Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Deerfield Beach

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Deerfield Beach, Florida?

  You may call the non-emergency number 954-764-HELP (4357) of the police in Deerfield Beach.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Deerfield Beach, Florida?

  Submit a request for the police report online at the Public Records Center portal: https://browardcountysheriff.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(iarvxooeg1z32cjuezscqjtb))/SupportHome.aspx. Requests can also be made at the Public Records Unit of the Sheriff's office by calling 954-831-8700 or by sending mail addressed to: Public Records Unit Broward Sheriff’s Office Attention: Erin Foley, RMLO P.O. Box 9507 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33310

• Can you afford to pay a lawyer for a personal injury lawsuit in Deerfield Beach?

  Most personal injury firms in Deerfield Beach offer their services on a contingency fee basis, so you do not need to pay any upfront fees to retain a lawyer. Some firms initially shoulder all the costs of filing a lawsuit and will have the costs deducted when financial recovery is obtained through a settlement or trial award. Under the contingency fee arrangement, payment for the law firm's services will be taken as a percentage of the awarded damages.

• What is the statute of limitations for a personal injury case in Deerfield Beach that involves minors?

  The statute of limitations for a personal injury case in Deerfield Beach that involves minors is seven years after their 18th birthday. If the injuries were not discovered sooner, the deadline is also seven years after the discovery of the injury. For children born with birth injuries, the deadline for filing a lawsuit is on the child's eighth birthday.

• At which court do you file personal injury lawsuits in Deerfield Beach?

  The Circuit Civil Division of the Broward County Court is where personal injury lawsuits are filed in Deerfield Beach. It handles cases that involve financial compensation in excess of $50,000. It is located on the fourth floor of the Central Courthouse at the Judicial Complex, West Building 201 S.E. 6th Street Fort Lauderdale. For more information about the court, call 954-831-6565 (option 2).

• What are "damages" in a personal injury claim in Deerfield Beach?

  Damages is the legal term of the financial compensation given to injured victims in Deerfield Beach for losses such as property damage, injuries, and lost wages. It can be for various medical expenses like prescription fees, surgery, diagnostic procedures, and physical therapy. It can also be for intangible losses such as emotional distress, loss of consortium, and pain and suffering.

• Can you pursue compensation for bad-faith insurance practices in addition to a personal injury claim in Deerfield Beach?

  Yes. It is possible to seek additional compensation for bad-faith insurance practices, such as not processing claims promptly and denying claims without an acceptable reason. This can be in addition to a personal injury claim in Deerfield Beach for cases such as car accidents, dog bites, and medical malpractice.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.