Personal injury lawsuits arise from a wide variety of circumstances, including motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, faulty products, assault and battery, and medical malpractice.  The common thread among them is that the other party’s actions were negligent or harmful, whether deliberate or accidental.

When the careless or malicious actions of someone else cause physical or emotional injuries, the injured party may be entitled to compensation.  The best way to determine the validity of your claim is consulting with an experienced Polk County injury lawyer.

Proving your case
In order to have a valid personal injury claim you must prove two things – liability and damages.  As the claimant in a personal injury case, the burden is on you to prove both elements.  Gathering the necessary evidence can be complicated and labor intensive and often includes medical documentation, witness statements, photos, and official accident reports.  Enlisting the help of a local Polk County injury attorney can simplify your life and help build your case.

It is also important to notify your attorney if you believe you contributed to the injury in any way.  This is called contributory negligence.  If it can be shown that your own actions played a role in causing the injury, your compensation may be greatly diminished.

Time limits
A valid claim must be filed within the statute of limitations.  In Polk County and throughout Florida, you have four years from the date of the incident for most personal injury claims.  The exception is medical malpractice and slander cases, which must be filed within two years.  If you do not file within this timeframe, your case is no longer valid.

Why file a personal injury claim?
The impact of personal injuries often extends beyond medical or hospital bills.  Lives may forever be altered if the injured person is permanently disabled or disfigured, unable to maintain gainful employment, or experiences subsequent mental and psychological stressors.  The goal of a personal injury lawsuit is to establish fault and compensate the injured party for their losses, pain, and suffering.  In the case of a death within a family, surviving family members may also be able to recover damages.

Do I need a lawyer?
Due to the complex nature of most personal injury cases, it is highly advisable to discuss your case with an experienced Polk County injury lawyer.  An attorney can properly assess your situation and determine if you have a valid claim.  Then you can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed.

Contact us
The skilled Polk County injury lawyers at Frost Van den Boom & Smith, P.A. combine years of experience with modern day technology and resources to achieve the results our clients deserve.  Contact us today to discuss your legal issue.