According to the Florida Department of Health, more than 124,000 non-fatal injury hospitalizations were reported in 2011 in our state. Of those, almost 7,000 were reported in Orange County alone. If you have been in an accident, an Orlando personal injury lawyer may be able to assist you in obtaining damages for your injuries.
In an Orlando personal injury case, you must prove that someone else acted negligently and thereby caused your injury. Since Florida utilizes a contributory negligence system, you may be able to obtain compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident.
In Florida, courts may award compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are designed to make you “whole again,” even though money may not be able to truly compensate you for your injuries and personal loss.
Compensatory damages may include economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages can consist of:
- Costs of past and future health care
- Loss of past wages and your capacity to earn money in the future
- Past and future costs of living with the injury
- Damage to your property
- In case of wrongful death, funeral expenses
Examples of compensatory non-economic damages are:
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Loss of capacity to enjoy life
- Loss of consortium
A Florida court may award punitive damages to punish a defendant guilty of intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
It is often difficult to accurately estimate the compensation to which you are entitled. If you were injured, consult with one of our central Florida personal injury lawyers to determine the damages you can recover. At Payas, Payas & Payas, LLP, we have the experience and determination to get you the compensation you deserve.
