Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Port St. Lucie

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Port St. Lucie, Florida?

  (772) 871-5000 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Port St. Lucie. You may also call 211 (special service numbers) for non-emergency situations.

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

  To ensure your request is directed properly, you can use the email address publicrecordsrequest@stluciesheriff.com to make a public records request. You may also contact the Records Custodian at St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office through email at coles@stluciesheriff.com or by phone at 772-462-3299.

• How long does it take to settle a personal injury claim in Port St. Lucie?

  Personal injury claims in Port St. Lucie usually take between 120 and 365 days to settle, depending on several factors, including the severity of victims' injuries, the complexity of their case, and their willingness to settle. Some cases can be resolved within 120 days, while others may take longer.

• What types of compensation can you recover in a Port St. Lucie personal injury claim?

  You may be entitled to compensation for the losses and damages associated with your injury, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. A Port St. Lucie personal injury lawyer who is experienced in pursuing full damages from liable parties can help you estimate the compensation due to you. By doing so, you can avoid receiving a lowball settlement and receive a fair settlement.

• What are the common accidents in Port St. Lucie?

  The common accidents in Port St. Lucie include motor vehicle accidents such as car crashes, truck wrecks, and motorcycle collisions, which are often caused by driver error and negligence. Slip-and-fall accidents are also quite common and can occur due to wet, slippery floors, broken or loose stairs, and uneven floors. If the property owner knew the conditions that led to the accident and was aware but neglected to address them, he or she would be held liable for the accident.

• What injuries qualify for a personal injury claim in Port St. Lucie?

  In Port St. Lucie, injuries that meet the minimum standard of severity and qualify for a personal injury claim include severe disfigurement, bone fractures, permanent limitations of function or use of a major body organ or appendage, significant temporary limitations of major body systems or functions, and substantial full disability for at least 90 days.

• Can your injury claim in Port St. Lucie be reduced if you were partially responsible for your own injuries?

  Yes, if there is a successful argument that you were partly responsible for your injuries due to negligence under Florida's comparative negligence laws, your injury claim could be reduced. It is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to assess your case and determine the best course of action to seek fair compensation for your losses and 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.