Getting injured in an accident can be distressing, but more so if someone else’s careless actions caused it. If this has happened to you or a member of your family, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. However, claiming compensation is rarely straightforward, especially when an insurance company is involved. You’ll want the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Attorney Tamera Boudreau of The Boudreau Firm has 20+ years of experience fighting for the rightful compensation of individuals and families after their accidents. Ms. Boudreau is particularly adept at facing insurance companies and making sure they handle claims fairly. Her work has led to a number of million-dollar settlements for her clients.
If you live in Tampa Bay, St.Petersburg, Clearwater, Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, or Sarasota County, call Tamera Boudreau at The Boudreau Firm at (727) 390-7614 for a free case evaluation.
Causes of Personal Injury in Florida
A personal injury case can arise from various incidents such as:
- Car accidents, truck collisions, and other motor vehicle crashes
- Bike/cycling accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Defective product accidents
- Slip-and-fall accidents due to hazardous premises
- Dog bites and pet attacks
- Medical malpractice
Let’s look at some of the most common personal injury case types:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle collisions are a leading cause of injuries and deaths in Florida. In 2020 alone, the state had a total of 341,399 crashes resulting in 212,432 injuries and 3,332 fatalities, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Florida follows the “no fault” principle in auto insurance. This means that regardless of who was at fault in your crash, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage should pay for your medical expenses and other financial losses. However, PIP coverage has limits, and it doesn’t pay for pain and suffering.
What happens if your crash injuries are more substantial than what PIP can cover? You may have the option to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. Speak with a lawyer from The Boudreau Firm to learn the best legal remedies available to you.
Defective products
Many common products throughout our daily lives can turn out to be defective and injurious. These include toys, sporting goods, home appliances, tools, car seats and airbags, vehicle parts, prescription medicines, and even food.
Under the legal theory of product liability, a manufacturer or distributor may be liable to pay damages if:
- Their product malfunctioned and caused an injury, or
- Their product had an inherent danger, but they failed to warn consumers about it.
Claiming compensation for a defective product injury is challenging, as you’ll have to face a powerful company and its insurer. It’s wise to consult a lawyer on your best course of action.
Slip and Fall / Premises Liability
Slipping, tripping, and falling aren’t always innocent accidents. Sometimes, they are the result of a dangerous condition on the premises.
Property owners and managers have the duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for guests. If there is a hazardous condition on the premises, the owner or manager must warn guests. If they fail to do so and a guest gets injured as a result, the owner or manager may be held responsible under the legal concept of premises liability.
Some common examples of premises liability cases are:
- A customer slipping on a slippery restaurant floor
- A visitor falling on an icy driveway
- A child falling into a residential pool without barriers
- A landlord failing to warn visitors of dogs on the premises.
What You Could Receive in a Personal Injury Claim
With the mountain of medical bills and other related costs, accident victims naturally ask, “How much can I get in a personal injury claim?” The answer to this depends on the unique combination of factors in the case, such as the severity of the injury, the circumstances leading to the accident, and any long-term costs the victim may incur.
In general, you could receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that have a clear monetary value, such as:
- Hospital bills
- Treatment costs
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished ability to earn
- Long-term needs (e.g., wheelchair, assistive devices, etc.)
On the other hand, non-economic damages are less tangible, but a jury has the discretion to assign them a monetary value. Examples are:
- Pain and suffering (including mental/emotional distress)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship (in the case of a loved one’s wrongful death)
It’s important to discuss with an attorney to determine the true value of your case. An insurance company may offer you a settlement amount that’s much less than you deserve. With the help of a lawyer, you can examine your economic and non-economic damages, both in the past and in the potential future, and see what you’re really entitled to. Your attorney should also be able to represent you in settlement negotiations and advocate for your fair compensation.
Contact The Boudreau Firm, St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyers
Attorney Tamera Boudreau of The Boudreau Firm has an excellent track record in handling personal injury cases. She is skilled and fearless when negotiating with insurance companies and is ready to go to court when necessary.
The Boudreau Firm is based in St. Petersburg, FL, serving Tampa Bay, Clearwater, Pinellas County, Manatee County, Sarasota County, as well as Hernando and Pasco Counties. Contact The Boudreau Firm today at (727) 390-7614 to schedule a consultation.