You might be entitled to compensation if you suffered a back injury because of someone else’s carelessness. Taking legal action can seem intimidating, but we want to make the process as user-friendly as possible.
At our personal injury law firm, we help Orange County residents assess their legal rights after an accident. Regardless of how you were hurt, our Orlando personal injury lawyers are ready to listen to your story and help you assert your legal rights. We provide our clients with our phone numbers and answer all your questions promptly.
Damages for Back Injuries in Orlando
A back injury can impact your life financially in many ways. When you file a personal injury lawsuit, you can claim compensation to cover the expenses you had to pay due to the accident and will likely have to pay in the future.
The main categories of damages victims can access are economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. The first two are compensatory damages meant to compensate the injured party for their loss after the accident.
Economic Damages
This category refers to objectively verifiable monetary losses suffered as a result of the accident. It is essential to gather documentation proving your injury-related expenses. Economic damages include:
- Past medical bills: This can cover hospitalizations, medications, and surgeries.
- Rehab and physical therapy: These costs are incurred when you need to recover from injuries sustained during the accident.
- Lost wages and benefits: You may be able to collect lost wages if you missed work due to your injuries.
- Medical devices and equipment: You may cover the items necessary for your successful recovery.
Many back injury victims find their condition so debilitating that they cannot return to work for an extended period or indefinitely. In this scenario, you can request compensation for your reduced earning capacity and loss of future income.
Non-Economic Damages
The second category includes subjective, non-monetary losses caused by the accident. These can be more difficult to prove because they involve unique personal experiences. Your lawyer can help translate the accident’s impact on your life by relying on witness testimonies and other evidence.
Depending on the details of your case, you may qualify for:
- Pain and suffering: This covers physical pain and emotional distress experienced due to the incident.
- Loss of consortium: This refers to the loss of companionship and support that comes with a family member suffering from a severe injury.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If you cannot enjoy activities like swimming, hiking, or playing sports anymore, you can seek compensation for these losses.
- Diminished quality of life: This covers the effects of the accident on your daily routine, such as your ability to perform household chores.
Punitive Damages
Unlike compensatory damages, which alleviate the plaintiff’s financial strain, punitive damages are aimed at punishing the defendant and deterring similar actions by others. These are also known as exemplary damages.
Furthermore, certain states, including Florida, place a cap on punitive damages. This means that an award cannot exceed a set amount. State law limits punitive damages to $500,000 or three times the number of compensatory damages.
Exemplary damages are rarely awarded when the at-fault party’s behavior is especially harmful. Your Orlando attorney can help determine if you qualify for punitive damages.
We May Hire Experts To Determine the Value of Your Losses
You may need to work with an expert to determine the amount of earning capacity you will lose due to the injury. Your Orlando personal injury lawyer can help connect you with experts to consult on your case.
Additionally, if your back injury is severe, your spouse may bring a loss of consortium claim to recover compensation. Many catastrophic injuries prevent the victim from taking care of daily chores or participating in activities they previously enjoyed with their loved ones.
Each case is different, and it is critical to consider the unique aspects of your situation when determining how much compensation you should demand. It can benefit you to work with a personal injury attorney from our firm; we handle your case from start to finish.
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We Negotiate With Insurance Companies
Our accident attorneys have a lot of experience working with insurance adjusters and know how to protect your interest. Our lawyers will guide you through the process if you decide to file a claim.
Remember that the adjuster prioritizes the insurance company’s interest over yours. They will likely try to offer a lower amount than you deserve, hoping to drive profit for their firm. You are not obliged to accept their first offer. If you refuse, they will likely return with a higher payment.
The adjuster may ask you to sign a release form so they can share information with the insurer. This could include any documentation related to your claim. It is essential to read this form carefully before signing it. Ensure you understand what information will be shared and who has access to it.
