St. Augustine Personal Injury Lawyer

St. Augustine Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re looking for a St. Augustine personal injury lawyer, consider Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys, located in North and Northeast Florida. At our law firm, we understand how truly life-altering and impactful a personal injury can be. We believe that you deserve trusted and dedicated legal support as you pursue recovery and compensation for your injuries. Allow us to support you as you navigate the legal process and move forward with your life.

What Is Considered Personal Injury?

Personal injury law, also called tort law, aims to protect injured individuals who are harmed due to another party’s negligence or wrongful actions. Plaintiffs can seek compensation for a wide variety of damages, including the following:

• Physical Injuries: Physical injuries could be bruises, cuts, broken bones, or more severe injuries that result from accidents or intentional acts.
• Emotional and Psychological Injuries: Mental distress, emotional trauma, or psychological conditions resulting from an incident, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety, are compensable.
• Economic Damages: Any financial losses incurred due to injury, including medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity, are economic damages.
• Pain and Suffering: Plaintiffs can receive compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress they endured as a result of the injury.
• Property Damage: Damage to personal property that accompanies the injury, such as damage to a vehicle in a car accident, could be awarded.

Personal Injury Accidents

Personal injury claims can arise from a variety of incidents, including the following:

• Car Accidents: Injuries sustained in traffic collisions with cars, trucks and motorcycles can occur due to negligent driving, defective vehicles, or unsafe road conditions.
• Slip and Fall Accidents: Injuries could occur on another party’s property due to hazardous conditions, like slippery floorboards, rolled carpets, or poor lighting.
• Medical Malpractice: Harm caused by a medical professional’s failure to provide standard care can result in an injury or the worsening of a condition.
• Workplace Accidents: Injuries can occur in the course of employment, including accidents, exposure to harmful substances, or repetitive strain injuries.
• Product Liability: Injuries could be caused by defective or dangerous products, including machinery, pharmaceuticals, or consumer goods.
• Assault and Battery: Physical harm can result from intentional acts of violence or aggression.
• Defamation: Harm to one’s reputation could be caused by false statements made by another person or entity.

The legal process for personal injury claims typically involves establishing that the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff, that this duty was somehow breached through negligent or intentional actions, and that this breach of duty caused the injury. Compensation for personal injury cases can cover medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Why Is Duty of Care Important in Personal Injury Claims?

The concept of duty of care is fundamental to personal injury claims, as it establishes the legal responsibility one party has to avoid causing harm or injury to another. In personal injury law, most claims are based on negligence. To prove negligence, the plaintiff, or injured party, has to show that the defendant owed them a duty of care. Without this duty, there can be no breach or basis for a negligence claim.

A duty of care defines the legal obligation to act or refrain from acting in a certain way to avoid causing harm. It sets the standard of behavior expected to ensure others’ safety and well-being. It also establishes the basis for determining negligence, guiding legal accountability, and promoting safer behavior to prevent harm. Below is a list of common examples of duty of care in various contexts:

• Drivers on the Road: Drivers owe a duty of care to the other road users (drivers, pedestrians, passengers, cyclists, etc.) to drive safely, obey traffic laws, and avoid causing accidents.
• Property Owners: Property owners owe a duty of care to visitors to maintain safe premises, repair hazards, and provide warnings about potential dangers.
• Medical Professionals: Doctors and healthcare providers owe a duty of care to their patients to provide competent medical care and avoid causing harm through negligence.
• Employers: Employers owe a duty of care to their employees to provide a safe working environment, adequate training, and necessary safety equipment.

Types of Losses Covered in Personal Injury Settlements

Personal injury settlements can cover a variety of losses, generally categorized into economic and non-economic damages. Unique cases may involve punitive damages. Compensation aims to make the injured party whole by covering both the tangible and intangible impacts of their injuries. The exact damages awarded will vary based on the specifics of the case, the severity of the injuries, and jurisdiction laws.

• Economic Damages. Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses that result from the injury. This can include medical expenses, such as costs for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and any other treatments immediately following the injury. Future medical expenses for ongoing care are also compensable. Lost wages, including both current and future loss of income, are accounted for. Injured individuals may also experience a reduced earning potential. Economic damages also include property damage and out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury or incident. Vehicles can be damaged in car accidents and may need repair or replacement. Expenses directly related to the injury can include transportation to medical appointments, costs of assistive devices, home modification due to disability, and more.
• Non-Economic Damages. Non-economic damages are more subjective losses that do not have a specific monetary value but impact quality of life. This includes losses like pain and suffering, which covers physical pain and discomfort experienced as a result of the injury. Emotional distress could relate to psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, or trauma stemming from the injury. Loss of enjoyment of life and loss of companionship are also evaluated when determining settlement amounts.
• Punitive Damages. Punitive damages are awarded when the defendant’s actions were extremely reckless or egregious. These damages are not meant to compensate the plaintiff but to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future. However, these types of damages are rare.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me?

