Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Fort Myers

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency inquiries, dial (239) 321-7700 to reach the Fort Myers Police Department.

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

  You can obtain a copy of your report at the Public Records Center, 2210 Widman Way, Fort Myers, Florida 33901. It is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Records Division of the Fort Myers Police Department maintains all reports produced by police officers and community service aides. You may call them at 239-321-7665 for more details. Alternatively. reports can be obtained online: https://pr-fortmyerspolice.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(dmnu2nrivppvmx3zumtbv5c0))/SupportHome.aspx?sSessionID=180190170138QKLSI[KPD[SVORKXYWPUKMEQCDIE&lp=2

• Could the dog's owner be held responsible if their pet attacks or bites a person at Fort Myers?

  Yes. If the dog attacked or bit a person in Fort Myers, the owner of the dog will be held responsible. Under the statutes of the state of Florida, if the animal attacks a human, livestock, or other domestic animals, the owner is held liable for injuries sustained by the victim.

• Can you still claim compensation for non-bite dog injuries in Fort Myers?

  Yes, you can still claim compensation for non-bite dog injuries. In Fort Myers, the law addresses various aspects that can affect responsibility. You may sustain non-bite dog injuries if you are startled by a dog that barks, snarls, or lunges at you, which caused you to respond in a way that results in bodily harm. Big canines can cause harm to humans by jumping on or pushing against them.

• Who is responsible when a slip-and-fall accident on a Fort Myers sidewalk results in injuries?

  When you experience injuries due to a slip-and-fall accident on Fort Myers sidewalks, the person or entity responsible for the sidewalk's maintenance is liable. That said, cities and towns in Florida are responsible for maintaining public walkways. On the other hand, if the accident occurred on the sidewalk of a private property, homeowners may be held liable for the accident. Occasionally, cities and municipalities permit homeowners to share the cost of maintaining sidewalks on private property.

• How long should you pursue your injury claim after a Fort Myers slip-and-fall accident?

  If you suffered injuries resulting from a slip and fall accident in Fort Myers, you have a deadline of four years from the date of the incident to file a compensation claim. You will be unable to seek compensation if you do not file your lawsuit within the period specified by the statute of limitations.

• Can the owner of the animal be held accountable if it wanders onto the road and causes an accident in Fort Myers?

  Yes. In Fort Myers, if an animal wanders onto the road and causes a car accident or injures someone, the owner may still be held accountable for any damage caused. The legislation in Florida does not require livestock owners to have a fence. Hence, if the owner's animal caused a car accident, the vehicle's driver might sue the owner for allowing the animal to roam free.

• 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.