According to data from the Florida Department of Health, in 2019 alone, 287 people passed away from unintentional injuries in Sarasota County. Sadly, these numbers do not even account for the countless other victims who are seriously injured by negligent parties every year.
Fortunately, Florida law allows you to seek justice for the pain and suffering you have endured since your accident. If you have been injured and you believe another party was responsible, you may be eligible to receive compensation.
Our personal injury law firm understands the legal world can seem intimidating, confusing, and time-consuming. That is why our firm is here to help fight for your case at every turn. Along the way, we hope you can rest easy knowing we are working on your proceedings.
In fact, if you retain a Sarasota personal injury lawyer at our firm and you prefer to take a hands-off approach, we will gladly work on your case while you focus on the more important things in your life like healing from your personal injuries. At the end of the day, we are dedicated to serving you and your loved ones during this challenging time.
To learn more about the legal options that may be available to you, we are offering you a free consultation. To get started, contact one of the dedicated attorneys at Distasio Law Firm now.
Recoverable Damages for Personal Injury Victims
When a negligent party causes you harm, they may be required to pay you economic and non-economic damages for your losses.
These potentially recoverable damages can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages, benefits, and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
-
Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical pain
- Accommodations for disabilities
- And more
Additionally, some victims may qualify for punitive damages, which are meant to punish extreme offenders. However, as described under Florida Statutes §768.72, the court will not grant you punitive damages unless you prove that the offender displayed willful misconduct or gross negligence during the commission of their offense.
The Unexpected Cost of Personal Injuries
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were approximately 28.5 million visits to the emergency room for non-fatal injuries in 2010. Overall, the average lifetime cost of medical treatment for these injuries was $2,340 and the cost of lost wages was $3,506.
The average lifetime cost of specific non-fatal injuries was as follows:
- Dislocations: $3,951 medical expenses and $5,559 lost wages.
- Fractures: $3,789 medical expenses and $7,962 lost wages.
- Amputations: $3,384 medical expenses and $54,538 lost wages.
- Nerve damage: $3,077 medical expenses and $6,851 lost wages.
- Burns: $1,822 medical expenses and $4,197 lost wages.
- Open wounds: $1,695 medical expenses and $3,496 lost wages.
Fortunately, there is no cap on economic damages in Florida, which allows you to seek out the full value of your financial losses.
Common Types of Personal Injury Claims in Sarasota
Most personal injury claims in Sarasota originate on the roadway, in the workplace, or on privately-owned properties that are open to the public.
Ultimately, negligent drivers play a large role in many of these claims. In fact, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, there were nearly 12,500 motor vehicle crashes in 2019 alone. Additionally, Sarasota had over 800 arrests for driving under the influence that year, which often qualifies as negligence.
According to statewide data from the Florida Department of Health, the leading causes of unintentional injuries in 2017 were as follows:
- Drowning
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Accidental poisoning
- Dog bites
- Slip and fall
- Burns (sometimes caused by defective products)
- Being struck by falling objects
- Pedestrians or bicyclists being hit by vehicles
- Falling victim to violence
- Other catastrophic injuries
Thankfully, most negligent accidents can result in a personal injury claim. If you believe someone could have prevented your accident from occurring, a determined Sarasota personal injury attorney can be there to help fight to protect your right to compensation.
To learn more about our legal services, contact a Distasio Law Firm team member today to receive your free consultation.
Your Time to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit is Limited in Florida
While Florida Statutes §95.11 places a general two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, there are unique limitations on claims brought against government organizations. As described under Florida Statutes §768.28, claims against the government must be filed within three-years of the injury, or two-years in wrongful death cases.
Further, victims are permitted to file a claim against the state government, or a government employee, under the following circumstances:
- Your injuries were either caused by negligence, a wrongful act, or an omission (such as medical negligence or motor vehicle accidents).
- Your losses can be compensated with monetary damages (covering most negligence-based claims).
- The offender would have been found liable if they were a non-government entity.
However, the following limitations are placed on government-based claims:
- Government employees cannot be held personally liable for harm unless they purposefully caused the harm. Instead, all claims must be filed against their employer.
- Damages are limited to $200,000, or $300,000 total if you file a claim against multiple government entities.
- Punitive damages cannot be awarded in cases against the Florida government.
- The government can appeal any resolution in their case.
- And more.
An experienced personal injury lawyer in Sarasota could review the details of your case to ensure your claim is filed within the legal timeframe.
Get Help from a Personal Injury Attorney in Sarasota
We have been serving personal injury victims in Florida for over 20 years, well before our firm was officially founded in 2006. Along the way, we have represented victims in many different fields of personal injury law, including:
- Bicycle Accidents
- Boating Accidents
- Bus Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Nursing Home Abuse
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Pharmacy Malpractice
- Premises Liability
- Slip and Fall
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Truck Accidents
- Wrongful Death Claims
- And more
Among our countless other legal services, our experienced personal injury attorneys can help educate you on the laws that govern your unique case. For example, many accident victims do not know they can still receive compensation even if they are partially at-fault for their accident, according to Florida Statutes §768.81. Ultimately, when you retain a Sarasota personal injury lawyer at our firm, we will work to address your unique needs for your individual personal injury case.
For more information about your legal options moving forward, contact Distasio Law Firm, your personal injury law firm in Sarasota, Florida today to receive your free consultation.
