Gavel and Stethoscope on Wooden Table

Pasco County, Florida Injury Lawyer

When you sustain an injury due to another’s negligence, you may not know where to turn. Filing a claim while recovering is taxing, especially if the insurance company is pressuring you. If you need help with an injury claim, you’re in the right place. Wendy Doyle-Palumbo, Esq. is a Pasco County injury lawyer dedicated to obtaining justice for victims and their families. She also utilizes her skills as a trial lawyer, not limiting herself to roles solely outside of the courtroom. We are tech-savvy and offer free virtual consultations or meetings if you are in need of that accommodation. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

Why Hire a Lawyer in Pasco County, Florida for Your Injury Case?

When searching for an injury lawyer in Pasco County, Florida, you may have several options to choose from. However, several things set Wendy apart from other injury attorneys.

30+ Years of Legal Experience

Wendy Doyle-Palumbo has decades of legal experience in personal injury and family law, both as a paralegal and as a lawyer. Before receiving her law degree, she spent 12 years working with various practices in Florida.

After graduating from law school, she served as Assistant Attorney General and then opened her own law practice. Her experience in handling complex cases from a variety of angles allows her to communicate the best legal options for her clients.

A Reputation of Outstanding Client Service

Throughout the years, Wendy has been recognized by multiple professional legal organizations for her dedication.

The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys named her one of the 10 best attorneys in Florida in 2015 and 2017. In addition, the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys awarded her in 2016 and 2019 for her client service.

Free Case Consultations

Some lawyers may ask for an upfront fee to retain their services if you have an injury case. However, Wendy always has the best interests of her clients in mind.

Our Pasco County injury and accident law firm offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis. That means you owe us nothing unless we get you a settlement or judgment.

You can fill out one of our forms here or just pick up the phone and call us. Once we have received your application, we will get you in touch with a Pasco County injury lawyer directly. We are here to guarantee the best possible conclusion for your case.

Personal Injury Cases We Handle

There are many ways an injury may happen. Some may even happen when you least expect them. Wendy knows how traumatizing this is for victims and their families. That’s why she handles different types of injury cases, including:

While many injury lawyers accept these types of cases, they usually hand them off to a case manager.

In larger firms, that case manager may have hundreds of cases to work on. This means that they can’t provide individualized attention to your claim. Since Wendy’s practice is small, you can expect personal attention from her, no matter your case type.

Potential Damages Available

In Florida, there are three types of damages that victims may typically pursue in a personal injury case. Each damage type involves different losses that may or may not apply to your claim.

The first type, called economic damages, includes the calculable losses associated with your injury. For example, if you get into a car accident, you may have several medical bills, lost wages, or vehicle repairs. Economic damages cover these losses and even future medical expenses.

The second type, called non-economic damages, covers the intangible, subjective losses after your accident. So, what does intangible mean? Essentially, these are losses that affect your life, but not in a way that is easily measured by a price or cost. For example, if your injury causes permanent disability or chronic pain, it decreases your overall quality of life. You can claim losses like this in an injury case in the form of pain and suffering.

The last damage type, known as punitive damages, isn’t that common in injury cases. Instead of reimbursing the victim for a loss, the court awards punitive damages as a punishment for the defendant. This usually happens in cases of intentional harm, excessively reckless negligence, or repeat offense. An attorney in Pasco County, FL can tell you if this applies to your specific situation.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

In most jurisdictions, injury victims have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. Under Florida law, victims have two years from the date of the injury to file an action. This applies to most injury case types, including car accidents, slip and falls, etc. However, those filing for medical malpractice may have as much as four years from either the date of malpractice or the date they recognized they were harmed by malpractice. If you try to bring a lawsuit after either of these dates, chances are the court won’t hear your case. This is why it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Personal Injury FAQ

What Do I Do After an Accident?

If you have been seriously injured, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you are not taken to the emergency room immediately, try to take pictures of the scene and get the contact information of any witnesses. Most importantly, DO NOT ADMIT FAULT or even apologize to anyone involved – as this will be used against you in court.

How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Case?

You don’t. This is why you need to set up an appointment with a personal injury attorney to assess the facts in detail. In the consultation, the lawyer will discuss how the law factors into your situation – and what you may be able to earn in compensation.

Do I Still Have a Case If I Don’t Feel Injured?

It’s tough to gauge an injury immediately after an accident – as your adrenaline will be pumping like crazy. You may not realize you’re injured for a couple of days. If authorities ask if you are injured, tell them you don’t know – then consult a doctor.

How Long Do I Have to File a Case?

This depends on your situation. In the state of Florida, you generally have two years to file a case after the date of the accident, but this can vary, depending on the origin of your injury.

Should I Speak With Insurance Adjusters?

No! Do NOT speak with an insurance adjuster for anyone else involved in the case. They may seem polite on the phone, but they are professionals at coaxing information out of people to reduce liability. If you get a call from an insurance adjuster, tell them to speak to your attorney. This is a big one!

What If I Have a Pre-Existing Condition?

You can certainly receive benefits from the at-fault party if you have a pre-existing condition. The damages may be reduced, but you can hold the other party liable for making your pre-existing condition worse. These cases can get complicated. Hiring a specialized attorney is absolutely crucial here.

What If I Was Partly at Fault for the Accident?

In the State of Florida, the law operates as “comparative negligence”. In a nutshell, this means you can still receive compensation if you are partly at fault in the accident. However, your recovery may be lessened depending on the circumstances and the jury’s determination.

How Long Does It Take to Settle My Claim?

Most cases end in an out-of-court settlement between the defendant or their insurance company. However, the timeline is nearly impossible to predict. There are a number of moving parts that are simply out of your hands. Personal injury attorneys are critical here to expedite the process and navigate around delays.

Why Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Personal injury lawyers are essential in getting the maximum compensation in the shortest amount of time. They know all the steps, tricks, and ways to negotiate for the highest settlement. Declining to use a lawyer makes you vulnerable – and the chances of winning your case go drastically down.

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

You should never have to worry about paying personal injury attorneys. A trustworthy lawyer will take your case free of charge. They know they will collect their fee as part of the settlement you receive from the other party. This is called a contingency fee arrangement. Generally, they will take between a 30-35 percent cut of your settlement – but this may be higher if you go to trial and/or the appellate process.

Schedule a Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you suffer an injury due to no fault of your own, you need a Pasco County injury lawyer you can trust. Wendy Doyle-Palumbo has spent her whole career litigating a variety of cases. She’ll manage every aspect of your case from day one, and she’s available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have. There is nothing more important than having the right kind of support after an accident. An experienced injury lawyer can help you with your claim to protect your legal rights and cover your losses. We proudly fight for clients in Pasco County and throughout Florida, including Brooksville, Citrus County, Clearwater, Holiday, Inverness, Spring Hill, Tampa, Hernando County, Hudson, and New Port Richey. Contact Wendy Doyle-Palumbo today.

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