Best Personal Injury Lawyers in St. Petersburg

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number for the St. Petersburg Police Department is 727-893-7780.

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

  You can request a copy of a police report at the St. Petersburg Police Department in person. The address is 1301 1 Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705. You can also make a public records request online at https://stpetefl.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(4xc4vwzfjsejea3xlchyjxu2))/supporthome.aspx

• How can an injured person pay for medical treatment if they are still dealing with a personal injury case in St. Petersburg?

  An injured person in St. Petersburg can use a letter of protection to pay for medical treatment while they are waiting for their personal injury claim settlement. A letter of protection is an agreement between the injured party and their medical provider that the doctor will provide treatment despite not seeing immediate payment and that the individual must pursue legal action to receive a settlement or court sentence.

• What are the grounds for determining a personal injury claim in St. Petersburg?

  The grounds for determining a personal injury claim in St. Peterburg and throughout Florida include whether a person intended for an event to result in harm to the other party. Negligence is also a reason for a personal injury case and is explained as a failure to use reasonable care or act rationally.

• How much do lawyers in St. Petersburg charge?

  The majority of lawyers in Florida, including those in St. Petersburg, follow a contingency fee arrangement with their clients. This means that the attorney will receive a percentage of the amount their client will receive in their case. The percentage the lawyer will receive typically depends on the complexity of their case and the amount of work required. Most attorneys in Florida charge between 10% and 45%.

• Who is liable for medical malpractice in St. Petersburg?

  In St. Petersburg, liability usually falls to the parties that contributed to or caused economic and non-economic damages. Liable parties could include pharmacies, medical practitioners, testing labs, hospitals, surgical centers, and urgent care facilities. Medical malpractice cases include medication errors, patient neglect, birth-related injuries, emergency room mistakes, and failure to diagnose cancer.

• Is a dog bite victim in St. Petersburg entitled to compensation from the owner?

  St. Petersburg follows Florida's strict liability laws regarding dog bites. This means a dog owner is liable for injuries resulting from a dog bite in a private or public space, even if they were not previously aware of their pet's aggressive nature. A dog owner's liability can be eliminated or reduced if the victim was provoking the animal or the victim was unlawfully on the property.

• 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.