Accidents that cause injuries and property damage happen every day in Miami. If you suffer damages or losses due to an accident resulting from another person’s negligence, you’ll need a Miami personal injury lawyer to help you pursue compensation.
The effects of the accident could impact your health, wellness, finances, employment, and other aspects of your life, so it’s important to have legal representation to help you navigate the legal complexities surrounding Florida personal injury law. The good news is that you can rely on the personal injury lawyers from Steinger, Greene & Feiner for help. Our law firm has decades of experience fighting for the rights and best interests of Floridians. Though we pursue maximum compensation for our client’s damages, we always put our client’s well-being first and use effective legal strategies to produce favorable outcomes for their personal injury cases. Trust us to advocate for you at all times, whether it’s during settlement negotiations or courtroom trials.
Personal Injury Law in Miami
Personal injury claims are legal actions in which plaintiffs seek financial compensation for damages resulting from another party’s negligence, as outlined in Florida’s personal injury laws. These damages can include physical injuries, property damage, and harm to one’s reputation. Central to Florida’s personal injury statutes are key components such as comparative negligence, which determines how fault is allocated among parties, and the statute of limitations, which sets deadlines for filing claims. Understanding these core aspects is essential for navigating personal injury lawsuits effectively and ensuring compliance with legal deadlines and fair compensation under Florida law.
Statute of Limitations for Filing Claims as of 2024
As of 2024, in Florida, the statute of limitations for injury claims is two years from the date of the injury or the date when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered (Florida Statute § 95.11(3)(a)). For medical malpractice cases, Florida Statute mandates a pre-suit investigation and requires a notice of intent to file a claim. The statute of limitations is also two years from the date of the incident or discovery, with a maximum of four years from the incident date.
Florida’s Comparative Negligence Rule
As mentioned above, Florida follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that if multiple parties are involved, the compensation awarded to a plaintiff is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a plaintiff is 30% at fault for an accident, their compensation will be reduced by 30%, but they can still recover damages even if they are 99% at fault.
Additional Laws and Regulations in Miami
- No-Fault Insurance: Florida’s no-fault insurance law (Florida Statute § 627.736) requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover their injuries regardless of fault. This law impacts the filing of claims for vehicle accidents but allows for personal injury lawsuits if serious injuries are involved.
- Punitive Damages: Florida Statute limits punitive damages in personal injury accidents. The cap on punitive damages is set at $500,000 or three times the amount of compensatory damages, whichever is greater, for cases involving gross negligence.
- Wrongful Death Claims: Governed by Florida Statute, wrongful death claims allow the deceased’s estate to seek damages for lost support, companionship, and other impacts of the death. The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of death.
Hiring a Miami personal injury attorney is crucial for navigating these complexities and protecting your rights throughout the legal process. The legal professional will also protect you from the other party’s insurance company or lawyers who may try to avoid responsibility for your losses or convince you to settle for unfavorable compensation. With their expertise, you can ensure that your claim is handled efficiently, maximizing your chances for fair compensation and safeguarding your interests.
A Proven History Of Winning Personal Injury Cases
A winning case history serves as the mark of a reliable personal injury attorney team. It exemplifies their skills and demonstrates how reliably they can represent their client’s interests.
Steinger, Greene & Feiner, including our Miami division, has an extensive history of successful case outcomes, featuring several multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for clients significantly affected by personal injury. While our past results do not guarantee future outcomes, they demonstrate the expertise and proven track record of our Miami injury attorneys in securing favorable results for our clients.
Here is just a sampling of our past case results:
- $11.1 MILLION Dram Shop Verdict for a motorcycle accident client injured by an Okeechobee County Eagles Club patron who had been served for 11 hours and then allowed to leave the premises.
- $8.1 MILLION Truck Accident Verdict for a client critically injured by a wrecker truck, who became physically unable to work in addition to having severe mental anguish and a loss of capacity to enjoy his life.
