Personal Injury Lawyer Longwood, FL

Personal Injury Lawyer Longwood, FL

Were you injured in an accident recently, and you believe that it could have been prevented had it not been for the negligent act or omission of another person or company? If so, a personal injury lawyer from David & Philpot, PL would like to help you. Please call us now for a free case review and to have your questions answered.

Meet David & Philpot, PL

As one of the leading personal injury law firms in the [location] area, we have been helping clients recover damages for decades. We exist to help people who feel like they don’t have a voice; who are scared or confused to stand up against insurance companies; and who are unsure about what to do next. Whether you were injured in an accident at home, on the road, in a business, or at work, we want to listen to you. Following an accident you may have a number of fears, worries, and doubts. In addition to managing your pain, you may have to cover bills, and attend to your family. To add to this you might experience the following: -Your employer may refuse your compensation claim or threaten your job security if you do not go back to work by a certain period of time. -The insurance company may be offering you a settlement for an amount that is less than what you need or deserve. -The Social Security Administration (SS) may be alleging that your disability is not as severe as you claim; therefore, you cannot receive disability or supplemental income. These setbacks are likely not what you need, or want; however, they are unfortunately all too common in personal injury cases. By retaining a personal injury lawyer in Longwood, Florida as soon as possible, your rights, and access to maximum damages, may be safeguarded. Our firm helps people who have been denied workers compensation or social security, or are being pressured into accepting a fast settlement by insurance companies. Before you accept or give up hope, please talk with our lawyers.

How We Can Help You

We are an energetic, knowledgeable, and aggressive team of Longwood, FL personal injury lawyers, paralegals, assistants, and legal staff. We understand your concerns and would like to help ease them so you can focus on your recovery. Our firm has helped thousands of people in our community and know how to effectively navigate the state and federal legal system. We know the laws, the rules, the procedures, and the loopholes. Our experience and tenacity can be utilized to your advantage so that you recover what you deserve. Personal injury cases must be filed within a certain period of time. In general this is two years, but could be more or less depending on the circumstances. For example, if a government entity is involved, the time limit may be much less. We ask that you don’t hesitate or think twice about getting legal advice. You have nothing to lose except for a small amount of your time. Please call a personal injury lawyer in Longwood, FL from David & Philpot, PL now.

Premises Liability and You: Information from a Personal Injury Attorney Longwood, FL Offers

Premises Liability is a legal concept that describes the responsibility of a property owner if someone sustains an injury from an accident on their property. If you believe you suffered an injury due to the negligence of a property owner, you may be entitled to compensation from the property owner. Consult a personal injury attorney in Longwood, FL from David & Philpot, P.L. if you have questions or concerns. For now, you may find this general guide on premises liability helpful.

Basic Information About Premises Liability Law

Personal injury law includes premises liability cases. Usually, premises liability injuries happen because of hazardous conditions in a building or on a property. To gain compensation from the property owner with the help of a personal injury attorney in Longwood, FL, you must be able to prove that the injury was a direct result of the property owner’s negligence. There is a wide variety of accidents that can fall under premises liability and they can happen under a number of circumstances. Some of the most common reasons for premises liability injuries include:

• Slip and fall accidents.
• Property owner fails to disclose potential hazards on the property.
• Lack of adequate security around the property.
• Animal attacks, typically dog bites.
• Exposure to chemicals or toxic substances on a property.

What Was Your Relationship to the Property Owner at the Time?

Property owners have a duty of care owed to people who enter the premises. In particular, they are responsible for visitors’ safety and comfort while they visit. However, the relationship between the property owner and their visitor can determine to what degree the property owner is responsible for the injuries sustained on the property. The three types of relationships considered in premises liability cases:

• Invitee: Someone a property owner invites onto the premises. This can include friends, family, customers, or others.
• Licensee: Someone the property owner has permitted to be on the property. Typically, they have been allowed on the property to complete a job, such as a plumber or a contractor.
• Trespasser: Someone who has no business being on the property, who may have criminal intention.

Trespassers rarely win premises liability cases, and invitees have the highest chance out of the three to succeed in gaining a settlement. A personal injury attorney in Longwood, FL can review your case and determine the strength of it before you decide to pursue a claim.

Proof Needed to Win the Case

1. The defendant is the property owner where the accident happened.
2. The injuries sustained by the plaintiff are directly related to the accident on the property.

