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Personal Injury Law, also known as tort law, is designed to protect individuals who have been harmed physically or psychologically as a result of negligence or wrongful actions of another party. In St. Petersburg, as with the rest of Florida, victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages associated with their injuries.
Handling a personal injury claim is often a complex process. If you've been in a car accident, suffered a slip and fall, experienced medical malpractice, or encountered any situation where another party's negligence has caused you harm, you may need the help of a personal injury lawyer. They are skilled in understanding the local laws, and can advocate on your behalf to ensure fair compensation.
Key aspects of personal injury law specific to St. Petersburg and Florida include the concept of 'pure comparative negligence', where a claimant's compensation is decreased by their degree of fault. There's also a four-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, and a two-year limit for wrongful death claims. Florida law also observes the no-fault rule in regard to car accidents. Aside from these, medical malpractice and product liability laws also apply.
Seek immediate medical attention, notify your insurance, gather information and evidence about the accident, and contact a personal injury lawyer.
Compensation is based on the nature and extent of your injuries, the costs of medical treatment, lost earnings, potential future financial impact, and pain and suffering.
In Florida, you generally have four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
A 'no-fault' rule means that in case of a car accident, each driver turns to their own auto insurance coverage first, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
This means that if you are partially at fault for your injury, any compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Additional resources include the Florida Bar Association, which has resources and a lawyer referral service, and the Florida Department of Insurance, which can assist with claims against insurance companies. You can also utilize public access to Florida's laws and regulations through the official Florida state website.
If you need legal assistance, the first step is to find and consult with a reputable personal injury attorney. Provide as much detail as possible about your case, and ensure you gather and present all relevant documentation. Following this, it will be your lawyer's task to evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.
