Q: Should I seek medical care if I only experienced minor injuries in an accident?
A: Yes. We recommend always getting a medical evaluation after any accident, even if you feel unhurt. A doctor's evaluation not only gives you peace of mind for your health but also provides a medical record of any damage you sustained in the accident, which can be vital to your claim. Some injuries, such as damage to the back and neck, can worsen over time as tissues swell. If you do not seek prompt medical treatment, the insurance company may attempt to argue that your injuries were not as bad as you claim or were unrelated to the accident.
Q: Can I file a personal injury claim if I was partially at fault for my accident?
A: Florida is a pure comparative negligence state, which means that anyone involved in an accident can seek compensation for their damages if they were not 100% at fault for the incident. However, an individual's settlement will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them. Having a lawyer on your side who can investigate the case and clearly prove who was at fault for the accident is crucial because it directly impacts the value of your compensation.
Q: What are catastrophic injuries?
A: In a legal sense, catastrophic injuries are severe injuries that leave a victim with damage that is likely to be permanent and cause an inability to perform gainful work. Usually, these injuries involve losing a bodily function or a body part. Examples include paralysis, blindness, widespread burns, amputation, and brain damage. Because these injuries require life-long care and treatment, getting full compensation that will provide for the victim's future is critical.
Q: How long do personal injury cases last?
A: Every case is unique, so, unfortunately, it is impossible to give an estimate without knowing the specifics. Cases may take anywhere from a few weeks to over a year. However, most claims can be negotiated without the need for a trial, which significantly shortens the timeline. In general, cases involving severe injuries, multiple at-fault parties, and high settlement amounts take longer to bring to a conclusion. At Kurzman Law Group, P.A., we frequently communicate with our clients to keep them up to date on the status of their claim.
Q: What is attorney-client privilege?
A: Attorney-client privilege refers to the privilege that allows attorneys and clients, including prospective clients, to keep their discussions confidential. In other words, your lawyer generally cannot be forced to divulge any information you've told them to a court. This allows clients to speak freely with their lawyers without fear of repercussions for their honest statements.
Q: Should I accept an initial settlement offer if I have medical bills to pay?
A: The stress of looming medical expenses can make victims feel as if they must accept the first settlement offer they receive from the insurance carrier. However, this can lead to problems later if you realize you have losses not covered by the compensation because you can no longer seek further damages after you've agreed to a settlement. The knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Kurzman Law Group, P.A. can discuss options, such as medical liens, for handling your bills until you have the opportunity to recover the maximum settlement you deserve.
Q: Can I afford a personal injury attorney?
A: Most people seek the representation of a personal injury attorney because their accident injuries have caused them financial hardship. For this reason, many law firms, including Kurzman Law Group, P.A., provide free initial consultations to clients so they can understand their legal rights and options. We also take cases on a contingency basis, meaning you don't owe fees unless we secure a settlement. This makes quality legal services available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Q: How is legal advice different from legal information?
A: While legal information is widely available from the internet, books, and even well-meaning friends, only a licensed lawyer is qualified to provide legal advice regarding your case. Legal advice will be tailored to your situation and must be accurate and up to date with changes in state laws.