How a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Attorney Can Help With Your Case

Have you suffered a personal injury due to the negligence or reckless actions of another party? Abrahamson & Uiterwyk is among the longest-standing personal injury law firms in Pinellas County. Our tenacious injury attorneys have been committed to passionately serving the injured in St. Petersburg, FL since we opened our doors over 30 years ago.

• Our St. Petersburg, Florida injury lawyers have earned dozens positive of Google reviews.
• We’ve achieved an A+ Rating with the BBB.
• We’ve achieved a “Best Law Firm” rating by U.S. News and World Report.
• We’ve achieved an “AV Preeminent” Rating with Martindale-Hubbell.
• To best serve our clients we have chosen to focus our practice exclusively on personal injury law.
• We never charge an up-front fee. We always offer free case reviews, and we only take a fee if we recover money for you.

At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, our experienced personal injury attorneys in St. Petersburg, FL can help whether you have been a victim injured in a car collision, motorcycle wreck, slip and fall in St Pete, or other types of personal injury incidents. Our experienced team of injury lawyers, investigators and paralegals have the experience, compassion, and dedication to help you through this stressful time and fight to get the compensation you deserve.

Ready to get started on the road to recovery? Contact our law firm anytime for an immediate case review with a Florida personal injury lawyer.

Being aggressive, persistent, and committed in our fight for our St Petersburg clients’ rights has gained the personal injury lawyers of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk a reputation for success, both with clients and insurance companies. We see firsthand how insurance companies treat injured victims like you. That is why we are tough on insurance companies. It is our job to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Here are some of our “client success stories” with the insurance company’s starting offer, as well as the final case result that we obtained for our injured clients.

Not quite ready to schedule your free personal injury case review with an experienced St. Petersburg attorney in your area? No problem. This page has lots of useful information that will help you take the proper steps from here. Once you’re ready to talk, our nearby St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers will be ready and waiting.

$1,330,000 / Motorcycle Accident / St. Petersburg Beach, FL

Our client was riding his motorcycle in St. Petersburg Beach when the defendant negligently pulled out from a side road and collided with our client knocking him off his motorcycle. The defendant was clearly at fault and was cited by the police for failure to yield the right of way to our client who was approaching on his motorcycle.

Unfortunately, our client was seriously injured as a result of the collision. He was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with multiple pelvic and hip fractures which required extensive surgical repair. In addition, he suffered meniscal tears to both knees for which surgery was recommended. His injuries required both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation as well as home health care. Our client was left with a very large and noticeable scar following his surgeries. He required two canes to walk for an extended period after the accident.

Our client contacted our firm approximately 10 days after the accident, and we immediately began work on his motorcycle case. We learned that the defendant had an insurance policy with liability limits of $300,000.00 as well as an umbrella policy with a limit of $1,000,000.00. Once our client had completed the primary phase of his treatment, we prepared a comprehensive and extremely detailed demand package to the defendant’s insurance company. Given the very serious nature of the injuries, the extensive medical expenses, and lost wages our client had incurred, we strongly believed that the case was worth the entire policy limits of $1.3 million, and therefore, we demanded that amount.

The insurance company came back with an offer of $675,000.00 or essentially one-half of the policy limits. We immediately rejected that offer, and again demanded that the company pay the full amount. We provided additional medical records and bills and detailed the numerous ways the devastating injuries had affected our client’s life. In response, the company increased its offer to $750,000.00. We again rejected this inadequate offer and provided the company with another detailed demand for the policy limits. We also provided them with a sample verdict form so they could see the extensive exposure they may face if they continued to refuse to pay and forced the case into litigation. Ultimately, the insurer acquiesced and agreed to pay its full policy limits to our client. We were also able to collect of our client’s underinsured motorist insurance limit of $30,000.00 resulting in a total settlement of $1,330,000.00 and providing much needed compensation to our deserving client.