- $1.4 MILLION Truck Accident Verdict for a father injured in a collision involving two tractor-trailer trucks in Collier County, which is known for its typically conservative injury lawsuit rulings.
- $835,000 Auto Accident Verdict for a collision caused by a police officer working for the City of Delray Beach, Palm Beach County.
Our Miami Personal Injury Attorneys Serve the Following Areas
- Little River
- Little Haiti
- Model City
- Edgewater
- Downtown Miami
- Coconut Grove
- Crafts
- Little Gables
- West Flagler
- Flagami
- Miami Springs
- Hialeah
- Miami Shores
- Kendall
- Opa-Locka
The Personal Injury Claim Process
We at Steinger, Greene & Feiner understand that the personal injury claims process can be complex and confusing for many people. The general steps include:
- The Gathering of Evidence: Immediately following an accident, you should collect as much evidence as possible to support your future claim. Evidence can include witness statements, photographs, and medical reports of your injuries.
- Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney: You should contact an injury attorney after collecting evidence and seeking medical attention (if necessary). The legal professional will review your case details and help you explore your legal options.
- Determination of Liability: Your attorney will collect additional evidence through investigation to determine who is responsible for your damage as well as the extent of their liability.
- Calculation of Damages: Your lawyer will review your damages, including everything from property damage and medical bills to other relevant documentation. They’ll calculate the total damage and pursue that figure as compensation from the negligent party.
- The Pursuit of a Settlement: Personal injury lawyers will seek a settlement from negligent parties and insurance companies. They’ll negotiate fair compensation on your behalf while ensuring your rights stay protected.
- The Filing of a Lawsuit: If neither party can agree on a favorable settlement, your trial attorney will file a lawsuit to take your dispute to trial.
It is crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing personal injury dispute in Florida, which is generally four years from the date of the injury. Throughout the entire claims process, your Miami personal injury lawyer from Steinger, Greene & Feiner will be by your side, ensuring that you meet this deadline while fighting hard to protect your best interests and recover your damages. With our extensive experience in handling investigations, negotiating settlements, and navigating appellate proceedings, we are committed to guiding you every step of the way.
How long personal injury case will take?
There’s no way to know how long your personal injury case will take to settle or reach a court verdict. Most cases take 12 to 18 months or longer to conclude, from filing to settlement or verdict. Various factors contribute to the time it takes for a claim to be over, such as the extent and severity of your injuries and the willingness of the negligent party to reach a favorable settlement. Our law firm can provide legal representation and guidance for as long as necessary.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our legal team has ample experience navigating various types of personal injury cases in Miami such as:
Auto Accidents
Accidents involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles are some of the main causes of accidental injuries and death in the country. However, in Miami, where weather conditions such as heavy rain and flooding are common, these factors can contribute to increased accident rates. You may consider pursuing a personal injury claim if another driver’s negligence causes you damages like medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.
Truck Accidents
Accidents involving large commercial trucks can result in severe injuries and complex legal issues. In Miami, where traffic congestion and high volumes of commercial vehicles are common, these accidents often involve multiple parties, including truck drivers, companies, and manufacturers.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents often involve collisions with motor vehicles or unsafe road conditions. In Miami, where cycling is popular but often contested with heavy traffic, victims may suffer significant injuries and may be entitled to compensation for their damages.
Boating or Maritime Cases
Maritime law governs accidents that occur on the water, including boating accidents in South Florida’s busy waterways. These cases often involve unique regulations and require specialized legal expertise, especially given the high activity in local ports and recreational areas.
Social Security Disability
If you suffer from a disabling condition that prevents you from working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. These claims involve complex interactions with federal regulations and require careful preparation and documentation.
Property Damage
In addition to personal injuries, property damage claims involve seeking compensation for damage to your vehicle, home, or other property. In Miami, weather-related property damage from hurricanes or flooding can significantly impact such claims, requiring detailed assessments of repair costs and depreciation.
