Have you or someone you love been injured by someone else’s negligence or carelessness in Polk County, Florida? Under Florida law, an injured victim is permitted to seek financial compensation for accident-related injuries. This compensation can provide recovery for medical expenses, property damages, and emotional distress. Talk with a Polk County personal injury lawyer at Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law for a free initial case review to discuss your legal options.
At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, we have built a reputation for helping injury victims obtain justice after a personal injury accident. Our Polk County personal injury attorney has helped injured victims get their lives back to normal and recover appropriate compensation for their injuries.
Get in touch with us today at (863) 999-9000 to schedule your zero-obligation case review. We are standing by to provide compassionate and aggressive legal guidance.
Why Should I Hire Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law To Handle My Polk County Personal Injury Case?
At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, we have dedicated our practice to helping vulnerable accident victims. With more than three decades of legal experience handling both complex and simple personal injury cases in Florida, Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law is well-equipped to help you with your claim.
When you hire Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, you can trust that we will:
- Give you the time and attention your case deserves
- Provide you with a full explanation of your legal rights and interests
- Investigate the accident thoroughly to identify all relevant facts
- Identify all at-fault parties to pursue compensation
- Hire trusted medical or financial experts to assist with your case
- Negotiate with insurance company representatives to ensure you receive fair settlement offers
- Prosecute your claim in a trial setting, if the other side refuses to offer reasonable settlement amounts
Nobody should be forced to deal with the aftermath of a personal injury all by themselves. We want to help you recover after your accident. Call our Polk County personal injury attorney for legal help. We are available 24/7. Contact us to get started today. We serve clients in the Tampa Bay area, Lakeland, New Port Richey, Polk County, and more.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
The goal of a personal injury case is to make the victim whole again. This means the aim of personal injury litigation is to restore the victim, as much as possible, to their position prior to the accident.
When someone acts negligently and causes an injury, the wrongdoer can be held accountable. Common personal injury cases include car accidents, defective products, workplace accidents, medical malpractice, slip and falls, and wrongful death.
A personal injury case could involve a variety of situations, such as:
- A driver running a red light and causing a car accident
- A property owner failing to fix a dangerous condition on their premises
- A business not following proper safety protocols leading to injuries
- A medical professional making an avoidable mistake that results in harm
You should consult with a Polk County personal injury lawyer to learn how to fully pursue your claims. Call Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law to learn more about your rights and options.
Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Navigating a personal injury claim alone can be intimidating. Insurance companies often employ tactics aimed at minimizing payouts, leaving those injured feeling overwhelmed and disadvantaged.
Partnering with a skilled personal injury attorney in Polk County can give you an edge in your fight for compensation. Here’s how:
- Even the playing field. An experienced attorney understands the insurance game. They counter the insurer’s tactics, ensuring fair negotiations and a significantly higher chance of maximum compensation. Studies show that having legal representation can increase settlements by up to 3.5 times!
- Build a Powerful Case: A strong legal team doesn’t just provide legal counsel. They leverage resources to gather evidence, including expert witness testimony, reconstructing the incident and bolstering your claim for damages. This comprehensive approach strengthens your position and increases your chances of success.
- Defend Against Blame: Florida’s shared fault laws can threaten your right to full damages. A skilled attorney can protect your right to fair compensation even if you bear some responsibility for the incident.
- Prioritize Your Healing: Recovering from an injury takes time and focus. Entrusting your legal battle to a dedicated attorney allows you to concentrate on healing, both physically and emotionally, while they fight for your rights.