$799,000 / WRONGFUL DEATH / PINELLAS COUNTY, FL

47-year-old male was killed when the defendant driver crossed a paved median in front of him. The 47-year-old male was driving his motorcycle and died at the scene of the collision. This settlement amount reflects the total available insurance.

$780,000 / MARITIME / BOATING COLLISION / PINELLAS COUNTY, FL

Client slipped and fell on the gangway leading to a boat.

$689,000 / PREMISES LIABILITY / PINELLAS COUNTY, FL

Client sustained a back injury when he slipped and fell at Wal-Mart.

$550,000 / MOTOR VEHICLE / PINELLAS COUNTY, FL

Plaintiff suffered severe injuries as a result of being rear-ended by Defendant who failed to observe the stopped traffic in front of Plaintiff.

As a resident of St. Petersburg, FL, you know that finding the right car insurance company can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start. Ratings can be a good place to start your research.  Here are the top three insurance companies in St. Petersburg, Florida -according to the WalletHub website:

1. Direct Auto Insurance – Specializing in high-risk drivers, Direct Auto is based in Nashville, TN and offers insurance in 14-states. They are rated 4/5 stars based on 1,800+ reviews in St. Petersburg.
2. Esurance – As a subsidiary of Allstate, Esurance specializes in building policies in nearly every state in the US. They have a rating of 3.5/5 stars based on 1,600+ reviews.
3. Amica Insurance – Amica is one of the oldest insurance companies in the United States, offering policies in all states except Hawaii.  They have a rating of 3.5/5 stars based on 950+ reviews.

Before accepting any settlement or signing any paperwork after a car accident, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced car accident attorney in St. Petersburg, regardless of your insurance company. Insurance companies are known for offering lowball settlements initially, no matter their reputation. Let our team at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Most driving tickets or accidents are caused by people rushing to make an appointment or get home from work. This can lead to speeding, distracted driving, and other dangerous behaviors. Here are a few tips to help you avoid getting into a car accident in St. Petersburg, FL:

• Be aware of the traffic conditions. Check for road closures and traffic jams before you leave. This will help you avoid getting stuck in traffic and feeling the need to rush to make up for lost time. You can use traffic apps or websites to check for road closures and traffic conditions before you start your trip.  To know what roads are closed in St. Petersburg due to work or maintenance, visit the City of St. Petersburg website.
• Be patient and allow extra time for your trip. This is especially important if you’re driving during rush hour or on weekends. Rushing to get somewhere will only increase your chances of getting into an accident.
• Avoid distractions while driving. Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents, and it can also lead to speeding. Put your phone away, avoid eating or drinking while driving, and focus on the road ahead.
• Be aware of other drivers and use your turn signals. Always use your turn signals well in advance of making a turn or changing lanes. This will help other drivers anticipate your actions and avoid accidents.
• Drive defensively. This means being aware of your surroundings and anticipating the actions of other drivers. Be prepared to stop suddenly if necessary.
• Obey the speed limit. Speeding is a major cause of car accidents.

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident in or around St. Petersburg, it might be time to consider contacting an attorney to help with your case moving forward. But where do you start?

The St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have been helping Florida accident victims recover for over thirty years. Our passion is fighting for clients in need, and we hope we can help you. We can also assist you with St. Pete car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice cases, and more.

Is Florida the Most Dangerous State for Motorcycle Accidents?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,985 motorcyclists were killed in accidents in 2018.

This number may seem small compared to the number of car accident deaths each year.

However, motorcycle accidents remain a serious concern when you consider how large this number is compared to how few motorcyclists there are.

In 2021 there were over 8000 motorcycle accidents in the sunshine state, and you can see more recent Florida motorcycle accident statistics here.

In fact, per vehicle miles traveled, the NHTSA estimates that motorcyclists are 28% more likely than people in passenger cars to die in an accident.

Further, while motorcyclists represent only 3% of registered motorists, motorcyclists account for roughly 14% of all traffic-related fatalities.

