3 Signs You May Have Grounds for a Personal Injury Claim
If you’re recovering from serious injuries, you undoubtedly have enough to worry about without having to navigate complex legal proceedings. Depending on the nature of the accident in which you were hurt, though, you may be entitled to compensation.
If that ends up being the case and you choose to proceed with a claim, don’t worry; you won’t have to go it alone. A devoted personal injury attorney can handle virtually every aspect of your case. To see if it’s worth enlisting such help, read on. Here are three signs you may have grounds for legal action:
1. You Were Not Wholly Responsible for the Accident in Which You Were Hurt
As long as someone else was to blame for the incident that caused you harm, there’s a good chance you can proceed with a claim. What many injured parties don’t realize, however, is that they’re often entitled to proceed even if they did contribute to the accident.
Under Florida’s pure comparative fault rule, having played a role in the incident does not bar you from seeking compensation. Instead, the total recoverable payout is simply reduced proportionately, according to your own percentage of liability.
2. You Incurred Actual Damages as a Direct Result of Your Injuries
You must have suffered recoverable losses—and you must be able to prove as much—to proceed with a legitimate claim. For personal injury claims in Florida, tort law recognizes the following damages:
- Loss of enjoyment in life,
- Emotional distress,
- Loss of consortium (recoverable by the injured party’s spouse),
- Pain and suffering,
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Lost earning capacity,
- Home and vehicle modifications,
- The cost of necessary replacement services, and
- The cost of necessary property repairs.
Your legal team should be able to track all these losses on your behalf. You can support their efforts, however, by sending along any bills, receipts, or invoices you receive. You should also start writing daily journal entries about the kinds of challenges you now face because of your injuries.
3. The Statute of Limitations Has Not Passed
If the accident in which you were hurt happened several years ago, you may have lost the opportunity to seek legal recourse. In Florida, the standard statute of limitations for personal injury actions is four years. There are a host of exceptions to this filing deadline, however, that can shorten it considerably. As such, it’s wise to call an attorney as soon as possible, so you can get your case underway while you still have plenty of time to proceed to court.
Call 813-551-3907 to Discuss Your Case with a Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer
At Capaz Law Firm, P.A., we know all too well the devastating toll that accidental injuries can have on the whole family. If you were hurt through no fault of your own, get the knowledge, resources, and experience of our firm backing your every move as you seek the funds you deserve. Call 813-551-3907 or submit our Online Contact Formto schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury attorney in Tampa.