FLORIDA PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS
Lake mary injury lawyers
Life can change in an instant. An unexpected accident can leave you with physical pain, emotional distress, and mounting medical bills. If another party’s negligence or wrongful actions have caused you or a loved one injury in Lake Mary, Florida, or a surrounding city, you do not have to face this challenging time alone. At Chubb Law, a Seminole County personal injury attorney is here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll accidents and injuries can take on victims and their families. This is why we are committed to fighting tirelessly to help you obtain the compensation and justice you deserve after suffering a personal injury. Contact our experienced team of personal injury lawyers today to learn how we can provide you with the compassionate and effective legal representation you need after your personal injury accident.
Personal Injury Statistics
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there were more than 227,000 preventable deaths and 63 million injuries in the United States in 2022. Orlando Health reports that unintentional injuries were the fifth leading cause of death in Seminole County. According to the Florida Department of Health, Florida’s age-adjusted unintentional injury rate is 12.57% higher than the national average.
Another party’s negligence caused many of these injuries and fatalities. If you are one of these victims, you need representation from our experienced legal team to recover compensation from the party responsible for your injuries and other losses.
UNDERSTANDING PERSONAL INJURY LAW IN SEMINOLE COUNTY
Personal injury law encompasses legal claims from injuries sustained due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. If someone else is at fault for the injuries you sustained in an accident in Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, or another surrounding Seminole County city, you might have a personal injury case. The key elements of a Florida personal injury claim are as follows:
- Duty of care: The at-fault party must have owed you a legal duty to act reasonably and safely. For instance, drivers owe a duty of care to other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
- Breach of duty: The at-fault party must have breached this duty of care by acting negligently, recklessly, or intentionally. Distracted driving, speeding, or disregarding traffic signals are potential breaches of duty in a motor vehicle accident claim.
- Causation: The at-fault party’s breach of duty must be the proximate cause of your injuries. In simpler terms, your injury must directly result from the other party’s negligence.
- Damages: You must have suffered compensable damages due to your injury. Damages can be economic or non-economic. Examples of economic damages include medical bills and lost wages, and examples of non-economic damages include pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Common Types of PERSONAL INJURY CASES We Handle in Seminole County
handling a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are a leading cause of injuries in Seminole County. In 2023, Seminole County had more than 6,250 motor vehicle accidents, resulting in 50 fatalities and nearly 5,375 injuries. We represent clients injured in car crashes caused by many forms of negligence, including:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Reckless driving
- Poor road conditions
Because Florida is a no-fault automobile insurance state, we can handle the claims filing process with your insurance company and also file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. You need representation from our experienced personal injury lawyers, who are familiar with Florida’s laws and will pursue all possible forms of compensation for your injuries.
Truck Accidents
Accidents involving commercial trucks can result in catastrophic injuries. Personal injury claims involving truck collisions are complex because multiple liable parties can be involved and often include claims against experienced insurance companies and large corporations. The parties commonly found to be at fault for truck accidents in Seminole County include:
- Truck drivers and owners
- Trucking companies
- Cargo loading companies
- Maintenance and repair shops
- Vehicle inspectors
- Government agencies
- Other motor vehicle drivers
Our skilled truck accident lawyers are equipped to handle these cases and are not intimidated by insurance companies that present lowball settlement offers in an attempt to settle claims quickly to save themselves money. Do not fight the trucking insurance companies without our help.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the road. Seminole County motorcycle accidents are often fatal because of riders’ lack of external protection and because other motorists frequently overlook them. We can help you navigate the complexities of Florida’s laws to seek compensation for your injuries if you have been hurt in a motorcycle wreck.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are another group that is particularly vulnerable to injuries and fatalities from traffic accidents. The Florida Department of Health reports in the link above that Florida’s pedestrian accident fatalities are nearly 40% higher than the national average. We can represent you if you were injured by another motorist or due to a poorly constructed or maintained crosswalk or sidewalk.
Bus Accidents
Florida experiences a notable number of bus accidents each year. These accidents involve various types of buses, including school, public transit, charter, and tour buses. Bus accidents in Seminole County can occur due to a variety of factors, including:
- Driver error
- Mechanical failures
- Adverse weather conditions
- Poor road conditions
- Other motorists’ negligence
In the aftermath of a bus collision, several legal considerations come into play, including liability, insurance coverage, and the statute of limitations. It is essential that you have an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in bus accidents to protect your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries.
ATV Accidents
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Florida is among the top five states for fatalities caused by off-highway vehicle (OHV) incidents. While these ATV collisions are frequently caused by operator error, some can be caused by a malfunction or design flaw with the ATV. We can collect the necessary evidence to determine the cause of your crash and hold the responsible party liable.
Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular modes of transportation in Seminole County and across the United States. However, with the growing number of rideshare vehicles on the road, accidents involving these vehicles have also become more common. Common causes of rideshare collisions include:
- Driver error
- Other motorists
- Poor road conditions
- Mechanical failures
Determining liability in rideshare accidents can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved, including the rideshare driver, other motorists, the rideshare company, and potentially third parties like vehicle manufacturers or maintenance providers. Determining which insurance company may be responsible for paying for your injuries is also complicated because coverage varies depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Our attorneys can help navigate the insurance claims process, gather evidence to support your claim, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and, if necessary, represent you in court to pursue compensation.
CATASTROPHIC INJURIES
Florida law defines a catastrophic injury as one that results in long-lasting or permanent impairment, disability, disfigurement, or scarring. These injuries significantly alter your life, impacting your ability to work, maintain daily activities, and enjoy life as before. Catastrophic injuries encompass a wide range of severe and life-altering injuries, including but not limited to:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Amputations
- Severe orthopedic injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe burns
- Organ damage
- Blindness or deafness
- Neurological disorders
Catastrophic injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care, including surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy, assistive devices, home modifications, and ongoing medical supervision. Calculating the full extent of your future medical and care needs is critical in catastrophic injury claims to ensure that you receive adequate compensation to cover these expenses. This is why it is crucial that you retain an experienced personal injury lawyer from Chubb Law if you have obtained a catastrophic injury in a personal injury accident in Lake Mary, Longwood, Oviedo, Sanford, Winter Springs, or other Seminole County locations.
WRONGFUL DEATH
Wrongful death lawsuits in Florida allow surviving family members to seek justice and compensation when another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing caused a loved one’s death. In Seminole County, the personal representative of the decedent’s estate must file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the surviving family members. Surviving family members who may be eligible to receive compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit include the decedent’s spouse, children, parents, and, in some cases, other dependent relatives.
Wrongful death claims in the state may arise from various types of personal injury incidents, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Workplace accidents
- Criminal acts
These claims can be complex and emotionally charged. Our experienced wrongful death lawyers can investigate the cause of death, gather evidence to prove the other party’s negligence, navigate legal procedures, ensure you meet all deadlines, handle communication with the insurance companies and opposing parties, and fight for maximum compensation for your family’s losses.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence causes a patient harm or even death. This negligence can involve:
- Failure to meet the standard of care: This refers to the level of care a reasonably competent healthcare professional would provide in a similar situation.
- Medical errors: Examples include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, and improper childbirth procedures.
Florida has specific requirements for medical malpractice claims, including pre-suit notice, an informal discovery period, and limitations on damages against certain healthcare organizations. Our personal injury lawyers in Seminole County are knowledgeable about the state’s laws governing medical malpractice lawsuits.
Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home residents have rights, and facilities are legally responsible for providing adequate care. You can file a personal injury lawsuit if the nursing home’s negligence or actions resulted in injuries to you or your loved one. Common grounds for such lawsuits include:
- Neglect: Failing to provide basic needs like food, water, hygiene, or medication, leading to malnutrition, dehydration, bedsores, or worsening medical conditions.
- Physical abuse: Inflicting harm on the resident, resulting in bruises, cuts, broken bones, or wrongful death.
- Emotional or psychological abuse: Yelling, threats, humiliation, isolation, or other actions causing emotional distress or mental suffering.
- Sexual abuse: Any form of unwanted sexual contact or behavior.
- Financial exploitation: Misusing the resident’s finances or valuables.
THE PERSONAL INJURY PROCESS
IN SEMINOLE COUNTY
- Initial consultation: Our free case evaluation allows us to understand the details of your case, assess your legal options, and answer your questions.
- Investigation: We conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident scene photos.
- Negotiation: Our skilled lawyers negotiate aggressively with the insurance company and opposing parties to secure a fair settlement that compensates you for all your damages.
- Litigation: If we cannot reach a fair settlement, we will take your case to court and fight for your rights before a judge or jury.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS IN FLORIDA
It is vital that you contact our team at Chubb Law as soon as possible after your personal injury accident because the time you have to file a lawsuit is limited. As of March 2023, the statute of limitations for filing a Seminole County personal injury lawsuit based on a negligence claim is two years from the date of your injury. However, there are exceptions to this rule, making it imperative that you retain a knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident to ensure you do not lose your right to pursue damages through a lawsuit.
PRODUCT LIABILITY
- Recalled products of all kinds and types
- Defective motor vehicles
- Defective vape devices, E-cigarette, or the batteries associated with them.
- Clothes steamers that can spray or leak boiling water during use
- Cochlear implants that fail to conform to standard specifications
- Leaf blowers that can break, causing components to become projectile hazards
- Lounge chairs that can collapse while in use
- Strict liability: This theory holds manufacturers strictly liable for injuries caused by product defects, regardless of fault.
- Negligence: This theory focuses on the actions or inactions of the parties involved in the product chain.
- Breach of warranty: This theory applies when a product fails to meet its express or implied warranties.
