If you are ever involved in a personal injury case, you will probably hear some terms you have never heard before. Here are a few of the most common.
Whether you are a victim of a slip and fall injury or an auto accident injury, if you pursue a legal case against the at-fault party, you will probably be overwhelmed with the complexities of Florida’s legal system.
Part of the problem for many newcomers to the legal landscape is all the new unfamiliar terms that they encounter.
To help you become familiarized before you see the inside of a courtroom, we have compiled a few that you are likely to hear.
Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations is the amount of time that a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases varies from state to state, but generally, it falls around 2-4 years.
In Florida, we have a generous statute of limitations of 4 years for cases that are not considered medical malpractice.
Negligence
Negligence is a term that denotes one party’s carelessness or failure to act that results in damages to another party.
As the plaintiff, you will be required to prove several things to be awarded damages (see burden of proof and damages below). To win your case, you must prove that the other party owed you a duty of care but failed to fulfill that duty, that this failure resulted in damages, and that those damages exist.
Think you might have a case? Our team of attorneys is waiting to talk to you. Contact us at your earliest convenience to learn how to proceed.
Damages
The purpose of bringing a personal injury lawsuit against another party is financial recovery. Damages refer to two separate categories that plaintiffs may seek—economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are the quantifiable expenses that resulted from an injury. These damages include lost income and medical expenses, to name a few examples. Non-economic damages include examples like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment.
Burden of Proof
A burden of proof is the plaintiff’s responsibility to show that their claim against the other party is true. In a personal injury case, you must show that the defendant’s actions caused your injuries.
Every legal case is unique, which means that you will need an expert who is versed in Florida law to guide you through the process.
Talk to an Expert about Your Personal Injury Case Today
If you were injured because of the negligence of another person, don’t let the legal process intimidate you. With the right representation, you can rest assured that you will recover the damages that you need to pay for your care and suffering.
As personal injury experts, the attorneys at RRBH Law will help you understand how the process works so you know exactly what to expect.
Contact us today to set up a consultation.