Conditions that Lead to Indoor Slip and Fall Accidents

Published on November 24, 2010 in Slip & Fall Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

Several conditions such as wet floors and rickety, old stairs can lead to an indoor slip and fall accident in Florida. If the owner of the property where your slip and fall accident occurred knew about the dangerous conditions and failed to take precautions, a Palm Beach slip and fall lawyer may be able to help you seek compensation for your injuries. 

Florida Slip and Fall Claim: Floors 

Many slip and fall accidents are the result of wet or slippery floors. 

Although flooring must be cleaned regularly to maintain the upkeep of the property, a property owner could still be liable for your injuries in a Florida slip and fall claim if they do any the following: 

  • fail to warn others that the floor is wet;
  • fail to cordon off a wet area;
  • use excessive wax or polish; or
  • apply wax or polish unevenly. 

Florida Slip and Fall Claim: Carpeting, Rugs, Doormats 

In addition to wet and slippery flooring, other conditions that could lead to a Florida slip and fall claim involve carpeting, mats and rugs. 

These conditions include: 

  • bulging or torn packets of carpeting;
  • curled edges of a rug or doormat;
  • worn areas of a rug or carpeting; and
  • any dropped objects that could catch your foot or throw you off balance, causing you to fall. 

Florida Slip and Fall Claim: Stairs 

Many indoor slip and fall accidents occur on staircases. 

Slip and fall conditions involving stairs include: 

  • stairs that are worn;
  • stairs that are rounded and could cause you to slip;
  • stairs littered with objects;
  • stairs treated with polish or wax, yet don’t have non-skid surfaces, warning signs or barricades; and
  • a staircase with a broken or missing handrail.  

Florida Slip and Fall Claim: Elevators and Escalators 

If your slip and fall accident occurred on an elevator or escalator, the property owner could be held liable for neglecting to maintain the safety of the equipment. 

Slip and fall conditions involving elevators and escalators include: 

  • sudden or unanticipated movement on the escalator or in the elevator;
  • clothing, hair or body parts that get trapped in the machinery; or
  • equipment malfunctions.

If any of the above conditions contributed to your indoor slip and fall accident in Florida, a Palm Beach slip and fall lawyer can review your case to determine whether it would be suitable to file a Florida slip and fall claim to seek compensation.

Although an indoor slip and fall accident might appear minor, you should always seek medical treatment because your injuries may not be immediately apparent. It’s not uncommon for certain symptoms to develop days or even weeks after the fact, but delayed diagnosis means delayed treatment, which can worsen your treatment and recovery.

Contact a Palm Beach Slip and Fall Lawyer 

A slip and fall accident in South Florida can completely change your life. If you have suffered a slip and fall injury in West Palm Beach or North Palm Beach, Florida, you should contact a Palm Beach slip and fall lawyer to learn about your rights and determine liability. 

24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now to schedule a FREE evaluation of your case – 1-888-984-4878.

Proving Fault in Slip and Fall Accidents

Published on November 18, 2010 in Slip & Fall Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

A slip and fall accident in South Florida can lead to serious injuries and costly medical bills. If your slip and fall accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, a Palm Beach slip and fall lawyer may be able to help you file a Florida slip and fall claim to recover compensation for your injuries. 

Proving fault in your slip and fall accident in South Florida can be a complex task and you may benefit from having an experienced Palm Beach slip and fall lawyer on your side.  

The key to proving fault lies in the property owner’s prevention of a slip and fall accident in South Florida, as well as an assessment of any carelessness on your part. If warning signs were clearly posted and you simply weren’t paying attention, which led to your slip and fall accident, you won’t have a case. If there was a condition that was known or should have been known and no warnings were posted, you may have a valid Florida slip and fall claim. 

Determining Liability in a Slip and Fall Accident in South Florida 

For a property owner to be responsible for your slip and fall accident in South Florida, one of the following scenarios must apply to your case: 

  • an employee or the property owner caused the dangerous conditions (spill, torn carpet, slippery surface);
  • an employee or the property owner knew about the dangerous conditions and did nothing to correct them or warn of the danger; or
  • an employee or the property owner should have known the dangerous conditions existed because a reasonable person would have known and would have taken action. 