In essence, a personal injury law firm ensures your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
We Handle All Personal Injury Cases in Polk County
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Polk County, don’t face the legal battle alone. At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, we have over 25 years of experience fighting for the rights of injury victims. We handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
Car Accidents
After a car accident, you’ll need to navigate Florida’s no-fault insurance system. A Polk County car accident lawyer helps you understand your rights and pursue all available avenues for compensation, including filing a claim with your own insurer and, if necessary, pursuing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for damages such as medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often involve complex legal issues and multiple liable parties. We have the experience and resources to thoroughly investigate your accident, determine liability, and fight for maximum compensation from truck drivers, trucking companies, and other responsible parties.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are often unfairly blamed for accidents. We’re passionate about protecting riders’ rights and will aggressively challenge any attempts to shift blame or minimize your injuries. We’ll work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact the accident has had on your life.
Catastrophic Injury
Catastrophic injuries, such as brain or spinal cord injuries, can have devastating, life-altering consequences. We understand the challenges you and your family face and will fight to secure the financial resources you need for long-term medical care, rehabilitation, lost income, and other damages.
Construction Accidents
Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and accidents can result in serious injuries or even death. We’ll help you understand your rights, pursue workers’ compensation benefits, and explore any potential third-party liability claims to ensure you receive the maximum financial support possible.
Wrongful Death
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, we can help you pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and financial compensation for your family’s loss. We’ll handle all legal aspects of the claim with compassion and sensitivity, allowing you to focus on healing and remembering your loved one.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
The justice system should be accessible to all people. The size of your bank account shouldn’t determine whether you can hire a good attorney. Our Polk County personal injury lawyer is dedicated to helping personal injury victims no matter their financial ability. This is why we offer a free, no-risk case review to all of our clients.
During your initial case review, you will be able to determine if our firm is right for your needs. You can discuss your case and your options without incurring any fees or costs. When you decide to hire Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, you still won’t be responsible for any upfront costs or fees. Our firm operates on a contingency fee arrangement with our clients. This means you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case. You will be able to focus on your health and the important things in life without worrying about paying your lawyer.
If we are able to secure a judgment or settlement in your favor, then we will collect a percentage of that total amount. If we don’t win, you won’t owe us anything at all.
What Damages Are Available to Polk County Accident Victims?
When you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, whether in a car accident, slip and fall, or any other incident, you can pursue various forms of compensation. This process ensures that you receive full compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional losses.
Here are the damages you can seek.
Economic damages
Economic damages cover the financial costs you’ve incurred as a result of your injury. These can include:
- Medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing care
- Lost wages and employment benefits due to missed work
- Costs of physical therapy, rehabilitation, or specialized medical equipment
- Long-term care or in-home assistance for severe injuries
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
- Property damage, if applicable, such as repairing or replacing damaged personal items
- Other out-of-pocket costs related to the injury
Economic damages are intended to reimburse you for tangible, out-of-pocket expenses, so you aren’t left to bear the financial burden.
Non-economic damages
In addition to financial losses, personal injury victims often experience a range of non-economic damages. These cover the less tangible, but equally important, emotional and psychological effects of your injury, such as:
- Pain and suffering caused by physical injuries
- Emotional distress or mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life or diminished quality of life
- Depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder
- Loss of companionship or the strain an injury puts on your relationships
Non-economic damages recognize the broader impacts of an injury. Personal injuries can have significant impacts on your life beyond medical bills and lost income.
Punitive damages
In certain cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. These are intended not just to compensate the victim, but to punish the wrongdoer. Punitive damages serve as a deterrent for reckless or malicious behavior. They send a clear message that dangerous conduct will not be tolerated in Polk County or anywhere else.
Consult with a Polk County personal injury attorney to find out if punitive damages might apply in your case.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
Determining the value of a personal injury case can be complex. You may need ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or future surgeries. These issues can make it hard to come up with your case value.
In Polk County, Florida, several factors will influence the compensation you may be entitled to in a personal injury case.
The following factors can affect the value of your claim.
- Severity of your injuries. The more serious your injuries, the higher the potential compensation. Severe injuries often require long-term medical care and can significantly impact your ability to work and enjoy life.
- Pain and suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the physical and emotional distress caused by your injury. This can vary widely depending on the extent of your suffering and its ongoing effects.