How Our Lawyers Can Help
For many back injury victims, this is the first time they will consider working with a law firm. You may be skeptical about the process or whether it is necessary to hire us. An attorney can handle many different tasks and functions on your behalf.
Our legal team provides clients with expert legal advice and goes the extra mile to ensure they get the representation you deserve. We explain how the legal process works and answer any questions you may have about your case. Our lawyers will help protect your rights throughout the proceedings.
One of the main benefits accident victims receive from working with our personal injury lawyers is the ability to rest and focus on their recovery. At the same time, our law firm handles virtually every aspect of the lawsuit. Here are a few examples of what our attorney will do on your behalf:
- Handle the communication with insurance companies
- Gather evidence and keep it safe
- File the necessary documents with the court
- Appear in court on your behalf
- Prepare you for depositions or any court appearances
- Locate witnesses and coordinate their depositions
- Negotiate a fair settlement if you want to pursue one
- Prepare for trial
We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis and Offer Free Consultations
We work with Orlando clients on a contingency fee, which means we do not collect any fees unless we obtain a settlement or a judgment on your behalf. There is no upfront financial cost to you.
Our personal injury attorneys also offer a free consultation so that you can learn more about our firm. During the initial meeting, we can evaluate the strengths of your case and calculate how much compensation to demand.
If you choose to hire us, we will take care of all the legal paperwork and negotiations, so you don’t have to worry about it. We handle everything from filing the lawsuit to depositions and court appearances.
Types of Accident Cases That Result in Back Injuries
Many different accidents can lead to a back injury. You should determine the type of accident you were involved in because it may dictate what you need to prove to receive compensation.
Auto Accidents
The most common cause of back injuries is motor vehicle accidents. These accidents include regular passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks.
In general, you will need to prove that the party who caused the accident failed to use reasonable care and skill at the time of the crash and that you were hurt because of this failure.
Multiple parties may be at fault, including the other driver, passengers, car manufacturers, and trucking companies. Our experienced lawyers can review your case and determine the liable parties.
Premises Liability Accidents
Premises liability accidents commonly cause spinal cord injuries and neck injuries. These accidents include slip-and-falls, trip-and-falls, and any situation where a property or building was unreasonably dangerous.
You may have slipped and fallen at a theme park in Orlando, and if this is the case, we can help you build a strong case and fight for maximum compensation. To win a premises liability case, the plaintiff must prove that the property owner was negligent regarding ownership and maintenance of the property.
Medical Malpractice
If you were hurt due to the negligence or carelessness of a medical professional, you might file against the negligent party. Medical errors can take many forms and often lead to severe injuries. Common medical mistakes include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: If your physician gave you a wrong diagnosis, you might have grounds to sue. A late diagnosis can also lead to significant health complications.
- Surgical errors: This includes anesthesia mistakes, unnecessary operations, and leaving foreign objects inside the patient.
- Medication errors: If your doctor prescribed you the wrong pills, this might worsen your back condition.
- Infections: All medical professionals must uphold a standard of care for patients. A lawyer can help investigate if your infection was caused by medical negligence.
How To Protect Your Rights After an Accident
Regardless of how the accident happened, there are a few steps you can take to help protect your right to financial compensation. First, continue to receive medical care for your physical injuries and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
If you have not already been to a doctor, it may be a good idea to have your back examined. This examination creates a record of your physical condition and the treatment required to address the problem.
You should also keep copies of any records, receipts, invoices, or other documents reflecting the money you had to spend because of the accident. This documentation will help prove that you are entitled to compensation from the responsible party.
A Free Consultation With Our Personal Injury Law Firm
Call our Orlando office now to learn more about your back injury case. A free consultation with Anidjar & Levine is a great way to gather information, learn how our law firm can help you, and discover your legal options. There is no obligation to proceed, so you have nothing to lose.
According to Florida Statutes §95.11(3)(a), you have a limited time to act on your personal injury claim, so don’t wait any longer. Contact our legal team today for a free initial consultation.