The first 2 situations are relatively clear, but in the third situation, the phrase “reasonable person’’ may raise concerns, which you can discuss with a Palm Beach slip and fall lawyer. The reasonableness of the property owner has to do with whether they regularly make efforts to maintain the safety and cleanliness of their premises. 

Reasonable Person in a Slip and Fall Accident in South Florida 

When mulling over a property owner’s “reasonableness,” consider these questions: 

  • If you slipped and fell on a wet surface, had the slippery substance been there for so long that the owner should have noticed?
  • Did poor lighting contribute to your accident?
  • Is there a regular schedule for cleaning and examining the premises, and is there proof of this schedule?
  • If an object caused your slip and fall accident in South Florida, did someone have a legitimate reason for placing the object there? If so, did the object still need to be there when your slip and fall accident occurred?
  • Were people warned of the dangerous conditions or could a barrier have been used?  

If the answers are in your favor, you might have a good Florida slip and fall claim. It would be in your best interest to consult with an experienced Palm Beach slip and fall lawyer who can look at the specifics of your case as well as the available evidence and help determine if your case merits filing a claim. 

Contact a Palm Beach Slip and Fall Lawyer 

If you have suffered a slip and fall injury in West Palm Beach or North Palm Beach, Florida, you should contact a Palm Beach slip and fall lawyer to learn about your rights and determine liability. 

24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now to schedule a FREE evaluation of your case – 1-888-984-4878.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Florida

Published on November 12, 2010 in Wrongful Death Lawsuits. 0 Comments Tags: .

The pain of losing a loved one can be especially heart wrenching if the death was caused by someone’s negligence. If you have suffered the loss of a loved one under these circumstances, you may be able to file a Florida wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for the loss of companionship, as well as other losses. 

Accidents Leading to a Florida Wrongful Death Lawsuit 

A wrongful death lawsuit in Florida typically arises from the following: 

  • automobile collisions;
  • pedestrian accidents;
  • slip and falls; and
  • injuries to children. 

For your lawsuit to be successful, your Palm Beach wrongful death lawyer will have to prove that negligence caused your loved one’s death. 

To prove negligence in a Florida wrongful death lawsuit, it must be shown that: 

  • a duty of care was owed to the deceased;
  • the defendant breached that duty of care;
  • the breach of duty caused the death of the deceased; and
  • the estate and survivors of the deceased have suffered losses. 

Once negligence is established, only a court can determine the amount of compensation to which you would be eligible, but a Palm Beach wrongful death lawyer can give you a general idea of what to expect based on the specifics of the victim’s life and their passing. 

Calculating Losses in a Florida Wrongful Death Lawsuit 

The court will consider the following damages when determining the losses of survivors and the deceased’s estate in a Florida wrongful death lawsuit: 

  • Loss of services and support – these include money, property and household chores or child care performed by the deceased.
  • Loss of instruction, companionship and guidance – these damages may be collected by the surviving spouse and minor children under age 25.
  • Mental pain and suffering – these damages are limited to the spouse, adult children (in the event the deceased was not married), parents (if the deceased is a minor child), minor children under age 25 and an adult child’s parents if there are no other survivors.
  • Loss of net accumulations – these include earnings and savings the deceased would have accumulated based on their lifestyle and life expectancy.
  • Lost earnings – this encompasses earnings lost during the period between the deceased’s injury and their death.
  • Medical, funeral and burial expenses – these may be recovered by a survivor who has paid for them. 

The statute of limitations for filing a Florida wrongful death lawsuit is generally 2 years. To meet this deadline, you should contact a Palm Beach wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. 

Your Palm Beach wrongful death lawyer will investigate the facts, consult with witnesses and do everything possible to help you receive just compensation for your loved one’s untimely passing. 