Premises liability is not always direct and simple. In some cases, complications may arise due to state laws. However, the aforementioned points are what a Longwood FL personal injury attorney will need to prove in order to win a settlement from a personal injury claim.

Comparative Fault System

Many states refer to the “Comparative Fault System” in premises liability cases. This means that the court is able to declare both parties responsible to some degree for the accident. When that happens, the defendant is responsible for only a percentage of the victim’s damages.

If you have any questions about a premises liability issue, consider talking to a personal injury lawyer to determine damages and level of responsibility for the accident. They can discuss the particular details of the incident and determine if you have cause for a claim. Schedule a free consultation today David & Philpot, P.L.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Protect Your Rights

People suffering extreme pain from an accident that wasn’t their fault will often consult with an experienced personal injury attorney Longwood, FL residents turn to from David & Philpot, P.L. Our attorneys have successfully fought for the rights of clients for decades.

We have many success stories of our clients receiving the maximum possible compensation from those who caused their injury. Do not battle the legalities of a personal injury claim alone. You can greatly benefit from the services of a seasoned Longwood personal injury attorney from David & Philpot, P.L. to ensure your case has every chance of a positive resolution.

It’s possible that the seriousness of your injury has not yet become clear. A personal injury attorney Longwood, FL victims trust understands that your future medical needs must also be considered. Below are several examples of common personal injury cases.

We Can Protect Your Rights If You Sustained Any of These Types of Injuries:

1. Head and brain injuries

• Can be caused by a severe blow to the head.
• They can range in severity and type of symptoms.
• Can be permanent or long term.

2. Traumatic brain Injury

• Liability can be difficult to prove.
• These types of claims are often dismissed by insurance insurance companies because they do not want to pay out a large sum of money.
• Documentation of medical tests and medical treatments are necessary to build a strong case.

3. Amputation

• Lost limb or limbs.
• May require additional amputations or surgeries in the future.
• Keep records of recovery process for claim documentation.

4. Neck and back injuries

• Vital areas of the body that can cause great discomfort or severe pain.
• Can require multiple surgeries.
• Full recovery may not be possible.
• Paralysis may result and be long term or permanent.
• May include muscles, tissues, spine and discs in injured area.

5. Shoulder and knee injuries

• Commonly occurs as a result of a slip and fall accident while visiting a property or place of business.
• These types of injuries can require significant and long term physical rehabilitation.

6. Tissue tears

• Insurance companies often try to deny soft tissue claims which is why a personal injury attorney Longwood, FL families rely on can make all the difference.
• Your David & Philpot, P.L. attorney can negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf to work toward a fair settlement.

7. Broken bones

• The time it requires to heal completely can be extensive.
• Painful and debilitating type of injury.

8. Construction accidents

• Can file under workers’ compensation if the injury occurred while on the job.
• May also be eligible to file as a personal injury claim, or a lawsuit in some circumstances. Talk to us about your legal options.

9. Scarring of skin and disfigurement

• May not heal completely.
• Marks and physical changes can last forever and create emotional pain as a result.

By choosing a personal injury attorney Longwood, FL locals recommend from David & Philpot, P.L., you can gain a full understanding of how we can get repayment for your injury. The medical costs should not come out of your pocket, and we can fight relentlessly on your behalf to recover your damages.

How does an insurance adjuster handle a personal injury claim?

If you’ve filed a personal injury claim, it is likely that you will be dealing with an insurance company. For example, in a car accident case in a fault state, you will probably seek a settlement with the at-fault drivers’ insurance company. If you’re suing a store for a slip and fall, you may pursue their premise liability or business insurance for compensation. Even if you have a personal injury attorney in Longwood, Florida helping you out, and you should, it’s important to understand how insurance adjusters tend to work.

What You Should Know About Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters who work on your case will be assigned to handle it after a claim has been filed. They will be responsible for investigating the facts, finding evidence, and determining the value of the case. Insurance adjusters do not work for you; rather, they work for the insurance company. Their interests are on the side of the insurance company and they will try to keep the payout to a minimum.

