It costs nothing to hire a Clearwater injury lawyer upfront. the American Bar Association is very clear about the fees and expenses attorneys can charge. Instead, the lawyer recovers anywhere between 33% and 40% of your financial award. But, your lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. This is called a contingency fee arrangement.

That’s a huge incentive for them to work incredibly hard on your behalf and fight to maximize your recovery.

Always ask how the fee is calculated: using your gross award (total amount won/awarded) or your net award (total reduced by case-related costs). It’s important to know when things like filing fees, court costs, and expert witness fees are deducted from your settlement or verdict. It will affect how much money you ultimately walk away with when your case is over.

Most personal injury cases in Florida are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. This means that you’ll probably have two years to file a lawsuit after an accident in Clearwater.

The statute of limitations used to give Florida accident victims four years to file a legal claim. However, the law was revised on March 24, 2023, shortening the deadline. Accordingly, if your personal injury accident occurred after 3/24/23, you’re subject to the two-year deadline.

Wrongful death lawsuits and medical malpractice claims are also subject to a two-year time limit.

Under Florida law, compensatory damages are typically available to plaintiffs in a personal injury case. Compensatory damages fall into one of two categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages are intended to compensate for verifiable financial costs and losses related to an accident or injury. And non-economic damages are intended to compensate for consequences of an accident that are more difficult to value in terms of dollars and cents.

In limited instances, punitive damages might also be available. These are awarded when a defendant’s conduct was intentionally harmful or grossly negligent. Punitive damages are awarded on top of any compensatory awards in order to punish the defendant.

There’s no one right answer. The value of every case is different – because accidents, injuries, and victims are all unique.

Ultimately, what your case is worth will depend on things like:

• The type and extent of injuries
• Whether your ability to work and earn a living has been affected
• Your out of pocket expenses
• Liability and available insurance coverage
• How your quality of life has been affected
• The more serious your injuries, the more your case is likely worth.

Keep in mind that while your case might be worth much, you run the risk of leaving money on the table if you don’t have the right legal team by your side. Our Clearwater law firm benefits from the experience of a Board Certified trial attorney. We care about you and we will not rest until all damages have been identified and you’re compensated to the fullest extent of the law.