Contact a Palm Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer 

If your loved one has suffered a wrongful death in West Palm Beach or North Palm Beach, Florida, you should contact a Palm Beach wrongful death lawyer to learn about your rights and determine liability. 

24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained wrongful death lawyers wins your case. Call now to schedule a FREE evaluation of your case – 1-888-984-4878.

Burn Injuries as the Result of a Serious Accident

Published on November 4, 2010 in General Personal Injury. 0 Comments Tags: .

A serious accident that leads to a burn injury can be very traumatic, causing disfigurement, scarring and, in very severe cases, death. If you have been the victim of a burn accident in Florida, you might want to consult with a Palm Beach burn injury lawyer to discuss negligence and the possibility of recovering damages through a personal injury claim. 

A burn accident in Florida can be caused by chemicals, heat, electricity or radiation. 

The most common agents that can lead to a burn accident in Florida include: 

  • motor vehicle accidents;
  • gas or other chemical explosions;
  • scalding water;
  • faulty electrical wiring;
  • building fires; and
  • other sources of fire (candles, fireplace, etc.). 

When a burn injury occurs, tissue becomes damaged and swelling or blistering may be accompanied by shock, depending on the degree of the burn. 

The 3 Degrees of a Burn Injury 

A burn injury will be classified as first- , second- or third-degree, as follows: 

  • First degree – Damage is limited to your skin’s outer layer. This causes redness, pain and swelling.
  • Second degree – your skin’s outer layer is damaged and so is the layer underneath your skin. This causes blisters, splotchy redness, swelling and severe pain.
  • Third degree – your skin’s deepest layer is damaged, as well as the tissues underneath. This causes charred skin, tissue damage and breathing problems. 

Third-degree burns are always major burns and require immediate medical treatment and perhaps consultation with a Palm Beach burn injury lawyer. First- and second-degree burn injuries could be considered major or minor, depending on the area affected. 

Treatment for Burn Injuries 

First- and second-degree burns that are smaller than 3 inches might heal on their own in a relatively healthy individual, unless the area affected is the face, feet, hands, groin, buttocks or skin that covers a major joint. In these cases, first- and second-degree burns should be considered serious burn injuries. 

Treatment for a serious burn injury includes: 

  • IV fluids to prevent dehydration;
  • medication for pain;
  • antibiotics to reduce of your risk of infection;
  • wound debridement;
  • dressings to protect your skin;
  • grafting to regenerate tissue; and
  • surgery. 

After a serious burn accident in Florida, it is crucial that you seek medical treatment and follow all of your doctor’s orders. This will be important in supporting your personal injury claim. 

After a serious burn injury, your medical bills will likely be significant, considering the long-term mental and physical effects that often accompany burns. Therefore, it would be in your best interest to consult with an experienced Palm Beach burn injury lawyer about your legal options for filing a claim against those responsible. 

Contact a Palm Beach Burn Injury Lawyer 

A burn injury can completely change your life. If you have suffered a burn injury in West Palm Beach or North Palm Beach, Florida, you should contact a Florida burn injury lawyer to learn about your rights and determine liability. 

24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now to schedule a no-cost evaluation of your case – 888-984-4878.

When You Are Partially at Fault for a South Florida Car Accident

Published on November 2, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

Florida law allows for South Florida car accident victims to be partially at fault for their accident under the pure comparative negligence law. This law states that if you are found to be partially at fault for your accident, you may still recover damages, but that amount will be reduced according to your degree of fault. A Palm Beach car accident lawyer can help you prove your degree of fault was as low as possible so you retain the majority of your settlement. 

Proving Your Degree of Fault 

The degree of fault is a percentage that is determined by examining the facts and supporting evidence in your South Florida car accident claim.  Because Florida is a pure comparative fault state you can be found up to 99% at fault and still recover 1% of the damages. 

To prove your degree of fault, your Palm Beach car accident lawyer will help you obtain and present evidence that shows the other driver was more negligent in causing the accident than you were. The lower the degree of fault, the more of the final damages you will be able to claim when your case settles. 