Why Choose Us for Your Motorcycle Accident Case

If you have already begun the search for a St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer, you may have noticed that a quick internet search yields more results than you can probably count.

We know it can seem overwhelming to select an attorney for your case. Let us tell you why we think that Abrahamson & Uiterwyk is the right choice for you:

• Our team has specific experience handling motorcycle accident cases. While many law firms are equipped to handle personal injury cases generally, the St. Petersburg motorcycle lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have specific knowledge and experience required to effectively take on your motorcycle accident case.
• Motorcycle accident cases are important to us personally. Several of our attorneys are avid motorcycle riders, and we sponsor the Florida Motorcycle Club Facebook group.
• We have successfully represented hundreds of motorcycle accident victims throughout Florida. Further, we have helped our clients recover hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts, allowing them to recover from their injuries.
• You will not pay us a dime, meaning no fees or costs, unless and until we successfully resolve your case. We know this can be a stressful time, and we don’t want to add to that stress. We will take a fee and costs only if we are able to get you a recovery.

If you’re not ready to make a decision right now, we understand. This is an important choice, and you should take your time.

While you think it over, feel free to browse our page to learn more about motorcycle accident cases.

We hope that the information available here will give you a better understanding of what to expect moving forward.

What to Do After a St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident

The time immediately following your motorcycle accident can feel like a blur. However, it is important to take appropriate action after your accident.

Doing so can not only help you address any physical injuries that may exist, but can also improve your chances at getting the compensation you will need to recover.

Call the Police and Formally Report Your Accident

Immediately after your accident, you should contact the police. Make sure not to leave the scene until the police arrive and you provide them with any requested information they need to complete the formal accident report.

Even if you don’t believe you or any involved parties have sustained injuries, it is important that you stay at the scene and cooperate until the authorities have the information they need.

If you’ve already left the scene, here’s how to file a police accident report in St Pete and answers to the question, how long after an accident can you file a police report?

Collect Documentation and Information at the Scene

The strength of your potential motorcycle accident case will depend in large part on the quality of evidence you have available. Much of this evidence will actually be available at the scene of your motorcycle accident.

Thus, if you are not injured and are physically able, try to document and collect as much pertinent evidence as you can.

Evidence you should collect at the scene if it is available includes:

• Contact information of any involved parties;
• Insurance information of any involved parties;
• Photographs of the accident scene; and
• Statements from any eyewitnesses to the accident.

The more evidence you have, the easier it will be to prove your case moving forward.

Seek Medical Attention

If you sustain any injuries in your motorcycle accident, you should call an ambulance immediately. This will allow you to address any severe injuries that may exist.

However, even if you do not notice any immediate injuries, you should still seek medical attention as soon as practicable to verify whether any injuries exist.

Injuries such as internal bleeding or brain damage may not be visible to the naked eye. But failure to identify these injuries in a timely manner can result in negative repercussions.

Do not let the fear of potential costs keep you from seeking the medical diagnosis and attention you need.

Medically related costs in a motorcycle accident that you may seek compensation for include:

• Ambulance rides,
• Emergency surgery,
• Prescription medication,
• Doctor visits, and
• Rehabilitation services.

Proper medical treatment is necessary to help you recover. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you seek reimbursement for these costs.

Contact a St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Once you have taken the above steps, you should consider reaching out to a motorcycle accident lawyer to help you move forward with your claim.

An experienced St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer can help you assess your claim and determine what damages you may be entitled to. They can even help you obtain your St. Petersburg police accident report or help you to file a report with the St Petersburg police department.

Further, a lawyer can help you fight for your rights so that you get the compensation you need to begin your recovery.

If you have any questions about the motorcycle accident claims process and need further information from a St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer, please contact Abrahamson & Uiterwyk online or call 800-538-4878 for a free case review.

The St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk will make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve for any injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages. We’ll make sure that the insurance company does not take advantage of you to settle your claim for a reduced amount which is likely significantly less than what your case is really worth.