Slip-and-Falls
These cases are particularly prevalent in Miami in high-tourism areas. Slips, trips, and falls fall under premise liability law, which applies to commercial and public spaces. If you or someone else sustains injuries due to an accident involving dangerous conditions that the property owner knows about, there may be a basis for a personal injury lawsuit.
People often assume that slip-and-fall lawsuits are relatively straightforward, yet that’s not always the case. Sometimes accident victims experience the symptoms of their injuries days or weeks after the incident, which can complicate the case.
Workers’ Compensation
If you’ve suffered a work-related injury or illness, you may be eligible for compensation to cover lost wages, medical bills, rehabilitation, and other damages. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we are experienced in handling a range of workers’ compensation cases, including those involving government employees, independent contractors, and various workplace conditions.
Defective Products
When a manufacturer fails to ensure that its products are safe and defect-free for consumers, it may be liable for injuries and damages. Unfortunately, product liability cases are often complex due to big corporations backing the manufacturers. Still, our Miami law firm will always fight to pursue justice for our clients and ensure manufacturers are liable for defective or unsafe products they put on the market.
Medical Malpractice
When healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care, resulting in injury or worsening of a condition, they may be liable for medical malpractice. These cases often involve intricate medical evidence and require thorough investigation.
At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we are committed to providing expert legal representation across these diverse personal injury cases, ensuring that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
See All The Types of Cases We Handle
- Car Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Birth Injury
- Boating Accidents
- Brain Injury
- Defective Products
- Workers’ Compensation
- Dog Bite
- Motorcycle Accident
- Medical Malpractice
- Pedestrian Accident
- Product Recall
- Social Security Disability
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Truck Accident
- Wrongful Death
- Slip and Fall
Compensation and Settlements in Personal Injury Lawsuits
In Miami, the damages you may pursue in a personal injury claim can be extensive. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we work to ensure you receive comprehensive compensation for all applicable damages. Here’s a summary of the types of compensation available:
- Current and Future Medical Expenses: Covers both past and anticipated medical costs related to your injury, including hospital bills, treatments, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery and potential future earnings if your injury impacts your long-term ability to work.
- Property Loss: Reimbursement for damage or destruction of personal property, such as vehicles, which is particularly relevant in Miami given the area’s susceptibility to weather-related incidents.
- Mental Anguish: Addresses emotional distress, anxiety, and psychological impact caused by the injury, supported by medical or psychological evaluations.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and discomfort, both immediate and ongoing, that affects your quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: Covers the loss of companionship and support from a partner or spouse due to the injury.
- Future Earnings and Career Impact: Compensation for the impact on your future earning potential and career opportunities if the injury results in long-term disability.
- Disability Benefits: Includes potential compensation for Social Security Disability benefits if your injury qualifies you for these.
- Legal Fees and Costs: Reimbursement for expenses related to pursuing your claim, ensuring you are not financially burdened by legal costs.
The specific compensation awarded will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. Our team at Steinger, Greene & Feiner is dedicated to thoroughly evaluating your case to secure the compensation you deserve.
Legal Insights and Advice
After an accident, the negligent party or their insurance company may try to settle everything early without engaging with a personal injury lawyer. Since opposing attorneys and insurance agencies prioritize saving money, they may not offer a reasonable settlement for your damages.
You should avoid agreeing to an early settlement without guidance from your lawyer. It’s also a good idea to defer all questions or concerns from the insurance company to your attorney so they can negotiate a favorable settlement without violating your rights.
Miami-Dade County Personal Injury Statistics
According to recent statistics from the FLHSMV, Miami-Dade County experiences a significant number of traffic-related incidents each year. The data reveals the following personal injury statistics for Miami-Dade County:
- Motorcycle Crashes: 1,127
- Motorcycle Fatalities: 64
- Motorcycle Injuries: 896
- Pedestrian Crashes: 1,546
- Pedestrian Fatalities: 58
- Pedestrian Injuries: 1,357
- Bicyclist Crashes: 805
- Bicyclist Fatalities: 14
- Bicyclist Injuries: 733
- Other Non-Motorist Crashes: 385
- Other Non-Motorist Fatalities: 4
- Other Non-Motorist Injuries: 51
These incidents take an enormous toll on victims, their families, and the state. Whether you were hurt by a traffic accident or experienced some other type of personal injury, there should never be a question about recovering the financial resources you need to deal with medical expenses, lost income or wages, vehicle property damage, pain and suffering, or the emotional and financial repercussions of a family member who has been killed. Call us today at (800) 801-6850 for a free consultation.
