Florida Personal Injury Lawyers | Keller Swan Injury Lawyers
Personal injuries can happen in an instant and change your life forever, causing physical pain, emotional trauma and financial stress. When you or a loved one is injured because of someone else’s carelessness, Keller Swan Injury Lawyers are here to help. We serve clients throughout Florida and get you fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages and hold the responsible parties and insurance companies accountable.
Florida Personal Injury Law
Florida’s personal injury laws protect those injured by someone else’s carelessness, recklessness or intentional acts. These laws allow injured parties to get compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages and pain and suffering. But Florida’s laws have their own challenges and limitations so legal representation is key.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Personal injuries can happen in many ways. Keller Swan Injury Attorneys handle many types of personal injury cases including but not limited to:
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
- Product Liability
- Dog Bites
- Construction Accidents
- Workplace Injuries
- Boating Accidents
- Wrongful Death Claims
- Premises Liability
We have the expertise and experience to handle each type of case and provide personalized service to your needs and goals.
Notable Florida Personal Injury Cases
In the last 10 years, Florida has seen many notable personal injury cases that have set legal precedents and show the importance of having an experienced lawyer.
1. Tobacco Litigation Case (2014)
In one of Florida’s biggest cases, a widow was awarded over $23 billion in punitive damages from a major tobacco company for the death of her husband. This case showed the consequences of corporate negligence and set a record for damages in Florida.
2. Ford Motor Company Defective Product Case (2018)
A $175 million verdict was awarded to a Florida family when their vehicle rolled over and caused severe injuries and deaths. The lawsuit claimed the car’s design was defective and showed the importance of product safety and accountability.
3. Miami Medical Malpractice Case (2020)
A patient’s family settled for $25 million when a surgical error caused brain injuries. This case showed the importance of competent care and accountability in the medical field.
4. Orlando Slip and Fall Case (2022)
A tourist got $10 million when they were severely injured in a slip and fall in a Florida hotel. The case showed the duty of businesses to keep their premises safe for customers.
2023 and 2024 Florida Personal Injury Cases
1. Florida Construction Accident Settlement (2023)
In 2023, a Florida construction worker got $50 million when they fell from an un-safe scaffold and became paralyzed. This case showed the importance of strict safety protocols in high risk jobs and employer accountability.
2. High Profile Trucking Accident Case (2024)
An $80 million settlement was reached when a trucking accident caused deaths and serious injuries in Florida. This case showed the complexities in commercial vehicle cases from corporate liability to federal regulations and the need for experienced lawyers.
Florida Personal Injury Cases Challenges
While Florida law protects personal injury victims, getting compensation can be tough because of:
1. Comparative Negligence
Florida is a comparative negligence state, which means the amount of compensation you can get may be reduced if you’re found partially responsible for the accident. An experienced lawyer can help limit the amount of fault attributed to you.
2. Insurance Company Tricks
Insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible and will use tactics like denying liability, undervaluing claims and stalling settlements. Keller Swan Injury Attorneys are seasoned negotiators who know these tricks and will fight to get you fair compensation.
3. Statute of Limitations
In Florida, personal injury claims must be filed within a certain time frame, generally four years from the date of the accident. For medical malpractice and wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is shorter so you must act fast.
What to Do After an Accident
If you’re injured in an accident, do the following to protect yourself and your case:
- Get Immediate Medical Attention: Get evaluated right away, even if injuries seem minor. Documenting injuries from the beginning is key to your claim.
- Document the Scene: If you can, take pictures and videos of the accident, damages and your injuries.
- Get Contact Information: Get information from other parties and witnesses involved.
- File a Report: For car accidents, call the police; for work injuries, report to your employer. Official documentation is key to your claim.
- Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies will use anything you say against you. All communication goes through your lawyer.
- Contact Keller Swan Injury Attorneys: We’ll handle everything for you from gathering evidence to negotiating with the insurance companies.
FAQs: Personal Injury Claims
1. What if my personal injury claim is denied?
If denied, ask for a written explanation from your insurer. You can appeal or pursue legal action with the help of a personal injury lawyer who can review your case and fight for you.
2. Can I get damages if I’m partially at fault?
Yes. Florida is a comparative negligence state so you can get damages even if you’re partially responsible, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
3. What kind of damages can I get in a personal injury case?
You may be entitled to economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future medical expenses) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress). Rarely, punitive damages apply.
4. How long do personal injury cases take to settle?
Timeframe varies depending on the complexity of the case, severity of injuries and if a settlement can be reached without going to trial. A few months to several years.
5. If the insurance company undervalues my claim?
If you don’t think the offer is fair, talk to a personal injury lawyer. We can negotiate with the insurer or file a lawsuit to get you the compensation you deserve.
6. How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis so you only pay if you win your case. This fee is usually a percentage of your settlement.
7. If my injury gets worse?
If your injury gets worse after the claim is settled it can be tough to get additional damages. Talking to an attorney early on ensures future medical needs are included in the claim.
8. Can I sue the responsible party directly?
Yes, if a settlement is not possible or fair you can sue the at-fault party. An attorney can walk you through the process and handle your case in court.
9. If the liable party is uninsured?
If the liable party is uninsured you can file a claim with your own uninsured motorist coverage (in car accident cases) or talk to your attorney about other options.
10. How is compensation determined in personal injury cases?
Compensation is based on economic and non-economic factors: medical bills, lost income, future medical expenses and impact on your life. An attorney will make sure all relevant factors are considered.
Insurance Companies in Personal Injury Cases
Insurance companies will try to pay out as little as possible by:
- Disputing Liability: Insurers will claim their policyholder is not liable or you’re partially at fault.
- Low Ball Settlements: Initial offers will be way below the value of your claim.
- Delay: Insurers will stall to get you to accept a lower amount or give up.
At Keller Swan Injury Attorneys we know how to counter these tactics. We build strong cases with evidence, expert testimony and legal strategy so insurance companies take your claim seriously.
Why Keller Swan Injury Attorneys?
Keller Swan Injury Attorneys is a Florida based firm with a history of getting big settlements and verdicts for personal injury clients. We are:
- Personal: We work one on one with each client to understand their situation.
- Aggressive: Whether negotiating with insurers or going to court we fight for the most.
- Results Driven: Our approach is data driven and results focused so each case gets the resources it needs.
We’ve been handling personal injury cases for decades.
Call Keller Swan Injury Attorneys Now
If you or a loved one has been injured by someone else’s negligence don’t go it alone. Keller Swan Injury Attorneys will walk you through the process and get you the compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation and let us get you started on the road to recovery.