Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Sarasota

FAQs

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

  For non-emergencies, you can call the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office at 941-316-1201 and 941-316-1199. You can also dial 941-263-6773 to reach the Sarasota Police Headquarters.

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

  You can obtain a copy of a police report in person at the Sarasota Police Department Records Section. Please call 941-263-6045 prior to going to the police to make the request for the copy. The Records Section is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  Sarasota Police Department Records Section 2099 Adams Lane Sarasota, FL 34237

  If you are looking for a report filed with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, call (941) 861-4025 or go to Criminal Justice Center 1st Floor 2071 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. The center is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  You can also mail/email your copy request to the addresses below.

  Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Attention: Records P.O. Box 4115 Sarasota, Florida 34230-4115 Email: Records@sarasotasheriff.org Phone: (941) 861-4025

• How long do Sarasota residents have to file a personal injury case?

  Based on Florida Statute 95.11, personal injury claims must be filed within four years from the date of the injury. A reduced statute of limitations is applied for cases involving wrongful death and medical negligence. In these cases, the claimant only has two years to file. A local personal injury lawyer in Sarasota can help ensure your claim is filed within the deadline.

• What damages can you claim in your personal injury case in Sarasota, FL?

  Depending on the severity of your injuries and the extent of the resulting losses, you can claim medical expenses, lost wages, mobility aids, and rehabilitation services. Your Sarasota personal injury lawyer can also pursue non-economic damages on your behalf, including loss of enjoyment of life and emotional distress.

• How can you prove your emotional distress during your personal injury case in Sarasota, FL?

  Usually, the people around you, such as your family and friends in Sarasota, would have to provide their testimonies showing how the injury or your loved one’s wrongful death has impacted you. They can testify regarding your functional ability before and after the incident and your behavior that show distress, such as anxiety, sadness, and lack of sleep.

• How does Florida’s pure comparative negligence rule impact your Sarasota personal injury claim?

  The pure comparative negligence rule will affect your claim if you were partly at fault for the injurious incident. Under this rule, your compensation will be minimized in proportion to your percentage of fault in the incident. If you were supposed to be compensated $50,000, but you are found to be at fault for 20%, then you will only receive $40,000.

• Who can you sue if you get assaulted during an armed robbery in a commercial establishment in Sarasota, FL?

  The owner of the establishment may be liable for your injuries and you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim under negligent security. You must work with your Sarasota personal injury attorney to prove that the owner breached their duty to keep the establishment safe, that they have knowledge that the robbery was ongoing, and that they failed to take appropriate steps to protect you.

• 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.