PREMISES LIABILITY
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners or occupiers to ensure the safety of individuals who enter their premises. In Florida, premises liability laws are designed to hold property owners accountable for injuries or damages due to unsafe conditions on their property. There are several common types of premises liability cases in Florida, including:
- Slip and fall accidents: According to the NSC, falls are the third-leading cause of preventable injury-related fatalities in Florida. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poorly maintained walkways are leading causes of slipbr-and-fall accidents on various properties.
- Swimming pool accidents: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Florida ranks fifth in the United States for unintentional drowning deaths. Drowning or pool-related injuries can occur due to inadequate fencing, malfunctioning pool equipment, or lack of supervision.
- Negligent security: Property owners are responsible for taking reasonable security measures to protect visitors from foreseeable criminal activity. Examples of negligent security include inadequate lighting in parking lots or stairwells, lack of security personnel or surveillance cameras, failure to secure entrances and exits, ignoring known risks, and failing to respond appropriately to previous incidents of criminal activity on a premises.
- Dog bites: Property owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs if they knew or should have known about the dog’s aggressive tendencies. Florida’s new dangerous dog law prevents local governments and public housing authorities from adopting policies or ordinances that designate dogs as dangerous based solely on their breed, size, or weight.
- Theme park accidents: Theme park owners must take reasonable steps to maintain rides, walkways, and other attractions in a safe condition, properly train and supervise employees, and warn visitors of potential hazards like height restrictions and ride intensity warnings. Common theme park accidents in the Sunshine State include ride malfunctions, slip and falls, water park accidents, and negligent security.
CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION
Do not wait to seek legal help if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident. Contact our Seminole County personal injury law firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation. During your consultation, we will review the details of your case, explain your rights and legal options, and provide you with honest and straightforward advice about how to proceed.
Remember, you do not have to face this difficult time alone. Let Mitch and Christopher fight for you so you can focus on your recovery and move forward with your life.
Personal injury FAQ
What are some Common Car Accident Injuries?
Remember, we have car insurance for a reason. Insurance is there for when an accident occurs. If you were in a car accident and it wasn’t your fault, we can help you make an insurance claim. If you’re hurt in a car accident, you will likely incur medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, property damage to your car and pain and suffering. We can help you receive all that you are entitled to.
- Fractured or broken bones
- Herniated discs
- Spinal injuries
- Whiplash
- Brain Injury
- Closed head injuries
- Headaches
- Paralysis
How is Chubb Law different?
We could list all the awards we’ve received or tell you how much better our results are than other law firms– but that’s not what makes us different. We are different because we truly care about our clients. Because we care, you won’t feel like you’re one of 10,000. You will feel heard and prioritized. You will feel confident in your legal team. You will feel like you’re in the right place.
How much does it cost to start a case? I heard it’s free? How do you make money?
It doesn’t cost anything to start your case and you will never pay us anything out of your own pocket. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us only if we win your case. Our fee comes in the form of a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount we obtain.
Do I really need an attorney or should I just work things out with the insurance?
We tell people all of the time, “if insurance companies would just treat people right there would be no need for what we do.” Unfortunately, most of the time insurance companies don’t treat people right. The only way to ensure you are protecting your rights is to consult with an attorney.
Should I take an insurance offer?
No. Not without consulting an attorney. We make all clients an “Increased Offer Guarantee.” If there is an offer on the table from the insurance company at the time of hiring us, we guarantee we will increase it, or we will waive our fee.
I already have an attorney, can I change attorneys?
Yes. In the state of Florida, you can change attorneys mid-case. In fact, you can fire your current lawyer for practically any reason. The Florida Supreme Court has set out “10 Basic Rights” that every client is entitled to from their lawyer. Read more about those here.
Mitch’s 8 Promises
1
Full-story, free consultation.
Our initial conversation does not have a time limit. We want to connect and hear your full story.
2
110%
We are selective in the cases we take so we can give 110% to those we do.
3
$0 out-of-pocket fees.
You will never pay us anything out of your own pocket. There are never upfront costs on your case. We only get paid if we win your case.
4
Unlimited.
Our clients are guaranteed unlimited communication with their legal team.
5
Proactive communication.
We consistently communicate with you to keep you updated on your case.
6
You call the shots.
You call the shots, we lead the way. We never make decisions against your desires.
7
Increased offer guarantee.
If there is an offer on the table from the insurance company at the time of hiring us, we guarantee we will increase it, or we will waive our fee.
8
The “why should I hire an attorney guarantee.”
When you hire us, not only will we handle everything, but the result we get will leave you with more in your pocket— even after attorney’s fees.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation
Do not wait to seek legal help if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident. Contact our Seminole County personal injury law firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation. During your consultation, we will review the details of your case, explain your rights and legal options, and provide you with honest and straightforward advice about how to proceed.
Remember, you do not have to face this difficult time alone. Let Mitch and Christopher fight for you so you can focus on your recovery and move forward with your life.
