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 and aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf as the injured party. It can be difficult to get the most out of your case on your own, but our legal counsel will be by your side, guiding you through this difficult time. Contact GED Lawyers today for a free consultation.
Damages Available in Your Panama City Personal Injury Claim
The damages available in a specific personal injury case will depend on the facts as well as the nature of your injuries. Compensation in a personal injury case typically falls into one of two categories:
You Can Claim Economic Damages
Economic damages are the direct financial losses you experience in a personal injury accident. Serious or catastrophic injuries are likely to result in significant out-of-pocket costs, especially medical expenses. Recovering these damages is 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, including tips and benefits
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage
- Medical costs, current and in the future
Non-Economic Damages Are Also Available
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 faced because of your injuries. Since these damages are subjective, it is often difficult 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 quality of 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:
- Disability and disfigurement
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
You May Qualify for 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 Your 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 treatment plan 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.
See a Doctor as Soon as Possible Following Your Accident in Panama City
Following any accident, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Plus, going to the doctor once after a serious injury is rarely enough to fully recover. Most of the time, your treatment plan 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.
Following Your Treatment Plan Protects Your Right to Compensation
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 Panama City Personal Injury Attorneys Handle Various 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.
Our Panama City personal injury lawyers can help if you need a:
- Panama City Car Accident Lawyer: Car accidents are by far the biggest cause of personal injury lawsuits in Panama City. Most of these accidents result from human error.
- Panama City Truck Accident Lawyer: These collisions are common in an area as busy as Panama City, and there could be multiple parties liable for your injuries.
- Panama City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: With little to no protection, riders often suffer catastrophic injuries.
- Panama City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: Like motorcyclists and bicyclists, these victims deserve fair compensation for the injuries they endure.
- Panama City Medical Malpractice Lawyer: 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.
- Panama City Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer: These accidents can occur on flat ground or from a higher elevation. Compensation could be available if it resulted from an avoidable hazard the property owner failed to address.
- Panama City Product Liability Lawyer: Manufacturers are held to strict liability for any defective products they place on the market.
- Panama City Wrongful Death Lawyer: The loss of a loved one is tragic, but your family may be able to collect compensation to help you recover.
These are only a few of the types of cases our Panama City personal injury lawyers can manage. Call GED Lawyers today and discuss your case with a member of our legal team. Learn if your case qualifies and how we can help you get a fair settlement offer from the insurance companies.
A Panama City Personal Injury Attorney Could Be More Affordable Than You Realize
It is not uncommon to worry about the financial cost of hiring an accident 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.
We Offer Legal Services on a Contingency Fee Basis
Our law firm takes personal injury cases on a contingency basis. We keep a preapproved portion of what we collect on your behalf as our attorney’s 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 Statutes That May Affect Your Case
Two laws that could affect the results of your Panama City accident claim include the following:
Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, you typically have two years to file your personal injury lawsuit with the Bay County courthouse. This deadline may vary based on the circumstances in your case. However, if you miss this deadline and lose the right to sue, the insurance companies are unlikely to want to negotiate a fair settlement with you.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Florida follows modified comparative negligence laws, as stated in Florida Statutes § 768.81. Under this statute, anyone who is greater than 50% at fault for the accident they were in is barred from collecting any compensation. The insurance companies may try to place a greater degree of blame on you to deny or undervalue your personal injury claim.
Our Personal Injury Law Firm Can Protect Your Rights
In both cases, we can protect your rights. If you contact us as soon as possible after your accident, we can ensure all statutory deadlines in your case are met. We can also start investigating your case before any evidence can be lost or destroyed. If necessary, we can send spoliation letters to potential defendants to preserve any evidence they have in their possession.
Our legal team has the resources to investigate your accident and gather evidence to prove who was at fault, how the accident occurred, and the value of your damages. We can counter any bloated exaggeration of fault given to your actions in the accident.
Our Panama City Personal Injury Lawyers Can Recover Compensation for You
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 legal team at GED Lawyers is here to help with your case. We 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.