- Voted Top Places to Work by Sun-Sentinel
- Serving All Clients in the Miami-Dade Area.
- Attorneys Near Me 24/7.
- FREE Consultation for All Auto Accident Case Types.
How To Choose The Right Miami Personal Injury Lawyer For Your Case
When seeking a personal injury lawyer, it’s essential to find someone who will work closely with you and advocate for your best interests. Look for an attorney with a proven track record of successfully handling personal injury cases and a reputation for professionalism and respect towards clients. Since lawsuits can take weeks or months to resolve, choosing a law firm that prioritizes clear communication and updates is crucial. A compassionate lawyer will keep you informed throughout the process, making you feel like a partner in your case.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney
To ensure you select the right attorney for your case, consider asking the following questions during your initial consultation:
- Do you have negotiation or trial experience? A lawyer with strong negotiation skills and courtroom experience is better equipped to represent you effectively, whether inside or outside the courtroom.
- Do you have a heavy caseload? Attorneys with large caseloads might not provide the individualized attention you need. Ensure your lawyer can give your case the focus it requires.
- How experienced are you with personal injury law? Choose a lawyer with substantial experience in personal injury law rather than one with minimal expertise in this area.
- Have you handled a personal injury case like mine before? An attorney with experience in cases similar to yours will likely have effective legal strategies to pursue compensation for damages.
Why Choose Steinger, Greene & Feiner?
At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we pride ourselves on our extensive experience and dedication to our clients. Our personal injury law firm is known for achieving successful outcomes in complex cases, with a track record of multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. We prioritize clear communication and client care, ensuring that you are informed and supported throughout the entire legal process. With our deep expertise in personal injury law and a commitment to fighting for your rights, Steinger, Greene & Feiner stands out as a trusted partner in your pursuit of justice and compensation.
Our Miami Office is Rated 4.9 Stars
Our Miami law firm has received an average rating of 4.9 stars out of 5. Our team works hard to ensure that each and every one of our clients leaves our Broward County law firm with the maximum check they deserve. We fight for you! You can see all of our Miami personal injury law firm reviews here.
Talk with a Personal Injury Lawyer in Miami Today
Attempting to handle a personal injury case in Florida can be overwhelmingly stressful without the legal guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer in Miami. After an accident, it’s good to focus on healing and recovering while your legal team handles the extensive process of filing a claim and pursuing financial compensation for damages.
At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we commit ourselves to fighting for people’s best interests when they sustain injuries and damages due to someone else’s negligence. With our legal experience, ample resources, and intricate network, we can provide the guidance and legal assistance our clients need to reclaim their lives as quickly and efficiently as possible. With us, you won’t have to worry about a lack of communication from your legal team as we pursue financial compensation on your behalf. We’ll be there to guide you every step of the way. Call Steinger, Greene & Feiner at (786) 628-8980 or contact us online to consult a personal injury lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal injury accidents in Miami are based on proving negligence, where the plaintiff must show that another party’s failure to exercise reasonable care caused their injuries. This can include various scenarios such as car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, and medical malpractice.
The value of your injury claim depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Each case is unique, so a detailed evaluation by a Miami personal injury lawyer is essential to determine the full extent of compensation you might be entitled to.
For personal injury cases like car accidents, you pay no fees upfront to your lawyer. You only pay us if we get money for you through your settlement or jury-award through the courts.
Our car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you recover every dollar you’re entitled to, and we use our intimate knowledge of Miami’s courts to help win your case. Call us any time at 1-800-560-5059 for your free, no-obligation consultation with our team today.