Personal Injury FAQ
If you have recently been in an accident or otherwise suffered an injury as the result of someone else’s negligence (for example: injured by an auto accident, slip/fall, or a defective product), you may be confused or have questions about what you should do. We are available to personally answer any and all questions you may have. Contact us or fill out a case evaluation form. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
What kind of compensation can I expect for my injuries?
Who decides whether to settle my case?
All personal injury claims involve establishing liability and damages and there is often a dispute as to both.
- Liability means fault. Who caused the accident? Did someone act with less care than was reasonable under the circumstances? If so, that’s negligence.
- Damages are the second necessary part for a personal injury claim. If you were in an accident but weren’t injured or didn’t sustain any damage, you don’t have a claim. But if you have suffered personal injury, you are entitled to fair and adequate compensation.
What kind of compensation can I expect for my injuries?
If you are injured due to someone else’s fault or negligence, you have a right to bring a claim for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages.
Pain and Suffering. Pain and suffering are real and measurable. The law and most insurance companies grade pain as severe, moderate, slight or minimal, as well as periodic or chronic. Expected future pain can greatly increase a claim for damages. Suffering can include depression, changes in lifestyle, anxiety, or even relationship troubles after an injury. No dollar amount can erase pain and suffering, but you are entitled to and deserve compensation.
Expenses. You should receive compensation for all reasonable expenses you have paid as a result of the accident, as well as future expenses. This includes medical bills, transportation, help in taking care of your family members, and other household help.
Lost Wages. You should receive compensation for any loss of wages you suffer as a result of your accident, as well as any future income loss. Additionally, you should be compensated for a loss of earning capacity, such as a permanent disability that restricts your competitiveness in the job market.
If you have suffered an injury, you may feel overwhelmed by worry, confusion or helplessness. Medical bills can mount in a hurry and lost income can cause stress for you and your family aside from your physical injuries. Unfortunately, insurance companies are poised to take advantage of that confusion and stress. Insurance companies make more money if they pay you less money for your injuries than your case is really worth. Many cases involve complex legal issues and knowledge of state and federal regulations in order to maximize the compensation you are entitled to under the law. An experienced personal injury lawyer is in the best position to pursue all avenues of recovery on your behalf.
If you are in need of a Miami car accident lawyer, a Miami medical malpractice attorney, or lawyers specializing in boating and cruise ship accidents, premise liability, slip and falls, SUV rollovers, motorcycle and trucking crashes, nursing home abuse, tobacco litigation and defective product cases in the Florida Keys and greater South Florida area, we would be honored to represent you or to discuss your situation and answer any questions you may have.
All our personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. What this means is that if no recovery is made, you don’t pay any attorney’s fees.
The Miami accident lawyers and Miami medical malpractice attorneys at Jugo & Murphy attempt to move every case forward as quickly as possible without compromising the maximum possible recovery, the time involved will depend on the nature of the case and your injuries. Some cases can be settled without filing a lawsuit and often are settled within a few months. Once suit is filed, the time to be reached for trial can take much longer, and is dependent in part on the court’s schedule. A complex case can take several years, particularly if it goes to trial.
Who decides whether to settle my case?
Only you as the client will make the decision to settle your case. We will advise you of the settlement negotiations and give you our legal and professional opinion. However, the final decision is up to you.
Our Practice Areas
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- SUV Rollovers
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Nursing Home Abuse
- Aviation Accidents
- Maritime Accidents
- Premises Liability
- Negligent Security
- Medical Malpractice
- Boating Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Insurance Bad Faith
- Tobacco Litigation