Since Florida is a pure comparative negligence state, accident victims have more opportunities to seek even some portion of the damages they incurred during their accident. That’s because Florida law recognizes that in many accidents, more than 1 party may be a least a little responsible for contributing to the crash. 

That is also another reason why it is so important for you to be 100% honest with your lawyer about any actions that may have contributed to your accident. Your lawyer can only defend you to the extent that they are aware of the facts in your case. If you lie or exaggerate any part of your claim, the other side will usually find out and can use it to get your claim denied altogether. Being able to recover at least part of your damages through a Florida personal injury claim is better than being barred from compensation completely. 

A Palm Beach car accident lawyer can help you build your case to present the best evidence for the other drivers’ negligence and diminish your own degree of fault as far as the evidence will allow.  

Hiring a Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer 

Even if you were partially at fault for your South Florida car accident, a Palm Beach car accident lawyer from 24/7 Injury Law can offer guidance and advice for protecting your settlement. For a free consultation concerning your South Florida car accident claim, contact us today – 888-984-4878

Overview of Motorcycle Accidents

Published on October 29, 2010 in Motorcycle Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

Compared to a car, a motorcycle has many benefits, such as better gas mileage and less pollution. Unfortunately, a motorcycle can also be dangerous as it lacks many of the safety features of an automobile. Additionally, other motorists often don’t exercise proper care around a motorcyclist, leaving the rider at risk for serious injuries in a motorcycle accident in South Florida. 

Therefore, as a motorcyclist, you should be aware of your right to file a personal injury claim if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in South Florida. A Palm Beach motorcycle attorney with extensive knowledge of Florida’s insurance laws can go over your case and determine issues of negligence and compensation to which you may be entitled. 

Road Risks for Motorcyclists 

Motorcyclists face many risks and, judging by the following statistics, should seriously consider filing a personal injury claim if harmed in a motorcycle accident in South Florida. 

Some sobering statistics in regards to motorcycle accidents include: 

  • 66% of motorcycle accidents that involved another motor vehicle occurred because a motorist violated the motorcyclist’s right of way; and
  • it’s 26 times more likely that motorcycle riders will be killed in an accident as compared to someone in a car, and 5 times more likely that motorcycle riders will sustain injuries. 

In fact, there were 5,290 motorcycle fatalities across the country in 2008, and 523 of them occurred in Florida, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s an increase over 5,174 accidents in 2007 and 4,837 in 2006. 

Besides the lack of safety features on a motorcycle, riders face other problems that could lead to a motorcycle accident in South Florida, including: 

  • Visibility issues – a motorcycle is a small target, and thus it can be obscured by larger vehicles and adverse weather conditions.
  • Potholes, debris, oil slicks and uneven pavement – these conditions can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of the bike.
  • Instability – a motorcycle can become unstable at high speeds and wobble because of an alignment problem. 

Personal Injury Claim After a South Florida Motorcycle Accident  

After a motorcycle accident in South Florida, negligence will play a huge factor in your personal injury claim. 

Your Palm Beach motorcycle attorney will have to prove that the party responsible for your injuries: 

  • owed you a duty of care;
  • breached that duty;
  • caused your accident; and
  • caused you to sustain injuries. 

To prove negligence, your Palm Beach motorcycle attorney will analyze evidence including police reports, witness statements, crash evidence and medical records to establish fault. 

Additional Parties in a South Florida Motorcycle Accident 

An automobile driver is not the only party that could be at fault in a motorcycle accident in South Florida. 

If it there is a defect in your motorcycle, which could be the case with a speed wobble accident, an experienced Palm Beach motorcycle attorney will help determine whether your personal injury claim should be filed against the manufacturer of the motorcycle or your mechanic. 

A malfunction or vehicle defect could cause even the most knowledgeable motorcycle rider to sustain injuries in a motorcycle accident in South Florida.

