Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer

Hire Tampa Personal Injury Lawyers to Win Your Claim

Accidents can cause unexpected pain and suffering, especially from someone else’s negligence or recklessness. In such cases, a Tampa personal injury lawyer at Berke Law Firm, P.A. can help you seek compensation for your hardships. With 35+ years of experience handling various injury claims, our team provides comprehensive support, from case analysis and documentation to liaising with authorities and healthcare providers.

While interconnected, personal injury law and tort law are not identical in the U.S. Tort law allows for compensation when someone infringes upon your legally protected rights. At the same time, personal injury lawsuits are evidence of such violations, often resulting from medical malpractice or accidents. Your Tampa personal injury lawyer will clarify these distinctions and guide you through the complexities of your claim, ensuring you understand every aspect of the process.

How Common Are Accidents In Tampa, FL?

Accidents are, unfortunately, a common occurrence in Tampa, FL. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there are thousands of accidents reported each year. These accidents can lead to serious injuries and even death, highlighting the need for a skilled Tampa Bay personal injury lawyer. From car accidents to slip and falls, personal injuries can occur in various situations. If you’ve been injured, seeking legal representation is vital to protect your rights.

Florida’s Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

Section 95.11 of the Florida Statutes outlines the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Florida. This law stipulates that you must file a lawsuit four years from the accident date. This four-year window applies to cases founded on negligence, which often includes personal injury cases. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, medical malpractice cases must be commenced within two years from the incident or should have been discovered with due diligence. But the action can be commenced up to four years from the incident date. Furthermore, if the action involves a latent defect, the time runs from when the defect is discovered or should have been discovered with due diligence. In any event, the action must be commenced within 10 years after the date of actual possession by the owner, the date of the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the date of abandonment of construction if not completed, or the date of completion or termination of the contract, whichever date is latest. It’s crucial to consult with a Tampa personal injury lawyer to understand these timelines and ensure you take advantage of your opportunity to seek justice.

Different Types of Personal Injuries in Tampa, FL

Data suggests that two million people each year in our country get severely injured and need hospitalization, and a considerable number of these injuries turn fatal. Thus, there is no reason to second guess your decision to demand your rightful claim on a case of personal injury.

No two cases of personal injury are ever the same. Different factors always vary based on the event. All of these factors play a crucial role in letting a personal injury attorney in Tampa Florida help you get the compensation you deserve.

Your attorney has to get the exact details about your case to formulate a legal strategy to maximize your compensation. Here are the different types of personal injuries for which you can demand payment. Understand how each forms a basis of the claim before calling your Tampa personal injury attorney.

• Motor vehicle accident

On average, over four million people get seriously injured in car accidents each year, making this a common reason for personal injury lawsuits. If you or your loved one has sustained injuries from a car accident, then you can file a lawsuit against the driver based on their recklessness or negligence. Whether you have been injured as a pedestrian, a passenger, or a driver you may be entitled to receive monetary compensation for your financial loss and injuries.

• Workplace accidents

Workplace accidents are the basis for a hazardous material lawsuit, hazardous work environment lawsuit, trip and fall cases and other claims. If you have suffered injuries at your workplace due to the lack of safety measures at the place or the reckless or negligent intentions of the superiors, you have the right to demand financial compensation.

• Dog bites

Dog bites are one of the most common causes of personal injury lawsuits. Each year approximately 800,000  need serious medical attention due to dog bites. People’s pets should not be a threat to your safety, and thus, you can demand financial compensation from the owner of the animal if you suffer a dog bite.

• Slip and fall

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere – at your workplace, at the grocery store or just about anywhere. Regardless of where it happens, it’s the responsibility of the owner/manager of the establishment to keep it well-maintained to insure others’ safety. Thus, you can sue the establishment with the help of an experienced Tampa personal injury Attorney.

• Medical malpractice

One of the most grievous forms of harm can be induced by the medical professionals’ negligent acts of nurses and doctors. It can be improper treatment, medication mistakes, pharmacy errors, birth injury, misdiagnosis, etc. You can claim compensation when the caregivers you trusted have failed to provide the right service to you.

• Product liability

You should not get harmed in any way when you buy a product for its intended use. If you suffer injuries due to a product’s defects or malfunction, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against that manufacturer. Ensure you consult with a Tampa personal injury attorney to know if you have enough credence for filing the lawsuit.

Why Choose Berke Law For Your Personal Injury Claim In Tampa?

Choosing the right personal injury attorney is crucial for the success of your claim. At Berke Law Firm, P.A., we have a proven track record of obtaining favorable outcomes for our clients in Tampa and the surrounding areas. With our extensive knowledge and 35+ year experience in personal injury law, we are prepared to handle even the most complex cases.

Bill B. Berke, Esquire, the founder of Berke Law Firm, P.A., a Florida personal injury law firm has represented people in Southwest Florida since 1986. With a focus on workers’ compensation, social security disability, defective drug/device litigation, junk fax litigation, employment law cases, and overtime claims, Mr. Berke and his team have a proven track record of success. They are dedicated to their clients and have never represented insurance companies or employers. When you choose Berke Law for your personal injury claim, you choose a firm that puts your interests first.

