Sarasota Personal Injury Lawyers

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Life moves faster than ever, and a life-changing injury can happen in the blink of an eye. Grocery store trips, visits to local attractions, and running errands in your car can all end in pain if you suffer a mishap. Dealing with injuries is even more challenging if you need to seek compensation because someone else was negligent.

At Luhrsen Goldberg, we are dedicated to serving our neighbors in Sarasota, FL, and the surrounding areas of Lakewood Ranch, Osprey, Venice, Nokomis, Englewood and North Port. We are focused on providing caring, compassionate, and experienced legal representation for those in need. When you or a loved one has been hurt by another person’s carelessness, contact us to speak with our Sarasota, FL, personal injury lawyers.

Why You Should Choose Luhrsen Goldberg for Your Personal Injury Claim

After an injury, you are understandably concerned about your ability to recovery and take care of yourself as well as your responsibilities. When you are hurt due to the carelessness of someone else, it’s important to find personal injury lawyers who will handle your case with the same care and attention to detail you give to others.

At Luhrsen Goldberg, we know the world is full of people who are not as careful and sometimes even considerate, as they should be. Obtaining compensation from the insurance companies and helping those who’ve been injured is our business–which is to say we are on the side of families, not the rich and powerful corporations or businesses. We take on the legal complexities while our clients deal with the trauma, pain, inconvenience and sometimes potentially lifelong injuries that can result.

Our Sarasota personal injury attorneys are committed to investigating your claim and building a robust case based on the specific facts and circumstances for your case. We are tenacious in gathering evidence, developing a personalized strategy, and bringing wrongdoers to justice. We pride ourselves on staying in regular communication with you and advising you honestly on the prospects of your case. We are prepared to handle your case in court, and work towards achieving a satisfactory settlement as quickly as possible.

Steps to Take After Suffering a Personal Injury in Sarasota, FL

When you are hurt from an accident of any kind, you are likely confused, disoriented, and possibly in pain. It can be hard to think clearly and know how to help yourself. Your first thoughts will be about getting medical attention and moving to a safe place.

Your personal injury attorney can guide you through other actions to help you when you seek a recovery for the injuries you’ve suffered. Even before you can sit down with our Sarasota personal injury attorneys, here are steps you can take to better protect yourself:

Gather Evidence at the Scene

Collecting evidence right away can be critical. If you are too severely injured to manage this, ask someone to assist you. Take photos of as many things as possible such as your injuries, causes of your injuries, and anything else in the environment that can tell your story.

For example, if you fell in a store, photograph and document the rug, poor lighting, substance or defect that caused you to slip or trip. Likewise, pictures of automobile damage, any other property damage, skid marks and the like can help establish how a car accident happened. As they say, a picture paints a 1000 words, so if in doubt, err on the side of taking the photograph or capturing the scene on video. You never know what may help your claim.

It’s also important to gather information from witnesses, bystanders and anyone involved with information or knowledge. Whenever possible, get their names and contact information yourself (while a manager or employee might also gather witness information after a slip and fall on business premises, it is often difficult to obtain that information later on from the business). Notwithstanding that it can be difficult to obtain such an incident report, it is important that if you are hurt in a store or business, that you notify the business, file an accident report and request a copy.

Get Checked and Treated by a Medical Practitioner

If first responders are called to the scene, be sure to get assessed and as needed, treated by them. Do not minimize your injuries or say you are fine if you are hurt. Being treated right away establishes a connection between the accident and your injuries, which can be crucial to proving your case. If your injuries manifest later on or you do not get treatment at the scene, get your condition assessed as quickly as possible at a local urgent care, with your own doctor or at an emergency room.

The individuals or entities at fault for your injuries often try to deflect the blame. They or their insurance companies will look for evidence to disprove your claim and look for ways to minimize or even deny paying you what you deserve.

With confirmed proof that you required attention and care for your injuries right after an accident, it is easier for your Sarasota personal injury attorneys to establish the relationship between your injuries and the accident as well as the seriousness of them.

Contact Luhrsen Goldberg’s Personal Injury Attorneys for a Free Case Evaluation

Recovering from injuries is overwhelming enough without worrying about how you will negotiate with insurance companies or prove that someone is responsible for your harm. Your primary focus should be on healing instead of dealing with paperwork and critical deadlines. You need compassionate and knowledgeable guidance from Sarasota personal injury attorneys who will shoulder those burdens for you.

