seek medical treatment in a timely fashion. As long as there is evidence that the accident was the result of another party’s negligence, you may have a viable claim.
Florida is one of several states that incorporate comparative fault rules when assessing liability and compensation. If it is found that the victim was also careless, the damages you would be able to claim will be reduced to reflect the percentage of fault.
For example, a court may find that the negligent party was 80 percent responsible for the accident and the victim was accountable for 20 percent. If the compensation amount was to be $100,000, the final award would be reduced to $80,000.
Help from a South Florida Wrongful Death Attorney
Although no amount of compensation will rectify the loss of your loved one, those who are responsible should be held to certain standards. Located in Fort Lauderdale, the law offices of The Injury Law Firm of South Florida represent clients in Broward County, Indian River, Okeechobee, Martin County, Palm Beach, and other South Florida areas.
Attaining justice for family members, their attorneys have experience handling wrongful death claims and will help guide you through this difficult time. Available to take your calls 24/7, schedule a consultation today – (561) 599-JEFF.
The South Florida Injury Law Firm
Worker’s Compensation
Protect Your Rights by Consulting with a South Florida Worker’s Compensation Attorney
Regardless of whether your employer or their insurance adjustors are seemingly cooperative, you can benefit greatly by speaking with a lawyer before accepting a settlement. The professionals at The Injury Law Firm of South Florida are dedicated to protecting your rights for workers’ comp claims. Available 24/7, call (561) 599-JEFF today for a free consultation.
Does it matter how long I have worked somewhere before I am eligible for Worker’s Compensation?
If you are hurt at work, you should report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. If you wait longer than 30 days, you may risk having your Florida Worker’s Compensation claim denied. Almost all jobs in all industries require employers to carry FL Worker’s Comp. This includes construction, farming and even office positions. Your employer is prohibited from firing you or treating you any differently for filing a Worker’s Comp claim. If you file for Florida Worker’s Compensation and you are unable to return to work for more than 7 days because of your injuries, you may be entitled to weekly income benefits.
The process of filing for benefits after being hurt at work can seem overwhelming and complicated, which is why it is advisable to hire an experienced Fort Lauderdale injury lawyer to guide you through the process and work on your behalf to get you the benefits you need and deserve. Because there are limits on the time you have to file for and receive FL Worker’s Comp, do not hesitate to seek legal counsel.
Contacting a Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorney
Work accidents that cause serious injuries are far too complex for you to handle on your own. Contact our Fort Lauderdale Worker’s Compensation attorney team to learn what to do after an accident to preserve your rights: 1-877-566-8759.
Our Fort Lauderdale team is conveniently located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Our attorneys have successfully represented clients throughout Florida. Remember, with your personal injury case, if there is no recovery, there is no legal fee, regardless of the attorney you choose.
How long can I collect workers’ compensation in South Florida??
Depending on the extent of your injuries, you can collect compensation benefits for a work-related injury temporarily or permanently. In fact, when you are injured at your workplace in Florida, you may be entitled to several types of workers’ compensation benefits under the law. To learn more about the benefits you may be entitled to receive based on your situation, it’s best to consult with a Worker’s Compensation attorney.
Temporary Benefits
In order to recoup lost wages during your recovery, you can collect either temporary total disability or temporary partial disability benefits for up to 104 weeks.
Temporary total disability means you cannot work due to your injuries and will be eligible to receive roughly 67% of your wages from the time you were injured. Temporary partial disability is defined as when you are still able to work, but with restrictions; you will be able to collect this benefit if you are unable to earn 80% of the wages you made at the time of the accident.
Permanent Benefits
Maximum Medical Improvement is the term used when your condition is unable to improve. When a doctor evaluates you, they will assign you an impairment rating. If your impairment rating is more than zero percent, you may be entitled to receive impairment benefits. Permanent total disability is defined as when your injuries prevent you from being able to work indefinitely.