|
|
| The information on these pages is for the viewer's
general information. For answers to specific questions about your
case please fill out one of our Case Evaluation
Forms and we will contact you, or call for a free consultation. |
|
|
How long do I have to bring my claim?
|
 |
This depends on the claim and the state. In Florida,
most injuries like auto accidents, slip and fall, dog bite, and
motorcycle accidents give you 4 years to file your claim. However
in wrongful death actions -- no matter what how the victim is
killed, the time is limited to 2 years. Medical Malpractice and
other professional malpractice claims limit the time to two years.
Boating accidents are more problematic and depend on whether the
incident happened within State waters, the Atlantic Ocean or other
navigable waters and even the type of vessel (such as a cruise
ship that can limit the statute of limitations by contract)....
and it is best to consult an attorney with your specific facts.
Defective products cases may vary dependent upon the age of the
product and the date the injury occurred..... and again it is
best here to consult an attorney as soon as possible. In general
it is good to consult an attorney regarding your specific facts
because these statute of limitations periods vary from state to
state and Florida is different from many states. |
| |
|
|
|
How long will the case take?
|
|
It depends on a wide range of factors that are
almost individual to each case. Type of injuries, type and amount
of insurance involved, whether the adverse party admits fault,
preexisting injuries and length of medical recovery are just a
few of the things that need to be considered in settling any claim.
There is no hard and fast rule, and we would rather get you the
most money in your pocket than settle the claim too quickly. |
| |
|
|
|
Will I have to pay for an attorney?
|
|
When you let me represent you on an injury claim,
we handle our claims on a percentage of the recovery basis. If
you do not get a recovery, we do not get paid, or even reimbursed
our costs. |
| |
|
|
|
Who can sue for Wrongful Death?
|
|
This is a complex question because it depends on
the way the decedent was injured. Generally the estate of the
decedent makes the claim on behalf of the survivors. Potential
survivors included are: spouses, minor children, dependent blood
relatives, and parents of adult children without a spouse or children.
Minor children, however, according to the statute, is not the
traditional definition of a minor child. The age of minority is
redefined to age 25 for most types of claims, and this basically
means that children up to age 25 are able to recover pain and
suffering losses for the loss of an adult... and parents are able
to recover pain and suffering losses for any child up to age 25.
When a child dies, and has no spouse, and no children of his or
her own, then the parents of the adult child (any age) may recover
on his or her behalf. |
| |
|
|
|
Will I be paid for the time I am losing at work?
|
|
While your personal injury claim includes a claim
for lost wages, unless you are injured in an automobile accident
that pays no-fault benefits or have already paid for benefits
under a disability policy, you will not be able to collect lost
wages. Lost wages will then just become one of the elements of
the total settlement and will not be paid separately. |
| |
|
|
|
Will my medical bills be paid?
|
|
In an automobile claim, no-fault insurance will
pay basic medical bills. If you have a major medical policy or
belong to an HMO, these companies can pay your bills. Medical
bills are simply one element of your personal injury claim and
are not usually paid separately. They will normally be included
as one element of damage and lumped together in any settlement
offer. |
| |
|
|
|
What do I do if the person who hit my car doesn't have insurance?
|
|
You need to look at your own policy. You can purchase
comprehensive, collision and rental coverage to pay for property
damage when buying insurance for yourself. To cover yourself against
the uninsured driver for your injuries, you can purchase uninsured/underinsured
motorist insurance. With such a large portion of Florida drivers
being transient or from different states, it is a good idea to
have uninsured motorist insurance not only because it steps into
the shoes of a completely uninsured motorist, but it adds to any
potential recovery for pain and suffering because it can stack
on top of the adverse coverage to potentially put more money in
your pocket. |
| |
|
|
|
Is it possible to settle out of court without a jury trial?
|
|
Most cases are settled without going to court.
At least half of all cases are settled without suit even being
filed. In those cases where suit is filed, most are settled either
at Mediation or at some point before trial. It is rare when a
meritorious case does go to trial, but sometimes there is no choice
and trial is the only way to get a fair amount. |
| |
|
|
|
If I am contacted by an insurance adjuster for the party
at fault in an accident, do I have to give a statement?
|
|
No! You should almost never give a statement to
an insurance adjuster without consulting an attorney. These insurance
adjusters are trained professionals that can sometimes trick
you into giving an admission that hurts your case. Call an attorney
before giving a statement. |
| |
|
|
|
If I am contacted by an insurance adjuster for the party
at fault shortly after the accident and offered an amount to
settle my case, should I take it?
|
|
No! You seldom know the full extent of your injuries
right away. Some types of injuries take weeks and even months
to manifest themselves. Settling too early prevents you from getting
a full recovery for your injuries. |
| |
|
|
|
Is there a charge for our first meeting?
|
|
No. We handle all injury cases on a percentage
of the recovery basis and we do not charge for the initial visit
even if we do not take your case. |
| |
|
|
|
Why should I hire Jim Ledford as my attorney?
|
|
If you let me work for you I will give you the
benefit of my almost 25 years worth of experience in handling
thousands of personal injury cases. As a smaller firm, we will
give your case the personal attention that always seem lacking
at large firms where you are seldom anything but a number. I won't
mind taking as much time as is necessary to explain the intricacies
of your case to you. It does take more than a few years to learn
the tricks in this business and I have been doing the same type
of law, in the same location, since 1983. |
| |
|
|
CLICK
HERE
For an informative brochure to keep
in your car.
|