Luhrsen Goldberg’s team handles everything from filing insurance claims to preparing your case for court. We are deeply familiar with Florida laws and the local court systems. We evaluate and investigate your circumstances, then develop a customized approach. We work collaboratively with our clients, and we are there for them working to obtain the best result possible given the circumstances of each case.

Liability and Negligence in Sarasota Personal Injury Cases

An accident is, by definition, unplanned and unintended. While there are times when an accident is truly just an accident, often there are circumstances that establish that someone else’s actions or inactions may be responsible. Our team has the experience to identify issues and circumstances that help build a negligence case against another.

Negligence is a critical component of a personal injury case, and we are thoroughly skilled in demonstrating the four elements required for a successful claim:

  • The person at fault owed you a duty of care.
  • The person at fault failed in that duty.
  • You suffered injuries as a direct result of their failure.
  • You have expenses related to your injuries.

Having strong evidence to support these elements will allow your Sarasota personal injury attorney to negotiate with insurance companies and defense lawyers. We can show them we have what it takes to hold their client accountable.

For certain cases, such as premises liability, property owners can be held to a standard stating that they should have been aware of and fixed a hazard. These cases can be complicated and need a qualified attorney’s experience.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Sarasota, FL

Accidents and injuries occur throughout the day and in countless situations. Sometimes it may truly be just an accident for which there is no one responsible. However, when others are involved, the chances that someone else is responsible for your injuries increase. Their actions may be simply careless, or they may have been wrongful.

No matter how you were hurt, you owe it to yourself to speak with a Sarasota personal injury lawyer during a free initial consultation to determine how to proceed. We have seen many types of personal injury claims, including:

  • Vehicle accidents involving cars, motorcycles, bicycles, buses, and trucks
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Backyard accidents involving pools, play structures, and trampolines
  • Animal attacks and dog bites
  • Products that were defectively manufactured or that malfunctioned
  • Injuries at someone else’s place of business
  • When you meet with us during your consultation, we will listen to your story to understand how you were hurt and who was involved. We will ask questions to determine the best approach for your claim and answer your concerns about what to do next. We believe in building the strongest possible case to secure the maximum compensation you deserve from all liable parties.

    Determining Who Is at Fault for Your Injuries

    In many cases, more than one party can be held liable for your injuries. For example, suppose you are making a right turn on a green light but must brake suddenly when another car runs the red light across the intersection. The driver behind you is following too closely and rear-ends your vehicle. Who is at fault? The right answer can be complicated.

    Both the other drivers could be held responsible, but many potential factors must be considered. Perhaps the red light car was experiencing a brake malfunction from a substandard repair job, putting the automotive shop at fault. The driver behind you could have been distracted by another car coming out of a driveway into traffic. Untangling the details requires specialized guidance and a top-notch attorney who can interpret the law to your advantage.

    The Personal Injury Claims Process in Sarasota

    Although the thought of going through the personal injury claims process may seem intimidating and overwhelming, we strive to help you understand every step. When you feel more empowered and confident, you can relax and recover while we take on the legal battle for you. Every claim is unique, and our team will customize our recommendations for you.

    What works in one case may not be the ideal choice in another, but the general process is very much the same across personal injury claims. Here is what happens from start to finish:

    • You meet with a personal injury lawyer in Sarasota to discuss your case.
    • Your attorney begins an investigation of your accident.
    • Your lawyer gathers and analyzes evidence to support your case.
    • Your lawyer advises whether to file insurance claims and handles this for you.
    • Your attorney will negotiate a full and fair settlement with the insurance company.
    • If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can pursue your case to court.
    • At trial, your attorney will fight for maximum compensation for your damages.

    We pride ourselves on creating compelling narratives to effectively convince insurance adjusters of your claim’s validity. These arguments work equally well when we must demonstrate to a judge and jury why you deserve full financial recovery and justice from those who hurt you.