In Florida, a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property may entitle you to financial compensation. Learn more about your rights, then schedule a free consultation with one of our St Petersburg slip and fall injury attorneys at the law offices of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk.

A sudden slip can change your life instantly. When you are out shopping, on your way to work, exploring St. Petersburg, or attending a party, the last thing you expect is to have to fear for your safety because of a dangerous condition on the ground. Unfortunately, property owners make mistakes – they fail to repair cracks, they fail to clean up spills, and they fail to protect known fall hazards – and these mistakes often prove costly for their visitors and guests.

If you have suffered a slip and fall injury or accident, what are your rights? You have the right to quality medical care. You have the right not to suffer through pain without treatment. You have the right to speak with St Petersburg slip and fall injury lawyers. Most importantly, you have the right to hold the at-fault property owner responsible so that you do not bear the financial and emotional burdens of your injuries for years, or perhaps decades, to come.

At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we focus exclusively on helping injured victims and their families pursue compensation. If you slipped and fell on someone else’s property in St. Petersburg, we will fight for your rights on your behalf. While most of our clients’ cases settle, we do not hesitate to take property owners and their insurance companies to trial, and you can be rest assured knowing that you have decades of legal experience on your side.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries in St. Petersburg

Our St Petersburg slip and fall injury attorneys represent individuals in and around the St. Petersburg area who have suffered bone fractures, soft tissue injuries, back and head injuries, and other serious injuries in slip and fall accidents caused by:

• Tripping on torn carpeting
• Falling due to a missing or loose railing
• Tripping over an abrupt change in flooring surfaces
• Falling due to unsafe conditions at a swimming pool
• Slipping on moss or algae-covered steps
• Falling over an obstacle due to poor lighting
• Slipping on an oil spill in a garage or parking lot
• Slipping on a spill or recently-cleaned floor in a convenience, grocery or big-box store
• Stepping in an unprotected pothole
• Falling down crumbling, loose, or poorly-maintained stairs
• Other dangerous conditions on private, business, or government premises

In every case, our goal is to quickly establish liability by conducting a thorough investigation, and seek maximum compensation for our client as efficiently as possible.

Contact a St Pete Slip and Fall Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, it is important to remember that the insurance company is not on your side. You should consider consulting with an experienced slip and fall lawyer. The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have been representing slip and fall accident victims for over 30 years. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.

While the dangers of car accidents in the United States are well known, truck accidents are less frequently discussed.

However, due to the sheer size and magnitude of force exerted by large 18-wheeler trucks, accidents involving trucks can be some of the most severe and devastating to be involved in.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were approximately 450,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in 2017. Of these, roughly 102,000 resulted in injuries, and nearly 5,000 were fatal.

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a truck accident, it may be time to reach out to a St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer.

However, at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we recognize that selecting the right attorney for your particular needs is no small task.

Read on for some helpful tips on how to find an experienced St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer for you and your case.

How to Find the Right St. Petersburg Truck Accident Attorney for You

The aftermath of a truck accident can be emotionally traumatizing. To make matters worse, truck accidents frequently result in severe physical injuries. Common truck accident injuries include:

• Broken bones,
• Neck and back injuries,
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis,
• Internal injuries, and
• Head and brain injuries.

Due to the severity of injuries that may exist, you should not select just any attorney to help you with your case.

To get the compensation you need to recover, it is important to choose an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney in Florida.

Thus, take some time to research potential St. Petersburg truck accident attorneys in the area to make sure you select the right one for you.

Look for a Law Firm With Tried and True Experience Handling Truck Accident Cases

Many lawyers will want to take your case. However, be wary of lawyers and law firms who do not have any experience handling truck accident cases specifically.

While any lawyer can technically represent you in your truck accident case, it will be substantially more beneficial to you to select someone with specific experience handling commercial truck accident cases.

There are certain rules and regulations that pertain specifically to commercial trucks and 18-wheelers.