At the same time, they don’t want to engage in a lawsuit. If you don’t reach an amicable settlement, you do often have the right to file a civil lawsuit. If your case goes this far, a judge or jury will make a decision. In general, the jury is not friendly with insurance companies. This means that, usually, an insurance adjuster will offer a settlement. Typically, the first settlement is between 25 and 50 percent less than what you could potentially recover. This amount is first offered to leave room for negotiation. Because of the all the legal nuances involved in negotiations, it is crucial for an accident victim to have a Longwood, FL personal injury attorney representing them.

How an Insurance Adjuster Comes Up with an Offer

In a personal injury case, the insurance adjuster will typically consider all of the factors that a jury would consider when determining what amount of compensation would be fair. Examples of what they may consider include:

• Your related medical expenses
• Your future related expenses
• Any actual losses, such as lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish

If you are filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of someone who lost their life, funeral and burial costs, as well as, other losses may be considered. Your personal injury attorney in Longwood, FL will determine what losses you have suffered will qualify for financial compensation.

Other Important Considerations

Additional considerations for determining an amount of compensation to offer the claimant, are the limits of the policy and the strength of the case.

Policy Limits – An insurance company will almost certainly not pay out more than the limit of the policy. For instance, if an auto insurance policy is set at $75,000, the maximum amount the adjustor will pay is $75,000 in damages, legal fees, and related expenses. If your losses equate to more than this, you will need to seek alternative options. A personal injury attorney can discuss these with you.

The Strength of Your Case – If your case is strong, there is a good chance you will be offered a large settlement. However, if your case is weak or lacks solid proof, you may be offered less.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with which is why you should find out if a personal injury attorney can help you with your claim. By doing so, you may recover maximum damages. For a consultation with a personal injury attorney, call David & Philpot, P.L.

Call a Personal Injury Attorney Longwood, FL Community Members Respect

Please call us to speak with a personal injury lawyer at David & Philpot, P.L. who may be able to help you. We hope to start working for your rights and repayment immediately. You can reach us 24/7 to schedule a complimentary case review with a respected personal injury attorney Longwood, FL offers.

Personal Injury Legal Resources:

Legal Terminology

An Introduction to Personal Injury Claims

The aftermath of an accident can be undeniably disorienting. Thankfully, you do not need to navigate this challenging period of your life alone. An experienced Longwood, Florida personal injury lawyer can help you to explore your legal options and can build a solid legal strategy on your behalf if you ultimately decide to file a legal claim. As you prepare for a free initial consultation with the legal team at David & Philpot, PL, please consider the following basic information. As you read, please write down any questions that may occur to you in regards to your personal situation. When we sit down to talk about your situation, you can refer to your notes so that we can advise you accordingly.

What qualifies as a personal injury?

A personal injury is a legal term that implies someone else is at fault (at least, partially) for your accident. Personal injury law is incredibly complex and includes anything from motorcycle accidents, negligence of any kind, medical malpractice, product defect cases, slip and fall situations, construction, DWI, or DUI incidents. Whether that be a slip and fall in your local grocer, a traffic collision, or an attack on your person, your Longwood, FL personal injury lawyer will help determine who should be held liable for your injuries.

What can a personal injury lawyer do for me?

A Longwood, FL personal injury lawyer is your main source for information as you navigate the ins and outs of your personal injury claim. Not only will they work hard to translate difficult legal terms and processes, but they can also represent your case in a court of law. That means they gather all the essential pieces of evidence needed to help prove your case, including documenting and calculating your losses, speaking with crucial witnesses at the scene of your personal injury, and curating a settlement that works for you. As a whole, your personal injury lawyer will ease the burden of the legal process and make your case easier to understand.

What is a settlement?

More often than not, your case will be settled before it ever sees the light of the courtroom. This is great, since court trials are often lengthy, and therefore, costly. A settlement is a compromise reached between you and the defending party that works for both of your interests. Should a defendant make an unreasonable settlement or reject yours, however, you may need to go to court to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

How do I choose the right personal injury lawyer?

Choosing the right Longwood, FL personal injury lawyer depends on a variety of factors. You want to ensure your law firm deals specifically with personal injury law. While many offices claim that personal injury law is one of their specialties, you deserve the best in the business. Personal injury law is a tricky subject, especially when you’re coping with the costs, pain, and stress of your injuries. An experienced Longwood, FL personal injury lawyer from our firm will work to help ease this burden and will work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve. Please do not hesitate to come in for a consultation and see what our professional team members have to say about your specific case. You deserve to have your rights protected at all times, and we will strive to ensure your case turns out in your favor. The insurance company wants my social media accounts after my accident. What should I do?