Contact a Palm Beach Motorcycle Attorney 

A motorcycle accident can ruin and completely change your life. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in West Palm Beach or North Palm Beach, Florida, you should contact a Palm Beach motorcycle attorney to learn about your rights and determine liability. When you are interviewing attorneys ask critical questions, like: how long have you been practicing; what is the largest settlement or verdict you’ve obtained; and do you have experience with motorcycle cases? 

24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained motorcycle attorneys wins your case. Call now to schedule a no-cost evaluation of your case – 888-984-4878.

Slip and Fall Accidents in Florida

Published on October 22, 2010 in Slip & Fall Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

Property owners are required to take safety measures to prevent slip and fall accidents in Florida, but these kinds of accidents continue to happen around homes as well as businesses. If you have been the victim of a slip and fall accident in the West Palm Beach area, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. 

Hazards that Can Cause a Slip and Fall Accident in Florida 

The conditions that usually lead to a slip and fall accident in Florida include the following: 

  • torn carpeting or loose rugs;
  • altered flooring, such as a depressed area;
  • bad lighting;
  • narrow staircases;
  • liquid spills;
  • cracked or broken sidewalks;
  • malfunctioning escalators;
  • bad weather conditions; and
  • potholes. 

The injuries sustained in a slip and fall accident in Florida can be severe, ranging from painful hip fractures to ripped ligaments and concussions. A Palm Beach personal injury lawyer can help you file a Florida personal injury claim to seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering related to your slip and fall accident.  

Proving Fault in a Slip and Fall Accident in Florida 

Your Palm Beach personal injury lawyer will have to present evidence to prove that the property owner knew about the condition that caused your slip and fall accident in Florida. 

Evidence must show that: 

  • the dangerous condition was created by the owner;
  • the owner knew about the condition, yet failed to correct it (this factor was not required until July 1, 2010); or
  • the condition had existed for so long that the owner should have corrected it before your slip and fall accident in Florida. 

To establish that the property owner was liable, the potential danger must have been foreseeable. For example, suppose a 2-liter bottle of soda tumbles over and spills onto the floor of a grocery store. Two hours later, a shopper slips and falls. If security cameras show that the spilled soda was there for several hours, you could say it was foreseeable that the store was negligent in inspecting and cleaning the aisles. 

Slip and Fall Accident in Florida on Residential Property 

Depending on the site of your slip and fall accident in Florida, a landlord could be held liable for your injuries. 

In this instance, your Palm Peach personal injury lawyer would need to show that: 

  • the dangerous conditions leading to the slip and fall accident in Florida were under the landlord’s control;
  • repairs for the condition would have been economically feasible;
  • the slip and fall injury was a consequence of the dangerous conditions;  and
  • by failing to repair the dangerous conditions, the landlord’s inaction caused the slip and fall accident in Florida. 

If your slip and fall accident has occurred on government property, special rules will apply to your Florida personal injury claim. In this instance, it would be especially crucial that you consult with a Palm Beach personal injury lawyer who has experience with slip and fall accidents. It is important that the attorney has handled these types of cases and that they understand premises liability. 

Contact a Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyer 

A slip and fall accident can ruin and completely change your life. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in West Palm Beach or North Palm Beach, Florida, you should contact a Florida personal injury attorney to learn about your rights and determine liability. When you are interviewing personal injury attorneys ask critical questions, like: how long have you been practicing; what is the largest settlement or verdict you’ve obtained; and do you have experience with slip and fall cases? 

24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now to schedule a no-cost evaluation of your case – 888-984-4878.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Published on October 19, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

If you drive in Florida, you should have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If you don’t, and you’re involved in a serious car accident in Florida, there’s a good chance that the negligent driver who hit you won’t have adequate insurance to cover your personal injury claim. 

Here’s why: According to a 2007 study, 23% of drivers in Florida were uninsured, and the percentage of underinsured drivers may have been just as staggering.  

Furthermore, drivers are not required to have insurance that pays for bodily injury to victims of a car accident in Florida. This translates to a lack of coverage for medical expenses, pain and suffering related to a permanent injury and lost wages. Coverage for property damage is required in Florida. 