- Medical expenses. The cost of past and future medical treatment is a critical component of your claim. This includes everything from emergency care to ongoing therapy, surgeries, medications, and any necessary medical equipment.
- Lost wages and benefits. If your injury has caused you to miss work or has reduced your ability to earn a living, you can seek compensation.
- Impact on your life. Your claim may also factor in how the injury has affected your quality of life, your relationships, and your ability to participate in daily activities.
At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, we understand that every personal injury case is unique. We take the time to thoroughly assess all aspects of your situation. Whether you’ve been hurt in an accident, on someone else’s property, or due to negligence, we will make sure no detail is overlooked.
With us by your side, you won’t have to face the uncertainty of calculating your claim on your own. We will fight to get you the compensation you need to recover.
What If I’m Partially At Fault For the Accident?
It is very common for insurance companies and at-fault parties to blame accident victims for their own injuries. If this happens in your case, you should call a Polk County personal injury lawyer to defend your rights and interests.
In Florida, the state legislature has codified a modified comparative negligence standard. This means that injury victims are permitted to recover from their injuries even when they share in the blame. As long as you are not more than 50% liable for your injuries, you can still recover money (your award will be reduced to account for your share of fault. If you are found to be 51% or more to blame, you will be barred from recovering compensation.
Personal Injury FAQ:
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After an Accident in Florida?
The statute of limitations in Florida gives you only two years to file a lawsuit. This statute requires you to file a lawsuit within two years of the date of your accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time period, you could be barred from pursuing compensation entirely.
There are some exceptions to Florida’s statute of limitations, such as when a minor is the injured party. However, it is important to check with your Polk County personal injury lawyer to determine when the statute of limitations expires. You don’t want to miss this deadline. You also should avoid waiting too long to file your case.
What is Negligence and How Do I Prove It?
In personal injury cases, one of the most important legal concepts is negligence. Negligence occurs when someone fails to act with the care that a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances. That failure causes harm to another person.
Generally, to prove negligence in a civil court, you must show:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- The defendant breached that duty of care
- The defendant’s breach caused your injuries
- You suffered damages as a result of the defendant’s actions
At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, we have extensive experience handling personal injury cases in Polk County, Florida. We know how to gather the evidence necessary to prove your case. From medical records and accident reports to expert testimony and eyewitness statements, we will build a comprehensive case to support your claim.
Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?
Most personal injury cases are resolved through a settlement. This is usually accomplished through negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. When you are able to settle your case through negotiations, you won’t need to go to trial. Trials can be unpredictable and expensive.
Even though most cases are resolved through settlement, you will want to know that your personal injury attorney is capable of handling your case at trial, if necessary. When parties are unable to reach a settlement, the case may go all the way to trial.
At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, you can trust that we won’t shy away from taking your case to trial. We have litigation experience in the courtroom. Our Polk County personal injury lawyer is an accomplished trial attorney who can advocate effectively for you.
How Long Will My Injury Case Take?
There is no set time period for a personal injury case. Each case is unique and depends on the individual facts of the underlying incident, the wishes of the parties, and the applicable law. It can be difficult to predict when a case might settle or whether it will require extensive litigation.
Generally, cases with minor to moderate injuries and damages are the quickest to resolve, usually in a matter of months. Cases that proceed to court and/or trial can take up to a year or more to resolve due to discovery, motions, jury selection, and other court procedures.
The best way to determine the possible timeline of your personal injury case is to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer in Polk County.
Contact Our Experienced Polk County Personal Injury Lawyers For Legal Help
When you or someone you love is injured in Polk County, Florida, you can turn to the experienced Polk County personal injury lawyer at Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law. We are ready to help you win your case. We have the required skills to help you obtain the financial recovery you need after a devastating injury.
Contact our firm today to schedule a free case review. You have nothing at risk and there is absolutely no obligation. Come discuss your case and your options with Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law and get the help you deserve.