Frequently Asked Questions
You’re not only one with questions after being injured in an auto accident. As Florida accident injury attorneys we’ve found most of our clients want to know how the legal process works. Check out our extensive library of answers, including dozens of videos by our attorneys.
As accident injury attorneys, what types of clients do you represent?
The Law Offices of Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA are known as some of Florida’s top accident injury attorneys. With over 100 years of combined auto accident injury cases experience, we serve the interests of injured people by taking on those accused of causing our clients’ pain.
If my case settles, how long will it take before I receive money?
Typically, once a case is settled, documents must be exchanged between both parties of the lawsuit. This process usually takes 30 – 45 days, but can take longer if your case involves special circumstances such as a settlement of a minor or incompetent, which requires court approval.
Will you speak with me before settling my case?
Yes, no case is ever settled without your expressed consent. Whenever settlement negotiations are initiated by either party you will be informed, and it is only with your full participation, advice, and consent that your case will be settled.
What are punitive damages?
Punitive damages exist to punish or make an example of the wrongdoer for conduct that is intentional, or when the wrongdoer acts in a reckless manner in disregard for the rights of others. The actual payment of punitive damages is rare, and appellate courts frequently cut punitive damage awards down, or simply throw them out. However, the threat of punitive damages can often induce the defense to make an increased settlement.
What are the compensatory damages?
Compensatory damages compensate the injured person for various kinds of losses or damages. These may also be referred to as actual damages. Compensatory damages include economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages, or non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, mental anguish or inability to lead a normal life.
What is a deposition?
During the course of your case, you will most likely have to give a deposition. A deposition is a statement that is given under oath before a certified court reporter. When your deposition is taken one of the lawyers in this office will be there to represent you. Before you attend a deposition, you will be thoroughly prepared days beforehand.
Will I have to attend court hearings?
Not always. As your case is developed and prosecuted, there will be various court hearings on legal matters. These hearings normally involve discovery issues such as the court determining what documents must be produced when one side has objected. These type of hearings do not require your attendance or participation. If any court hearing does require you to attend, you will be notified.
Who from your law firm will work on my case?
NK&P’s staff of lawyers and legal assistants will work with you directly. We also have investigators, forensic specialists, psychologists, law clerks, and word processors all working on your behalf, although some of them you may never communicate with or see.
What are your fees and do I have to pay anything up front?
NKP opens its doors and offers you a no-charge-upfront promise. We work on a standard Florida Bar approved contingency fee contract, which means if we do not recover money for you, you owe us no attorney’s fees. If we win your case and recover money on your behalf, our fees will be deducted from your settlement or award.
How much is my accident injury case worth?
The value of each case is different and must be evaluated separately. We take a great deal of time to come to a proper evaluation of your case. However, you must know that there is never a guarantee of any recovery.
What if I have been injured and think I have a case?
Please call us with any of your legal questions, including inquiries about whether or not your case is valid. We will discuss your case in a manner that you understand and put your mind at ease. We are here to listen and advise, free of charge.
What types of claims do you handle?
We have had positive results against many of the area’s insurance companies, medical manufacturers, automobile manufacturers, land and business owners, as well as a wide array of other negligent defendants.Primarily, we sue or bring claims against insurance companies who cover negligent drivers and premises owners.
5 Signs You Should Contact Our Accident Injury Attorneys
If you have recently been injured, become seriously ill, or a loved one has died due to an injury, you may have cause for a personal injury lawsuit. But not all injuries qualify, so how do you really know? Call and speak with our accident injury attorneys today. We are happy to answer your questions.Luckily, there are certain factors that can help you determine if a lawsuit is the right choice for you. Let’s look at 5 signs you should file an accident injury lawsuit.
- Another person caused your injury. Someone else causing your injury is pretty much the ground floor for filing a personal injury claim. Car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, boat, and pedestrian accidents tend to fall into this category. If you were riding a bicycle and were hit by a car and broke your arm, you could most likely sue the driver of the vehicle for damages. The same principle would apply to any of these scenarios. Unfortunately, it’s not always quite so clear cut. For example, if someone slips on a spill in a grocery store and breaks a hip, the fault could lie with the injured individual or with the property owner. The best way to know for sure if you have a viable personal injury lawsuit is to sit down with an experienced injury attorney and go over the details of your case.
- You needed medical treatment for your injuries. If you cut your finger or scrape your knee, you don’t have a personal injury case on your hands. Those are minor injuries that most likely won’t affect your normal routine. But if you need to see a doctor or go to a hospital, you might be able to file a lawsuit to cover your medical fees and seek other damages. When you see a medical professional, however, make sure you get a copy of the necessary documentation to prove that you did, in fact, get treatment for your injuries.
- You were injured on someone else’s property. You could be injured in a slip and fall accident in a retail store, tripping over building stairs, hanging out at a friend’s house, or even if you’re the victim of a violent crime in a parking lot. When these kinds of things happen, on another person’s property, you may have a suit depending upon the particular circumstances. Why? Because a property owner is responsible for maintaining their property and anticipating potential risks and hazards.
- A loved one died due to sustained injuries. If you were in a car accident and a loved one died as a result of injuries from that car accident, you most likely will have a valid wrongful death lawsuit. Or it could have been a medical error, work injury, or slip and fall accident. Whoever was responsible for and caused the loss could be sued by you on behalf of your family member.
- A medical professional caused your injury. Medical professionals make mistakes, but an illness or injury suffered at the hands of a medical professional could turn into a personal injury lawsuit. Whether you were misdiagnosed, received the wrong prescription, or were the victim of a medical error or malpractice, you might be able to sue the medical professional.
An injury can be overwhelming and emotional to deal with on your own. That’s why you should contact an experienced Florida personal injury attorney at Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA if you believe you have a personal injury lawsuit based on these 5 signs. As Florida personal injury attorneys, we are able to look at your case and determine if you’re entitled to any compensation from the responsible parties. Call 305-931-6666.
