Personal Injury Settlements: Myths vs. Reality
Gregg Hollander | December 1, 2022 | Personal Injury
When it comes to personal injury settlements, there are a lot of misconceptions out there. Many people in West Palm Beach believe settlements are always huge sums of money, while others believe the process is always long and drawn out.
Here’s a closer look at some of the most common myths about personal injury settlements and the reality behind them.
Myth: All Personal Injury Settlements Are Large Payouts
Reality: This is simply not true. While it is possible to receive a large payout, the amount of your settlement will depend on many factors, such as the severity of your injuries, whether you were partially at fault for the accident, and the amount of insurance coverage available.
An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of a settlement after they have had a chance to review all the facts in your case.
Myth: The Process Takes Forever
Reality: Again, this is not true. The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury case depends on many factors, such as whether the liable party admits responsibility, how complex the case is, and whether there are any disputes about liability or damages.
In some cases, settlements can be reached fairly quickly, while in others, it may take many months or even years to reach an agreement. That said, not all cases are long and drawn out.
Myth: You Don’t Need a Personal Injury Lawyer If You Have a Good Case
Reality: This myth is primarily perpetuated by insurance companies who would prefer that you not hire a lawyer so they can take advantage of you and offer you an unreasonably low settlement. Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with, and they will often take advantage of anyone who doesn’t have professional representation.
A skilled personal injury lawyer will not only level the playing field but also increase the size of your settlement by fighting for every penny you deserve.
Myth: I Can File My Claim Whenever I Want
Reality: This myth could be the difference between receiving the compensation you’re entitled to and receiving nothing. One of the most important things to know about personal injury claims is that there is a deadline for filing. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.
In Florida, the deadline for filing a personal injury claim is generally four years. If you try to file a claim after the statute of limitations has expired, you will almost certainly be denied. There are some exceptions, so it’s always a good idea to speak with a lawyer right away.
Myth: I Can’t Afford a Personal Injury Lawyer
Reality: This is perhaps the most common myth about personal injury claims. People assume that hiring a lawyer is too expensive, so they try to handle their cases on their own. Almost all personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.
When you hire an attorney on a contingency fee basis, you pay the lawyer a percentage of any money recovered if you win your case. If you lose, you owe the attorney nothing. You never have to pay them anything upfront.
Myth: If I Was Partially At Fault, I Can’t Recover Any Compensation
Reality: Also not true! Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages. In Florida, personal injury cases follow a pure comparative negligence rule.
Under this rule, you can still recover damages if you’re partially responsible – even if you’re 99% at fault. Your compensation will then be reduced by the percentage that you are deemed to be responsible.
For example, you were in a car accident where the other driver was speeding, but you ran a red light. A court might find that both parties were equally at fault. You are awarded $100,000 in damages. In that instance, you would be able to recover 50% of your damages, or $50,000, from the other driver.
Contact a West Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyer for Help With Your Settlement Claim
As you can see, there are many misconceptions about personal injury settlements. The reality is that every case is different, and the path your case will take depends on many factors. If you have been injured in an accident in West Palm Beach, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in South Florida
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced personal injury lawyers in Florida at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
We proudly serve Palm Beach County, Broward County, and its surrounding areas:
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Boca Raton Law Office
7000 W Palmetto Park Rd #500
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(561) 347-7770
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Fort Lauderdale Law Office
200 S.E. 6th Street #203
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 287-0566
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – West Palm Beach Law Office
319 Clematis St #203
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 556-7873