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage 

Unfortunately, since many drivers are not insured at all, getting behind the wheel is a big risk in Florida. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help you protect yourself and your family in the event of a serious car accident. 

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage provides protection for: 

  • you and any passengers in your car;
  • you as a passenger in someone else’s vehicle;
  • you as a  pedestrian; and
  • you as a victim of a hit and run driver. 

With uninsured motorist coverage, you would be covered for bodily injuries when struck by an uninsured or underinsured motorist whose negligence caused your car accident. This coverage is important, considering that the 2007 Insurance Research Council Study ranked Florida among the top 5 states with a high percentage of uninsured drivers. 

$10,000 Limit on Personal Injury Protection 

Although Florida is a no-fault state, which means your insurance company will pay for your injuries and property damage despite who is to blame for a car accident in Florida, there is a limit on the payout. This is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and the limit is $10,000, which might be adequate if your injuries are minor. 

If your injuries are severe and you lack adequate health insurance, $10,000 will not be enough. This is where uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help.   

With uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you can rest assured that you will be extensively covered when hit a by a driver with inadequate insurance or no coverage at all. 

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, depending on the limits you purchase, could cover: 

  • Medical bills – 100%.
  • Lost wages – 100%.
  • Pain and suffering – 100%. 

Consider uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as protection from careless drivers in Florida, but keep in mind that insurance companies often attempt to avoid paying claims and might even try to dissuade a motorist from purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. 

If you are having trouble getting your insurance company to pay benefits after a car accident in Florida, you should consult with an experienced Palm Beach car accident lawyer. 

Contact a Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer 

An auto accident can ruin and completely change your life. If you have been injured in a car crash in West Palm Beach or North Palm Beach, Florida, you should contact a Florida personal injury attorney to learn about your rights and determine liability. When you are interviewing personal injury attorneys ask critical questions, like: how long have you been practicing; what is the largest settlement or verdict you’ve obtained; and do you have experience with uninsured motorist cases? 

24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now to schedule a no-cost evaluation of your case – 888-984-4878.

Steps to Take after a Florida Truck Accident

Published on October 13, 2010 in Truck Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

Driving on Florida’s highways and byways can be frightening, especially if you’ve been involved in a Florida truck accident. Injuries from a truck accident could range from broken bones and damaged organs to permanent spinal cord or brain injuries. In the most severe cases, death can occur. 

What you do after a truck accident could have an effect on a settlement offer or compensation in a Florida personal injury claim.

Immediately after a Florida Truck Accident

The first thing to do is remain calm. Naturally, you will be shaken up and confused, but if you’re able, you need to check on the safety of yourself and your passengers.

Next, call 911. You and your passengers need to be examined, whether or not you think you were injured. Some injuries may be asymptomatic after an accident, but may flare up days or weeks later.

If you do decide to seek compensation, a police report and medical records are crucial. You will need them should you hire a Palm Beach truck accident lawyer to build a strong Florida personal injury claim.

You can also protect your potential Florida truck accident claim by:

  • taking photos of damage to the vehicles;
  • getting the names and contact information of witnesses;
  • taking photos of skid marks, debris or potholes; and
  • writing your version of what happened while your memory is fresh.

Also, be careful of what you say at the scene of a Florida truck accident. Don’t converse extensively with anyone.

For example, after a truck accident you should never:

  • say anything that could be considered an apology;
  • admit fault;
  • tell the other driver that you are covered under your employer; or
  • say things such as “He was in my blind spot.”

What you say to the other driver can be used against you later, which is why it is better to remain silent and not accept or place blame until all the facts surrounding your Florida truck accident are known. Rather than speculate, you should wait until accident reports are filed and the extent of your injuries is realized.

Then you’ll want to contact a Palm Beach truck accident lawyer who can explain your rights and determine if you are eligible to file a Florida personal injury claim.

Keep a Journal of Medical Care and Pain

You should also keep track of all medical care and bills. A journal can also be a very effective way to detail your injuries and how they affect you on a daily basis. Be sure to rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10 and keep track of time off from work or school. Include anything that your injuries have prevented you from doing, such as playing with your grandchildren or going to church.

