If the reckless actions of another person in Panama City have resulted in your injury, you could be entitled to a monetary award. Pursuing a civil lawsuit against that party could be your best option for securing the compensation you need.
A Panama City personal injury lawyer could take the lead in your case while aggressively pursuing justice on your behalf as the injured party. It can be difficult to get the most out of your case on your own, but having strong legal counsel by your side could improve your odds.
What Types of Personal Injury Damages Are Available?
The damages available in a specific personal injury case will depend on the facts as well as the nature of your injuries. Each type of compensation in a personal injury case falls into one of two general categories. These categories include economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages serve an important purpose in any personal injury case. Serious or catastrophic injuries are likely to result in significant out-of-pocket costs, including medical expenses. These types of damages are designed to help you recoup those costs and return you to a financial position as close as possible to where you were prior to the accident.
It is important to note that while these damages are for tangible financial losses, you are not limited to damages that you have paid out of pocket. Often, medical providers and insurance carriers will wait for your personal injury case to resolve before seeking reimbursement for your medical treatment. What makes these damages stand out is that they are measurable and can be established using documentary evidence like paid receipts or invoices. Common types of economic damages include lost wages and medical bills.
Non-Economic Damages
Not all damages are designed to return you to your original financial position. You are also entitled to compensation for the subjective, difficult-to-measure hardships you face as a result of your injuries. Because these damages are subjective, there is no way to objectively determine the exact value of your non-economic claim. Instead, proving these damages involves showing a jury how your injury has impacted your life.
Several types of non-economic damages could be available in your personal injury lawsuit. The most common example is pain and suffering. Other common types of non-economic damages include disfigurement, emotional trauma, emotional distress, or the loss of consortium.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are an uncommon third category of damages that can be pursued in personal injury claims. These are damages designed to punish the responsible party for reckless behavior. Generally speaking, these kinds of damages are only available in the more extreme personal injury claims, like those involving a wrongful death stemming from a habitual drunk driver. A judge makes this determination.
Continuing Medical Care Is Important
While it is easy to become distracted in the aftermath of a serious injury, it is important to remain committed to the plan of treatment set out by your medical provider. This treatment plan is not only your best chance at improving your physical condition, but it could also have a positive effect on any personal injury case you pursue as well.
Going to the doctor once after a serious injury is rarely enough to fully recover. Most of the time, there is a plan of treatment that could include physical therapy, additional procedures, or other types of follow-up care. If you fail to keep up with your treatment plan, you could see your condition worsen or even lose the opportunity to heal completely.
There are also risks associated with your civil case if you do not continue to treat your injuries. As a plaintiff, you have an obligation to mitigate any of your damages prior to resolving your case. That means you must prevent your medical bills and other damages from increasing needlessly. Aside from increasing your financial burdens, failing to treat your injuries could reduce the amount of compensation you are entitled to recover.
Our Firm Handles Countless Personal Injury Cases
Not every personal injury case is the same. Facts can vary in each accident, but the injuries that result from each of them can have a long-lasting impact. Our legal team understands that accidents happen in many ways, and we have the legal experience to hold negligent parties accountable regardless of how your accident happened.
Most personal injury lawsuits fall into one of a few broad categories:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are by far the biggest cause of personal injury lawsuits in Panama City. These collisions are common in an area as busy as Panama City, and most of these accidents result from human error. The party responsible for an auto accident of any kind could be liable for the damage they cause.
Medical Errors
Doctors, surgeons, and nurses are all human—and humans make mistakes. Unfortunately, medical errors often result in devastating consequences for a patient. Medical errors come in different forms. Some common examples include delayed diagnosis, surgical mistakes, and birth injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slips, trips, and falls account for more than eight million trips to the emergency room each year, according to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI). These slip and fall accidents can occur on flat ground or from a higher elevation. Compensation could be available if they result from an avoidable hazard the property owner failed to address.
Personal Injury Attorneys Could Be More Affordable Than You Realize
It is not uncommon to worry about the financial cost of hiring an attorney following a serious injury. If you are already facing financial strain from unexpected medical bills and the inability to earn a living, the prospect of paying for an attorney can be unappealing. The good news is that you could pursue your case against the at-fault party without any upfront financial commitment.
Our firm takes personal injury cases on a contingency basis. We keep a portion of what we collect on your behalf as our fee, meaning you will never owe us anything until we secure compensation on your behalf. If you do not get paid, you will not owe us anything.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations Has Changed
Up until March of 2023, you had four years under Florida’s statute of limitations to file a compensation claim. After the passage of HB 837/SB 23b, you now only have two years.
If you fail to file within that time, you risk losing your chance for any kind of compensation at all. With our legal team on your side, we will make sure you never miss a deadline.
That means it’s more important than ever that you come to GED Lawyers for legal advice as soon as possible. Many law firms promise results, but GED Lawyers has a record of delivering for Panama City.
You Could Recover Compensation for Your Injuries
A personal injury lawsuit is a serious undertaking. It involves negotiating with insurance companies and navigating the court system. Handling these challenges without legal representation can be overwhelming for most people.
The team at GED Lawyers is here to help with your personal injury case. Our experienced attorneys have a track record of success in personal injury law and are ready to serve as your advocates. Reach out to a Panama City personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.