The Information You Need from a Personal Injury Lawyer Longwood, FL Offers

If you have recently filed a personal injury claim or lawsuit, your social media posts could have an impact on the outcome of the case. Over the last few years, it has become increasingly frequent for a personal injury claimant’s social media activity to negatively affect the outcome. Ask a personal injury lawyer in Longwood, FL about this and they might very well agree.

How Insurance Companies Work

A car accident or any other type of accident can be traumatic and cause everyone involved to feel angry, stressed, and frustrated. Without a Longwood FL personal injury lawyer on your side, dealing with insurance companies can significantly add to these emotions. In general, the more serious the injuries the more likely the insurance adjusters will try anything to avoid paying victims a fair settlement. The reason for this is because that dollar amount will probably be significant.

The Value of Hiring a Longwood FL Personal Injury Lawyer

A good rule to follow is that when an accident involves severe, life threatening, or fatal injuries of your loved one, you should consider hiring a Longwood FL personal injury lawyer. They can provide legal guidance to protect you against the nefarious actions of insurance companies. Insurance companies have many tools and tricks that they use against claimants in order to defend their bottom line. They seek to pay pennies on the dollar and nothing more. One of their tactics is to use their own investigators to follow and record the plaintiff’s activities after the accident. Another tactic that is becoming more common is to monitor this person’s social media accounts. Their goal is to gather evidence that can be used against the claimant in order to deny their personal injury claim and pay them nothing.

The Dangers of Social Media

Using social media to investigate accident victims is particularly advantageous for the insurance company as there is minimal cost in doing so. Furthermore, they often achieve the outcome they wanted. It is not unheard of for an insurance company to create dummy accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat to “friend” the claimant to get information to use against them.

The Discovery Phase and Social Media

Nowadays, a personal injury lawyer in Longwood, FL may request social media account information of victims during the discovery phase of a personal injury case. Although state laws vary, many have made it clear that these requests must adhere to the general rules of discovery. For example, the request should be reasonable and relevant to the case. Whether or not an insurance company is granted access to your social media posts will depend on their request and its relevance to the case. A personal injury lawyer in Longwood, FL might tell you that any posts added to your profiles after the accident could possibly be used as evidence against you. Social media posts can be taken out of context. You may be best off to delete all of your social media accounts at least until after your injury claim is resolved. In addition, make sure you’re not included on anyone else’s accounts either, especially in photographs as those can be discovered as well. If you insist on keeping one or more accounts open, here are some tips for minimizing your vulnerability:

• Always think about what you are saying before hitting “Post”.
• Consider how others might view your post.
• How might the post make you look if you are on the witness stand later?
• Avoid making claims that can be proved false.
• Don’t exaggerate your injuries.
• If you’re at all in doubt, don’t post anything.
• Be cautious of being “tagged” or included in other peoples’ posts.
• Consider changing your privacy options to limit who can see your posts.
• Ask to receive notifications before anyone tags you.
• Remember that images, video, posts, and other activity is forever on the internet one way or another and experts know how to find it.

The above tips might not stop an insurance company or their lawyers from asking for your social media pages, but it could prevent them from gathering evidence without going through a lengthy discovery period. To talk with a Longwood FL personal injury lawyer about your accident and recovering your damages from those responsible, call David Bate at (800) 360-7015.

Get Help from a Legal Professional

If you suffered from injuries in a recent accident, and are deliberating as to whether you should hire a personal injury lawyer Longwood, FL can provide, it can help to know the stages of a personal injury case. There is a rhythm to the typical personal injury lawsuit, and consulting with a personal injury lawyer about that progression can be enormously helpful to you. One of the first steps you should take, if you haven’t yet, is to speak with and hire a personal injury lawyer Longwood, FL residents depend on who may help you understand this legal territory. David & Philpot, P.L is well-acquainted with the needs of clients who have experienced accidents and with analyzing potential claims. To learn more about how we may help you, give us a call at (407) 830-5050.