Next, it would be in your best interest to consult with an experienced Palm Beach truck accident lawyer. It‘s important for your lawyer to understand your injuries and begin work on your truck accident case as soon as possible after the accident. 

Contact a Palm Beach Truck Accident Lawyer 

A trucking company’s liability for a truck accident in Florida can include many factors. If the trucking company is at fault for the accident, there is a lot at stake. 

Your Palm Beach truck accident lawyer may work to prove the trucking company’s negligence in one of the following areas, including: 

  • insufficient hiring or training process for the truck driver;
  • failure to maintain proper licenses and certifications; and
  • failure to properly maintain the truck or equipment. 

If you or your loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Florida, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced Palm Beach truck accident lawyer who will protect your rights and work to get you the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. Florida has a statute of limitations that may prohibit you from filing a lawsuit if too much time has passed. Call now to schedule a no-cost evaluation of your case – 888-984-4878.

Compensation Available in a Florida Wrongful Death Claim

Published on September 30, 2010 in Wrongful Death Lawsuits. 0 Comments Tags: .

If you have lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss. A Palm Beach wrongful death attorney can help you file a Florida wrongful death claim and uncover all compensation relevant to your case. 

For instance, you could receive compensation for loss of financial support, as stated in Florida Statute 768.21: 

“ … Each survivor may recover the value of lost support and services from the date of the decedent’s injury to her or his death, with interest, and future loss of support and services from the date of death and reduced to present value.’’  

Common Damages in a Florida Wrongful Death Claim 

Survivors in a Florida wrongful death claim could be entitled to several other damages, including the following: 

  • funeral and burial expenses;
  • medical expenses;
  • punitive damages;
  • emotional distress;
  • loss of companionship; and
  • loss of parental guidance. 

The relationship you had with the deceased will play a role in pinpointing the damages you can pursue. For example, a minor child who has become orphaned because of a Florida wrongful death could receive compensation for lost parental companionship and guidance. A victim’s spouse could be compensated for loss of companionship.  

Your Florida wrongful death claim will need to be filed by a representative named in the deceased’s will or a court-appointed representative. According to Florida law, you are also required to file a Florida wrongful death claim within 2 years of your loved one’s death, or you will lose your right to seek compensation. 

Therefore, it would be beneficial to seek the guidance of a Palm Beach wrongful death attorney who can help you through the process of filing and defending a Florida wrongful death claim. Your attorney can investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s wrongful death and identify all parties that should be held liable. 

Types of Florida Wrongful Death Claims 

While many people associate Florida wrongful death claims with motor vehicle accidents or medical malpractice, any fatal accident that resulted from the negligence of another may allow you to seek damages for your loss.  

For example, suppose your loved one was killed by a defective or dangerous product. Depending on the specifics of the accident, the manufacturer and/or the retailer who sold the product could be held liable in a Florida wrongful death claim. 

As with personal injury cases, all wrongful death claims are unique and the outcome will be based on the specifics of the accident, as well as the survivors who are filing the claim. If the deceased was in charge of driving the children to school or performing daily household chores, and their absence requires a survivor to pay someone else for those services, those costs can be considered in your Florida wrongful death claim. 

To learn more about what damages may apply to your Florida wrongful death claim, you can speak to an experienced Palm Beach wrongful death attorney who can look at the particulars of your case and give you a more detailed analysis of what you can expect from the claims process. 

Contact a Palm Beach Wrongful Death Attorney 

The wrongful death of a loved one can be very traumatic. If your loved one has been the victim of a wrongful death, you should contact a Palm Beach wrongful death attorney to learn about your rights and determine liability. When you are interviewing wrongful death attorneys, ask critical questions, like: how long have you been practicing; what is the largest settlement or verdict you’ve obtained; and do you have experience with cases specifically like mine? 

24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained wrongful death attorneys wins your case. Call now to schedule a no-cost evaluation of your case – 888-984-4878.