However, attorneys that practice general personal injury law will not have the tools necessary to recognize and identify these specific considerations.

The truck accident attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have the knowledge and experience you are looking for to help you with your case.

Select an Attorney With Trial Experience

Due to the complexity of truck accident cases, there is always a chance that your case might go to trial.

While it is almost always preferred to resolve such cases outside of court through settlement negotiations, sometimes this is not feasible or in your best interest.

Thus, it is important to select an attorney with experience litigating truck accident cases to conclusion. That way, you are in good hands if a trial becomes necessary.

Our team of attorneys has experience taking cases to trial. We are not afraid to do so, and we will settle your truck accident case only if that is what is best for you.

Never Underestimate the Value of Client Reviews

A great way to determine if a truck accident lawyer is the best one for you is to look at reviews from previous clients. In fact, client reviews are often some of the best indicators of a successful and reliable attorney.

It is an honor to serve our community, and we are proud of the positive reviews and testimonials that we consistently receive from our past clients.

Look for an Attorney You Can Get Along With

Depending on the complexity of your particular situation, your case may take time to resolve.

While some cases may reach a resolution in a matter of weeks, others may take months and even years. Thus, it is important to hire an attorney you can get along with for extended periods of time.

You will be spending a lot of time with your truck accident lawyer discussing the facts of your case and potential next steps and resolutions.

Make sure to choose someone whom you trust and who is willing to patiently guide you throughout the process.

While an attorney’s primary job is to know and understand the law, it is also our duty as “counselor” to advise you of the process and your rights.

While this is not our first truck accident case by any means, we understand that it is probably yours. We want to make sure you feel cared for each step along the way.

Use Your Initial Consultation Wisely

As important as the initial consultation stage is for your potential attorney, it is just as important for you. So, make sure to take full advantage of it.

The initial consultation is important for a potential attorney to gather relevant information from you to assess your case and the strength of your claims. Bring your St. Petersburg accident report and any relevant information to this meeting. If you don’t have one, ask them if they can help you file an incident report with the St Petersburg Police Department for free.

However, it is also important for you in determining whether this is the right attorney for you.

Use your initial consultation to ask your potential attorney questions to get a feel for their level of familiarity with truck accident cases.

Ask them whether they are prepared to take your case to trial. Take note of whether you get along and would feel comfortable working with them.

By effectively utilizing your initial consultation, you can weed out the attorneys that are not the right fit and find the best one for you.

Contact the St. Petersburg Truck Accident Attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Today

At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have been assisting injury victims throughout Florida for over 30 years, and we want to do the same for you.

If you are looking for a St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer or a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer, contact our team today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

It is nearly always a great day for a bike ride in Florida. Not only is the weather great, but biking is also a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, which is enjoyable to many people.

Unfortunately, the normalcy of cyclists on the road has not decreased the number of bicycle accidents.

If you or a loved one is in a bicycle accident, it is in your best interest to contact a St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyer to seek the compensation you deserve.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

Warmer states such as Florida, California, and Texas generally lead nationally for the most bicycle accidents. One report showed that 40% of the nation’s bicycle accidents were in these three states. Here are some other relevant statistics:

• Each year, approximately 2% of motor vehicle crash deaths nationally are bicycles;
• According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 5,034 bicycle crashes in 2020 across the state;
• Of the total bike crashes in Florida state-wide in 2020, 160 crashes resulted in death;
• Pinellas County, Florida, totaled 622 bicycle crashes in 2020, with 7 resulting in death.

We sincerely hope that neither you nor any of your loved ones become part of these statistics, but if you have, there are steps you should take to assert your legal rights.

What Are Your Legal Options in a Bicycle Accident?

Under Florida law, bicycle accidents and cyclists are treated similarly to drivers of other motor vehicles. These include electric assist bicycles, standard cars, large trucks, and motorcycles.

Bicycle accidents can cause serious and even permanent injuries. These can have big impacts on lifelong mobility, overall health, ability to work, and ultimately your quality of life. If you are in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, property damage, and more.

