Gainesville Personal Injury Lawyer

Suffering an injury because someone else was not acting prudently or paying attention can be frustrating. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be facing significant medical bills, ongoing rehabilitative needs, and lost wages if your ability to work is limited or nonexistent. A qualified attorney may be able to help you.

If you and your loved one were injured by another’s negligence, you could seek justice by filing a civil lawsuit with help from a Gainesville personal injury lawyer.  A civil suit could help you hold the negligent party responsible and help you recover compensation for your losses.

Establishing Negligence in a Gainesville Personal Injury Lawsuit

Injured plaintiffs may suffer harm in a variety of ways, but negligent or reckless behavior is a central feature in almost every personal injury case. In personal injury claims, a Gainesville attorney would need to prove four elements to establish negligence:

• Duty —the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty or obligation to act in a specific manner
• Breach —the defendant failed to honor that obligation by acting negligently, recklessly, or in a way no other reasonable person would have performed under the circumstances
• Cause — the behavior of the defendant is what caused the plaintiff’s injuries and financial losses
• Harm — the plaintiff’s injuries or losses can be financially compensated

If a judge or jury finds that the plaintiff has proven each of these elements, the court will order the defendant to pay compensation to the plaintiff. A seasoned attorney could help an injury victim collect the evidence to prove the defendant is responsible for their losses.

Recoverable Damages for Personal Injuries

Following a personal injury, individuals are entitled to seek fair compensation for any harm or loss that is determined to be the result of a defendant’s carelessness. Common recoverable damages include:

• Lost wages due to a temporary or permanent inability to work
• Future wages the plaintiff will be incapable of earning because of their injuries
• Medical services such as hospital stays, doctors’ visits, medical testing and imaging, prescription drugs, and rehabilitation
• Physical and mental trauma

In cases where the defendant’s behavior is particularly egregious, punitive damages may also be available. These damages are not designed to compensate the plaintiff for any loss but are instead meant to punish the defendant for intentional or extremely reckless conduct. Punitive damages may not always be available in every case in Gainesville, but experienced personal injury attorneys know when it is appropriate to seek them in personal injury claims on behalf of the victim.

Seek Out a Gainesville Personal Injury Attorney for Guidance

If you suffered an injury in an accident brought on by someone else’s negligent conduct, speak with a Gainesville personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. An attorney has the experience and knowledge to advise you on the best steps to take for your unique case. It is imperative that you file your claim before the legal deadline runs out. Call today and schedule your first consultation.