What Damages Can I Claim in a Florida Personal Injury Suit?
Did you suffer a personal injury in Florida? If so, you may be dealing with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other related costs while you face a long and painful recovery. A personal injury lawyer in Florida will provide the legal support you need during this stressful time and let you know what type of compensation you may expect.
Learn about the different types of damages you could potentially claim after an accident through a personal injury lawsuit.
Financial (or Economic) Damages
The first type of personal injury damages you may be able to collect are financial, or economic, damages that include:
- Medical costs related to the accident that you have already paid, like emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, prescription drugs, outpatient services, and more
- Prospective medical expenses (e.g., a surgery you may need at some future point because of your injury)
- Missed days at work
- Prospective lost earnings if the injury impacts your long-term earning capacity
- Property damage (e.g., vehicle repair or replacement costs if you suffered a car accident)
- Other related expenses, like medical equipment, treatment-related travel expenses, in-home help, or making your home wheelchair accessible
Non-Financial (or Non-Economic) Damages
It's possible to calculate medical expenses and lost wages, but what about other impacts of the accident, like your loss of joy, inability to enjoy activities like sports or traveling, and other significant but intangible damages? These fall under the category of non-financial, or non-economic, damages in a personal injury case.
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium or companionship
Future injury-related costs (like prospective treatment or loss of earning capacity) and pain and suffering are two principal negotiation points in personal injury claims. Working with an assertive, experienced personal injury lawyer in Florida helps ensure that your settlement covers the full extent of your damages.
Punitive Damages
Both economic and non-economic damages are compensatory damages that compensate you for accident-related expenses and suffering. In some cases, Florida courts may also award punitive damages, the goal of which is to punish the offender and deter others from similar unlawful behavior.
Not every personal injury case will merit punitive damages. The jury has to see proof that the defendant's behavior was especially negligent, reckless, or malicious, like driving under the influence in a school zone, and you'll need a highly skilled negligence lawyer to represent your case.
Deadlines for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Florida
After March 24, 2023, Florida's statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim, with some exceptions that could extend this deadline. However, the sooner you call an attorney and start working on your case, the higher your chances of successful resolution and damages to compensate you for your losses.
Warner & Fitzmartin: Assertive Legal Representation for Your Personal Injury Case in Florida
Contact us at Warner & Fitzmartin for reliable, assertive support throughout your personal injury case or wrongful death claim. Our boutique legal firm provides dedicated and personalized support for accident victims and their families across the state.
Call (561) 803-0167 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Florida.