What To Do After A Personal Injury Accident In Tampa, FL?

After a personal injury accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel hurt immediately. Next, contact a personal injury lawyer Tampa to discuss your case. They can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights and options. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek medical attention: Your health and well-being should be your top priority. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, even if they appear minor.
2. Document the accident: Take photos of the accident scene, any visible injuries, and property damage. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses present.
3. Report the incident: If the accident occurred on someone else’s property or involved a motor vehicle, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the police or property owner.
4. Preserve evidence: Keep relevant documents, such as medical records, bills, and receipts for your injuries and expenses. These will be crucial for building your case.
5. Consult a personal injury lawyer: Contact an experienced Tampa personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They will evaluate your case, guide you through the legal process, and fight for your rights.

How Much Is Your Personal Injury Case Worth?

The value of your personal injury case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and the other party’s negligence. A Tampa personal injury lawyer can help you evaluate these factors and estimate the potential value of your claim.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to the financial losses you’ve suffered due to your injuries, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for non-financial losses, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages

The court may award punitive damages if the at-fault party’s actions were egregious or malicious. The purpose of these damages is to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

When Must You File a Personal Injury Claim?

Filing a personal injury lawsuit holds utmost importance, particularly when the defendant fails to provide rightful compensation and the case remains unsettled privately. A personal injury attorney in Tampa can be instrumental in this process, helping you build a strong possibility with a well-written complaint and substantial admissible evidence. Remember, the longer you wait, the more likely witnesses’ memories will fade and evidence will deteriorate, potentially diminishing your chances of receiving maximum compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering.

Understanding the concept of the statute of limitations is crucial as it sets the specific time frame within which you must file your lawsuit. Failure to meet this deadline could result in the court dismissing your case. Therefore, hiring a Tampa personal injury attorney can help ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame, keeping your pursuit of justice on track.

What Are The Elements of Negligence in a Personal Injury Claim?

In a personal injury claim, you must prove the defendant was negligent. This involves showing that they owed you a duty of care, they breached this duty, their breach caused your injuries, and you suffered damages as a result. A personal injury lawyer in Tampa can help you gather the evidence needed to prove these elements.

To establish a successful personal injury claim, the following elements of negligence must be proven:

• Duty of care: The at-fault party owed you a duty of care to act reasonably and avoid causing harm.
• Breach of duty: The at-fault party breached their duty of care through negligent or reckless actions.
• Causation: The at-fault party’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
• Damages: You have suffered actual damages, such as physical injuries, emotional distress, or financial losses.

Proving these elements requires a comprehensive understanding of personal injury law and the ability to gather and present evidence effectively. That’s where a skilled personal injury attorney can provide invaluable assistance.

How Can A Personal Injury Attorney Help You After An Accident?

If you have been injured due to an accident caused by the negligence of an individual or entity, you do not have to readily agree to the first settlement that is offered to you. The other mistake you can make in a case like this is to decide to represent yourself in a court of law. Both of these are tremendously risky for someone with a lack of legal knowledge or expertise in dealing with personal injury compensations.

In situations like these, you need a Tampa Bay personal injury lawyer by your side, who will be with you right from the filing of the claim to winning the deserved compensation. Here’s what a knowledgeable attorney brings to the table:

• Assessing your claim to formulate a strategy

When you walk in for your first consultation with the personal injury lawyer, they will ask you in detail about the case. Based on the information you offer, they will assess your claim’s viability and formulate a winning strategy to effectively move ahead with your case.

• Gathering evidence to strengthen your claim

Your trusted attorney will make sure to gather all the evidence to present a strong case that will help you get the maximum compensation you deserve. From eyewitness statements, police records and medical records, everything will be collected and scrutinized by the lawyer before filing the claim.

• Filing your personal injury claim on your behalf

The personal injury claim has to be filed with absolute attention so that you don’t miss out on any detail that might hurt your case. However, you will not have to worry about filing your case when you have a competent attorney by your side with years of experience in filing such claims.

• Increasing your chances of getting the right compensation

The lawyer will go through the evidence presented by the defendant to look for any loopholes. S/he will also bring expert negotiation skills to the table when dealing with the defendant’s lawyer or even your insurance company. A skilled personal injury attorney is relentless in the pursuit of justice.

So, if you or your loved one has been in an accident, do not hesitate to get in touch with the reputable Tampa personal injury law firm. The process of filing a lawsuit and pursuing it might seem challenging on your own, but the road to winning the claim becomes a lot smoother when you have an experienced attorney by your side.

Contact A Top-rated Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer Today

 If you fall into an injury in Tampa due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to seek legal representation. Contact Berke Law Firm, P.A. today for a free consultation with a top-rated Tampa personal injury lawyer. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and provide personalized guidance throughout the legal procedure. Remember, time is of the essence, so reach out to us today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. We’re ready to fight for your rights and help you seek the compensation you deserve.