An experienced St. Petersburg bicycle accident attorney can help you determine what kind of compensation you are legally entitled to.

The extent of your injuries and associated expenses will impact whether you should negotiate a settlement with the insurance company or bring a claim against the at-fault party to recover damages.

Determining Who is at Fault in a Bicycle Accident

To have a valid claim for personal injury, your case must fulfill four important elements:

• Someone owed you a duty of care, such as the duty to drive responsibly;
• The person negligently or intentionally breached the duty;
• The breach of duty caused the injury; and
• You can prove damage to a person or property.

Florida is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that if you are found to be no more than 50% at fault for the accident, your recovery is reduced by the same proportion as your percentage of fault. As an example, if you are found to be 20% at fault in an accident, you may still recover 80% of your damages in a lawsuit. If, however, your percentage of fault is found to be more than 50%, you are barred from any recovery under the law.

Florida Bicycle Laws

Whether you were properly following bicycle laws can make a difference when evaluating your degree of negligence. Florida bicyclists generally must follow the same traffic laws as other vehicles. There are specific Florida bicycle laws which include:

• You must be sitting on the seat when riding a bicycle;
• Passengers are not allowed unless you have two seats;
• A child passenger under the age of four or weighing 40 pounds or less must be in a carrier or special seat designed for a child that age;
• The child seat must secure the child from all moving parts of the bicycle;
• A child cannot be left on the bicycle unless the rider is on, near, or riding the bike;
• Bicycle helmets are required for anyone under the age of 16;
• A person riding a bicycle cannot attach themself to any moving vehicle on the roadway;
• Two bicycles may ride next to each other only on roadways set aside for bicycle use and must not impede traffic;
• Every bicycle ridden between sunset and sunrise has to have a lamp on the front of the bike that is visible from at least 500 feet and a lamp and reflector visible on the rear that is visible from 600 feet; and
• All bicycles must have a brake or brakes that allow the bicycle to stop within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour in ideal conditions.

Some of these violations are more severe than others. If you have failed to follow any of these rules, the defendant’s insurance company or legal team will try to use these facts as an argument for comparative negligence in an attempt to reduce your compensation.

How Can a St. Petersburg Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help?

There are a lot of components that go into filing a claim for damages in a Florida bicycle accident. It is important not to accept the first settlement offer made by an insurance company.

Insurance companies will always try to pay the least amount possible for your damages. Here are some ways a St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyer can help:

• Investigate the accident and gather information – including getting a St. Petersburg police accident report or helping you file a police report in St Petersburg;
• Evaluate your claim;
• Prove negligence and cause of injury;
• File all necessary documents in a timely manner;
• Determine how much compensation you should receive;
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf;
• Prepare for litigation if necessary; and
• Argue your case before the court.

Being in a bicycle accident is almost always a traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. Trusting a St. Petersburg bicycle accident attorney to act in your best interest is going to help you make the best decisions for your claim and reduce the stress of navigating the legal system.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Injury Lawyer in St. Petersburg

At Abrahamson and Uiterwyk, we have helped thousands of clients recover hundreds of millions for their personal injury claims. If you need a bicycle accident injury lawyer in St. Petersburg, contact Abrahamson & Uiterwyk online or call 800-538-4878 for a free case consultation.

Our office has a no-fee promise, which means you pay no legal fees or costs unless we win. The sooner we can start working on your case, the sooner we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation. We can also assist you with car accidents, motorcycle accidents, dog bite cases, medical malpractice cases, and more.

“Florida Law imposes responsibility on the owner a dog who bites…sometimes the resulting dog attack causes disfiguring and permanent scarring for which compensation may be available…”

-Erik G. Abrahamson

Dog Attacks Are Traumatic Events That Can Result in Severe & Permanent Injuries

You might see the same dog in your neighborhood every single day, and that dog might always be placid and playful… until one day it’s not.

