Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Lakeland

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Lakeland Police Department is 863-834-6900.

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

  To request a Lakeland police report, call the Custodian of Public Records at 863-834-6264 or email the Director of Communications at kevin.cook@lakelandgov.net.

• What are the factors that will affect the value of your personal injury case in Lakeland?

  When it comes to determining how much your Lakeland personal injury case is worth, there are several factors that have to be taken into consideration and included in the computation. These may be your past and future medical bills, the income you lost due to your time away from work, and the loss of earning capacity because of your injuries. You may also factor in non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

• When will your Lakeland personal injury case be taken to court?

  In reality, most personal injury cases in Lakeland never make it to court. However, it may be in your best interest to take your case to trial if an insurance company denies your claim, if the insurer undervalues your claim, or if the other party denies liability. There are also instances when the insurance company would employ “bad faith insurance practices” to prolong the progression of your case. In such circumstances, it may also be necessary to go to court so you can receive the compensation you truly deserve.

• How long will your personal injury case take in Lakeland?

  There is no definitive answer to this question as each personal injury case in Lakeland is unique. Some cases reach a resolution in just a couple of weeks, while others take much longer. If your case makes it to trial, it is likely that it will take a longer amount of time to resolve. You may discuss the probable timeline of your case with your personal injury lawyer.

• What can you do if you can’t afford to hire a personal injury lawyer in Lakeland?

  If you think you can’t afford to hire a personal injury lawyer in Lakeland, you’ll be glad to know that most injury attorneys in the city accept cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t have to pay them upfront for their services. Instead, they will charge you an agreed-upon percentage of the monetary award they are able to secure on your behalf. Under this arrangement, if they don’t win your case, then you wouldn’t owe them any payment.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury claim in Lakeland?

  If you are looking to file a personal injury claim in Lakeland, you generally have two to four years to do so, depending on your case. This is because the legal deadlines or statute of limitations in Florida vary for specific personal injury cases. For instance, if you suffered from catastrophic injuries, you have four years from the time of the incident to file your claim, but if you suffered from birth injuries due to medical negligence, you have a two-year time window. Either way, if you fail to take legal action before the statute of limitations expires, you may lose your opportunity to recover damages.

• 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.