Personal Injury Cases: What to Expect

As noted, the very first step you should take in proceeding with a personal injury claim is hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer in Longwood, FL. He or she may be vital to nearly every kind of personal injury case, especially if serious injuries and larger claims are involved. After hiring a personal injury lawyer Longwood, FL has to offer, the two of you may work together through the following stages:

1. Review. This is when your attorney asks you about the accident — how it occurred, what medical conditions resulted, and what treatments you received. By understanding your injuries completely, your lawyer should be better able to evaluate what grounds you have for a lawsuit.
2. Making Demands. If it turns out you have a valid claim, your attorney may start strategizing how to make demands on the insurance carriers. Most attorneys prefer to wait until accident victims have reached the maximum possible level of improvement, and recovered as much as possible, before making demands. After this stage, if attempts at negotiations are unsuccessful, your lawyer may follow up by filing a lawsuit on your behalf.
3. Lawsuit and Discovery. Once your attorney files a lawsuit, the discovery phase begins. During this time, lawyers start questioning one another as well as third parties and witnesses regarding the opposing party’s claims. This can last anywhere from six months to one year.
4. Mediation, Negotiation and Trial. After the process of discovery ends, settlement becomes an option. Keep in mind that your case is likely to settle outside of court; mediation is the catalyst that tends to make this happen. Mediation is when both parties — lawyers and clients alike — go before a mediator and attempt to reach a settlement. However, if mediation is not successful, the case may go to trial.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Longwood, FL Families Know and Trust

Working through personal injury claims can be a prolonged, challenging process, and to do it successfully, having a Longwood FL personal injury lawyer can be key. You want to ensure the legal professional you hire is someone with experience and who is familiar with claims similar to yours. David & Philpot, P.L. is a firm you can trust to be committed to your case. For an initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer Longwood, FL residents know they can rely on, call us today. Have you been injured in an accident that was not your fault? Are you facing exorbitant medical costs for treatment, and you’re struggling to cover these fees? Perhaps you are not working, and now bill collectors are threatening you. You might feel upset when you think about the fact that your accident could have been avoided had the defending party been paying attention and adhering to their duties of care. As a leading personal injury law firm Longwood, FL residents know and respect, we are very familiar with this kind of situation. Many clients find themselves in a similar scenario and reach out to us for advice. Rest assured, we do our best to help. For an immediate consultation with a personal injury attorney Longwood, FL has to offer, call David & Philpot, P.L.

How to Deal With Medical Debt Before Your Settlement

When it comes to medical debt, payments are not always easy. Even if you are going through the process of a personal injury claim, you still owe the bills when they are due. This can be difficult if you desperately need the money from the settlement. Fortunately, there are some options to help you while you wait for your reward.

Medical Credit

While some providers may not allow you to draft a payment plan, some do accept medical credit cards. These are credit cards that are for specific medical procedures or simply for medical care. One of the bonuses of medical credit is that a lot of cards provide six to 12 months of no interest. This makes it easier for you to pay off your debt without having to worry about the interest rate. It is important to understand that deferred interest can lead to higher bills later down the line, if you don’t pay them off. Medical credit cards can be extremely beneficial, but you need to be informed about the interest and other specific details related to your plan.

Income Plan

For those who have low-income, you may be able to have a plan designed for those with financial hardships. These are payment plans that relate to your income. It creates a more manageable payment schedule. If you owe too much in medical bills, this is a way that you can get the amount reduced. In some cases, you may have to apply for Medicaid before you can apply for a payment plan. Your personal injury law firm Longwood, FL injury victims trust may be able to explain this to you in further detail.

Negotiations

If your medical bills are already in collections, then you may be able to negotiate for a lower cost. Debt collectors purchase debt for a very small amount and so this allows you room to negotiate. If you think that you can haggle or be a good medical advocate, then you may want to consider negotiations. Take a look at your bills and decide which costs look wrong or too high. You may also be able to negotiate the final cost along with using different payment options. Remember, however, that how much you pay on your medical bills will factor into what you can ask for in damages.

Do You Need a Leading  Personal Injury Law Firm in Longwood, FL?

Medical treatment costs are high. After suffering a serious personal injury, you may not have the funds to pay for your treatment. Even if you are waiting for a settlement, you still have to pay your bills in the meantime. Discussing your options with a personal injury lawyer may help you to find a way to pay your bills while awaiting the final verdict on your settlement.

If you have not filed a claim, but are looking for further advice about whether or not you have the ability to recover monetary compensation after an accident, please call a  personal injury law firm in Longwood, FL, such as David & Philpot, P.L.