    Florida Personal Injury Laws That Could Affect Your Case

    Florida has many statutes surrounding personal injury cases that could affect your claim. A qualified attorney can explain how these will influence their recommendations. Some vital laws you may need to consider include:

  • Statute of limitations: You have only two years to file a lawsuit in most cases in Florida. Missing this deadline can happen quickly since building a case takes time. If you fail to file in time, you could lose your chance to seek compensation.
  • Dog bites or animal attacks: Florida maintains strict liability when an owner’s animal bites you. There are however, exceptions which may apply that affect your right to recovery and so it’s important to speak with a knowledgeable Sarasota injury attorney.
  • Comparative negligence: In Florida, multiple parties can bear fault in an accident, including you as the victim. Insurance companies and defendants will try to push the blame onto you to reduce or eliminate their requirement to pay your compensation.
  • No-fault car insurance laws: Florida requires that Florida drivers carry no-fault or Personal Injury Protection (“PIP”) insurance. This insurance covers medical bills and related expenses that are incurred as a result of being involved in a motor vehicle accident.
  • Comparative negligence means you may bear some responsibility for causing the accident. In many instances, you can still claim damages even if you played a part in your injuries. However, your damages award will be reduced by the percentage you are found at fault. For example, if you are found 25% at fault for a $100,000 claim, you can only recover $750,000. Recent changes in Florida law now bar you from recovery if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, which makes hiring an experienced attorney who will work hard to reduce your liability even more important.

    When a car accident involves disfigurement, loss of function, other permanent injuries, or death, , the attorneys of Luhrsen Goldberg will manage your case for you so you and your loved ones can focus on your recovery.

    Insurance Companies Do Not Want to Help You

    Most personal injury cases begin with an attempt to resolve the claim with the insurance company. . It may initially seem simple to fill out the paperwork and pursue a resolution on your own. Consider however, tha the playing field as between an injured person and the insurance company’s claims handlers, even ones that are seemingly understanding and sympathetic, is far from a level one. Given that the ramifications of reaching a settlement of your claim, especially quickly, can be significant, most injured persons would be wise to seek a free initial consultation with a Luhrsen Goldberg personal injury attorney. In addition to minimizing claims, insurance companies are known for delaying, defending and denying them. Working with experienced Sarasota personal injury attorneys who are focused on helping their clients fight back can make a real difference; indeed, studies reveal that the average recoveries for injured auto accident victims is over three times higher than those who go it alone.

    Our Sarasota personal injury lawyers have years of experience dealing with low offers and attempts to delay your claim. We push back in an effort to get you the settlement you deserve and when appropriate or needed, to pursue your case by filing a lawsuit.

    Damages You Can Claim for Compensation in Your Personal Injury Case

    You might focus on the medical expenses associated with your personal injury, but there are many kinds of damages or losses, you should not overlook. Taking time from work to heal, losing your enjoyment of life, and needing help to care for your family can all be compensated if these costs result from your accident. Those who are at fault must pay for every penny of how your life has been affected.

    Damages fall into two categories: economic and non-economic. The first kind usually has a specific price tag. Non-economic losses cover your pain and suffering. Some more examples include:

    Economic:

    • Related doctor and medical expenses
    • Travel costs to various appointment and treatment facilities
    • Prescriptions and mobility aids for your recovery
    • Rehabilitation and physical therapy
    • Lost wages
    • Lost earning potential if you are severely injured
    • Home services such as cleaning, cooking, in-home nursing, and maintenance
    • Repair or replacement costs for personal property, such as your car, computer, clothing, or phone

    Non-economic:

    • Emotional distress
    • Mental anguish
    • Depression and anxiety
    • Permanent disability
    • Loss of guidance and care for your family members
    • Pain and suffering
    • Loss of enjoyment of life
    • Loss of intimacy with your partner or spouse

    At Luhrsen Goldberg, we have handled cases where an initially minor injury worsens into something much more serious. We know that your expenses can multiply and include future costs that must be addressed by those who hurt you. We are dedicated to protecting you and your family from the real and untold costs resulting from your personal injury.

    Contact the Sarasota Personal Injury Lawyers of Luhrsen Goldberg Today

    Facing the uncertainty following a personal injury due to someone else’s carelessness can be intimidating. When you rely on the Sarasota personal injury lawyers at Luhrsen Goldberg, it does not have to be. As your trusted legal advisors, we are committed to seeking your full emotional, financial, and physical recovery.

    Established in 2016, our firm and our lawyers bring over four decades of combined legal experience to your case. We are ready to help when you need guidance from ethical attorneys who believe in integrity and quality.

    Contact us to schedule your free initial case evaluation by using our convenient online form today.