Most dog attacks happen suddenly and with little warning. Because dogs attack out of instinct, they often aim to do damage, and they can be quite successful in that goal. Many Central Florida dog bite attacks are violent and traumatic.

It can be hard to predict when a dog might let its wildside show, which is why it’s so important to be careful around them — and why owners need to take precautions when their pets meet the public.

What to Do After an Attack

If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog, you should seek medical attention immediately. It may be impossible to diagnose the extent of the damage on your own. You need a doctor to examine your wounds, treat your pain, and to consider potential exposure to rabies or other risks.

Our St. Petersburg Dog Bite Attorneys have worked with many innocent victims whose stories might sound a lot like yours — well-behaved people who were hurt by animals on the attack without reason or provocation. It happens all the time. You aren’t alone, and you don’t have to handle this by yourself.

St. Petersburg Dog Bite Lawyers Are There to Protect Victim’s Rights

Florida law generally requires dog owners to take responsibility for the damages their pets cause. That means you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses, pain, suffering, emotional distress, time away from work, and other such disruptions to your daily life and financial welfare.

Do I Really Need a St. Petersburg Dog Bite Lawyer? Will I Have to Sue My Neighbor/Friend?

Many dog attacks involve a friend or neighbor’s dog, so we understand the initial reluctance that many of our clients feel about filing a lawsuit or taking legal action of any kind. There are a few things to consider, though, that might make you (and your friend) feel more at ease with the whole process:

• Your recovery is likely to cost a lot more than you initially expect. This is true in the majority of moderate-to-severe dog bite attacks. Doctor visits, time away from work, pain and antibiotic medications, insurance costs, rehabilitation, perhaps even reconstructive surgery — these are all expenses that can add up and take a toll on your wallet. A true friend would never expect you to pay these costs yourself when you weren’t at fault for the injury in the first place.
•  In most cases, we don’t have to seek compensation out of the pet owner’s pocket. Rather, it’s the pet owner’s insurance company that is usually responsible for compensating you. That insurance company doesn’t work for you, nor does it even work for the dog’s owner. It will try to pay you as little as possible, and the only way you may be able to get a fair settlement or recovery is to have a lawyer on your side.
•  As St. Petersburg dog bite lawyers, we can shoulder most of the legal conflict for you. That means you don’t have to be deeply involved in the day-to-day litigation, and the dog owner probably won’t be either. By leaving the negotiation between the lawyer and the insurance company, you can focus on recovering from your injuries and putting this traumatic event behind you.

Nursing home abuse is a growing problem in our society. Seniors and the disabled are often hurt by the very people who are supposed to help them. Vulnerable adults often suffer in silence. There seem to be countless scams that target the elderly, when they’re supposed to be enjoying the best years of their life.

Senior abuse can take many forms. It can be physical abuse or neglect of care. It can be personal abuse or financial exploitation. Too often, the results of nursing home abuse are tragic. Because caregivers hold a position of trust, others might not realize what’s going on until it’s too late.

If you suspect that your loved one might be suffering from caregiver or nursing home abuse, our team of experienced St Pete’s nursing home abuse lawyers can help. Florida has state agencies that exist with the purpose of ensuring the safety of the vulnerable in our society. There are also state laws that may be able to help your loved one receive compensation for their losses.

Florida Nursing Home Abuse Laws

Florida law prohibits nursing home abuse. In most cases, nursing home abuse is a crime that’s classified as a third-degree felony. Anyone convicted of the offense can expect to spend significant time in jail in addition to other penalties.

Nursing home abuse charges can result from physical injuries, mental injuries, or neglect. Under the law, any time a person purposefully injures a senior or a disabled adult physically or mentally, they’ve committed the crime of nursing home abuse. Even if the person doesn’t mean to cause the injuries, if they commit acts or omissions that are likely to lead to the injuries, they’ve committed nursing home abuse.

