When people suffer injuries due to the carelessness of others, they’re not only hurt but also angry. They know they would be fine if the at-fault party had not committed negligence. If you find yourself in this unfortunate category, you will likely have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit.
A Lakeland personal injury lawyer with Osborne & Francis will provide the aggressive representation needed to help you achieve justice. We know how to investigate accidents and help our clients obtain maximum compensation. We’re ready to do the same for you.
Please don’t hesitate to use our online contact form or give us a call at (561) 264-6238 if you would like a free evaluation of your case.
Video Transcript
So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:
Number One: See a doctor immediately.
A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.
A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care.
Number Two: Write everything down.
Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain.
You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered.
Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them.
So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.
What is “Personal Injury Law?”
Personal injury law is a branch of civil law that deals with cases where a person has suffered harm due to the negligence of another. This area of law is designed to compensate those who have been injured due to the actions of others and to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Recovering Damages
Recovering damages is an essential part of any personal injury lawsuit. Damages are the monetary compensation you are entitled to due to your injuries. These damages include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our attorneys can help you determine the damages you are entitled to and can assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve.
Evidence Used to Prove Liability
Evidence is an integral part of proving liability in a personal injury lawsuit. Evidence can include witness statements, medical records, photographs, and more. Our attorneys can help you gather the evidence you need to prove your case and can present that evidence in court.
Osborne & Francis handles many personal injury cases, including car wrecks, slip-and-fall accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and more. Our team of experienced attorneys has a proven track record of success in helping clients recover the compensation they deserve. Here’s a look at some of our practice areas.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury cases. They can happen due to many factors. These include driver negligence, defective vehicles or parts, and road hazards. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling various cases involving motor vehicle accidents. These include truck, bicycle, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents as well. We can help you navigate the often-complicated legal process.
Slip and Falls
Slips and falls can occur in various settings, including public and private properties. These types of premises liability accidents can be caused by wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting, etc. Our attorneys can help you determine if you have a case and can assist you in recovering compensation for your injuries. Other premises liability cases we handle include negligent security and swimming pool accident cases.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide the appropriate level of care, resulting in injury or harm to the patient. Our attorneys have experience handling complex medical malpractice cases and can help you deal with all the complexities of your legal action.
Workplace Injuries
Various factors, including unsafe working conditions, defective equipment, etc., can cause workplace injuries. Our attorneys can help you navigate the workers' compensation system and can assist you in recovering compensation for your injuries.
There are many different causes of personal injury accidents. Some common causes include:
Negligence
Negligence occurs when a person fails to exercise the level of care that a reasonable person would exercise in a similar situation. Examples of negligence include texting while driving, failing to maintain a safe working environment, and more.
Intentional Acts
Intentional acts are those performed with the intent to cause harm. Examples of intentional acts include assault and battery, defamation, and more.
Strict Liability
This legal concept holds a business or individual responsible for harm caused by a product or activity, regardless of their intent. Examples of strict liability cases include defective products and dangerous activities.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a personal injury accident, filing a lawsuit as soon as possible is essential. The process of filing a lawsuit can be complicated, and there are strict deadlines that you must meet. Our attorneys can help ensure that your case is filed promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about personal injury cases:
How Much Is My Case Worth?
The value of your case depends on a variety of factors. These factors include the severity of your injuries, the impact your injuries have on your life, and more. Our attorneys can help you determine the value of your case and can assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Experts estimate that about 95% of personal injury cases settle out of court, but some may go to trial. The decision to settle or go to trial depends on various factors. These include the strength of the evidence, the likelihood of success, and more. Our attorneys can help you understand your options and represent you in court if necessary.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and you should consult an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
C. Smith
“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”
E. Holland
Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!
J. Davis
“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer/ firm — everything was done professionally exactly how I wanted. Due to COVID my personal attorney Mr. Garcia was still able to make things work in a timely manner and he never made me feel like he wasn’t working. Overall I’m happy with how my case turned out and I would recommend him and this law firm to anyone. 100% satisfied.”
T. Andrews
“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”
Erica F.
"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"
Alfred
Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.
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Contact Osborne & Francis ASAP After Your Personal Injury Accident
Please don’t hesitate to contact Osborne & Francis as soon as possible if someone else’s negligence caused you to suffer a severe injury. Our team of experienced attorneys can help you understand your rights and can assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve.
We offer free consultations, and you won’t have to pay anything unless we win your case. Contact us online or call (561) 264-6238 to schedule your free case evaluation.
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