A personal injury lawyer can provide essential assistance in several ways if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions. Here are some key ways a personal injury lawyer can help:

• Legal Experience: Personal injury lawyers have knowledge and experience in handling injury claims. They understand the laws, regulations, and legal precedents relevant to your case, which can significantly impact the outcome.
• Case Evaluation and Consultation: A lawyer will assess the merits of your case, determine if you have a valid claim, and advise you on the ideal course of action. This includes evaluating the extent of your injuries, the circumstances of the incident, and potential defendants.
• Evidence Gathering: Building a strong and solid case requires substantial evidence. A personal injury lawyer can gather and preserve crucial evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony, to support your claim.
• Negotiation and Litigation Support: Personal injury lawyers are experienced in negotiating. They will speak with insurance providers and other parties to secure a fair settlement for you. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through initial negotiations, a personal injury lawyer can represent you in court. They will prepare and file legal documents, argue your case, and advocate for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
• Maximize Compensation: A lawyer can help ensure you receive full compensation for all of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

A personal injury lawyer in St. Augustine, FL can provide comprehensive support from the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Why Hire Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys for Your Personal Injury Case?

At Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys, our team is made up of dedicated attorneys, paralegals, an in-house physician, and thorough office staff who all work together to support our clients’ desired results. With over 150 years of combined experience, our legal track record is impressive, and we have won over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients.

We take a team-focused approach to all our cases. We draw upon the unique strengths and experience of each attorney when representing a client to ensure they receive solid legal representation and insight throughout their case. Though our office is based in North and Northeast Florida, we serve personal injury clients all over the United States in both state and federal courts, as well as internationally. Cases that we tend to focus on include the following:

• Traffic accidents
• Product liability
• Wrongful death
• Catastrophic injury
• Medical malpractice
• Aviation accidents
• Premises liability
• Workplace accidents

With the vast and varied experience of our team, we work to create legal strategies and frameworks that anticipate the defendant’s approach. We understand that we cannot undo your injury, but we can provide the means of pursuing justice and holding the defendant accountable for their actions. Our team can seek a fair settlement that maximizes your chance at full compensation.

FAQs

Q: What Percentage Do Most Personal Injury Lawyers Take?

A: The percentage that personal injury lawyers take depends on several factors, including the specific attorney’s fee structure. Typical fee structures include an hourly payment, a one-time lump sum payment, and a contingency fee. In a contingency fee scenario, your attorney will only receive compensation if the case is successful. In this case, the attorney will receive an agreed-upon percentage of the settlement.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case in Florida?

A: How long it takes to settle a personal injury case in Florida depends on the unique factors that impact each claim. These factors can include the nature of the case, the severity of the injuries and damages, the efficient participation of all parties, jurisdiction considerations, the effectiveness of legal representation, court availability, and more. Speak with a trusted personal injury attorney to receive an accurate time estimate regarding the details of your case.

Q: How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge in Florida?

A: How much a personal injury lawyer charges in Florida can vary. The experience level of each specific attorney, the law firm’s policies, the length of time and materials required for the case, the payment structure, and more can all impact the total legal fees.

It’s wise to consult with a local, trusted personal injury attorney to get an estimated cost of your case before hiring a lawyer. Most personal injury lawyers offer a contingency fee, which can reduce the financial risk you take on when filing a claim.

Q: When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Florida?

A: You should hire a personal injury lawyer in Florida as soon as possible after your injury. If you believe that you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, intentional actions, or inaction, you may have the right to receive compensation for your damages. As soon as you are able, speak with an attorney to understand your legal options and what initial steps you should take in order to expand your chances at a successful claim.

Q: How Much Is a Personal Injury Settlement Worth?

A: How much a personal injury settlement is worth is unique to each individual case. However, it should cover the damages you incurred. Cases that involve catastrophic injuries, such as paralysis or amputations, can result in large settlements because they involve more severe pain and suffering, more medical costs, and more lost income. They can also result in lost earning potential. If your case only involves minor injuries and property damage, your settlement will likely be smaller.

Speak With a Local St. Augustine Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you have suffered personal injuries in North and Northeast Florida, reach out to Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys as soon as possible. Our personal injury lawyers are eager and ready to consult with you. During a consultation, we can learn more about your case and determine if your circumstances warrant legal action. Our attorneys hold over 150 years of collective experience, making our team well-equipped to handle a variety of personal injury claims.