In addition to personally inflicting injuries, if a person encourages another person to take actions that are likely to cause injuries, they too are guilty of nursing home abuse. An example of where this might be an issue is with management. If nursing home managers require or encourage their employees to take actions that amount to abuse or neglect, the managers can be guilty of abuse just like those who provide direct care.

Florida’s nursing home abuse laws don’t just protect the elderly. Adults who are vulnerable because of a disability have protection under the law too. Both seniors and the disabled have protections under Florida law when they suffer nursing home abuse.

Nursing Home Liability

In addition to holding the abusers responsible, you may also have a claim for damages against the nursing home. Too often, the nursing home’s management directs or encourages practices that result in abuse. Sadly, poor leadership can result in harm to the vulnerable adults that the nursing home should capably serve. There are many ways that a nursing home may be liable for abuse:

Negligent hiring – A nursing home must hire qualified staff. If they fail to conduct appropriate background checks or properly screen employees for qualifications, they can face liability. Each nursing home should carefully screen applicants and hire only highly qualified caregivers.

Failure to train – Each nursing home should carefully train its staff in appropriate procedures. They should have written policies for handling certain situations. Staff members should receive continuing education as necessary to provide appropriate care.

Inadequate supervision – A care facility needs to supervise its employees. Too often, nursing home abuse occurs because care providers think that they can get away with it. Cameras, job reviews, and audits are all important ways that nursing homes should keep a watchful eye on their employees. A nursing home can also face liability when they don’t have enough employees to adequately provide care.

Failing to investigate – When complaints occur, a nursing home should take those complaints seriously. They should put the safety of those entrusted to their care first. If a nursing home fails to investigate a claim or terminate an unqualified employee, the nursing home can face liability.

What Types of Recovery Does Florida Law Allow?

To fully recover for your damages, you can bring a case under Florida’s civil laws. There are a number of different types of damages that may be available to you. If you suffer from physical injuries that result in out-of-pocket expenses, you can hold the abuser accountable to pay for those expenses. This might include bills for medical treatment that’s needed because of the abuse. Out-of-pocket expenses that are a direct result of the injuries are called economic damages.

Non-economic damages are available too. This can include pain and suffering. You may have mental anguish because of the abuse that you’ve endured. You may have loss of enjoyment of life. All of these things are damages that you can ask your abusers to fairly compensate you for under Florida law.

Types of Abuse

There are many different signs that may be warnings of nursing home abuse. These include:

Physical injuries – Bedsores, bruises, and bleeding can all be signs of physical abuse. If a victim suddenly looks disheveled or is always wearing the same clothes, there may be abuse. It can be the result of both intentional actions and neglect.

Mobility is another thing to watch. A nursing home patient should be as active as possible. Their care providers should provide them with mobility aids or personal assistance as needed in order to have a reasonable quality of life. If your loved one finds themselves spending long hours in bed with little to no attention, this can be abuse.

Changes in the victim’s behavior – Victims of nursing home abuse are often ashamed by what’s happening to them. They might become angry or irritable. They could suddenly refuse visits that they welcomed before. Even unusual changes in sleeping or eating patterns can indicate abuse.

Changes in caretaker behavior – Caretakers often go to great lengths to hide abuse. That might mean that they’re suddenly unwilling to coordinate visits with loved ones. They might refuse to answer questions or provide medical records when family is used to having access to them.

Caretakers should also be willing to provide open access to financial records. If you find that your loved one’s finances are suddenly secret, you have cause for concern. Those responsible for your loved one should provide an honest and forthright accounting any time that you ask for it.

A warning sign of abuse is often small. Abusers try to hide their behaviors. You shouldn’t ignore a warning sign or a flicker of intuition that something’s wrong.

Contact Our St. Pete’s Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

If you’re concerned about nursing home abuse, please contact us. There’s no worry that’s too small, and we’re happy to speak with you about your case. Together, we can make a plan to ensure you or your loved one’s safety and seek fair compensation. Call us today at 800-538-4878, so that we can get started on your case.

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