In the wake of an accident, you are likely to have an overwhelming number of questions; chief among them: who is going to pay for my injuries? Who you can seek compensation from and when you are likely to see a settlement can depend on a number of factors, including the type of accident and where it occurred.
One of the first questions to ask is whether the at-fault party has insurance covering the type of accident that led to your injury. Different types of claims can have substantially different rules governing how a case is processed. For example, if you are injured in a preventable accident while on someone else’s property, you may be able to file a premises liability claim with the property owner’s insurance. On the other hand, if an accident occurred at work or while performing work-related duties, you will probably file a claim through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
When an insurance company is involved, they will typically be the party who pays your damages. Again, the type of claim can greatly impact a potential settlement. In accident cases where negligence or fault must be established (such as in premises liability claims), the defendant may be under no obligation to pay damages unless or until a settlement is reached. However, under no-fault systems such as workers’ compensation or car accidents in Florida, victims may have access to needed funds more quickly. Settlements in injury cases often include payments for medical bills that victims have already paid themselves as well as for future expenses.
In the event that an at-fault party has no insurance to speak of, victims may be left with few options. For example, individuals can bring a lawsuit against the responsible party directly; however, a victim’s compensation may be limited to what a defendant can afford to pay. In the event that the injured party has a personal injury protection plan or another form of their own insurance, they can seek payment from their own insurer. Unfortunately, if no viable option presents itself, victims may be left to foot medical bills on their own.
Injured in an Accident? Call (239) 309-7550 and Get the Help You Need
Each case is different and if you have questions about your specific situation, do not hesitate to contact our firm. Injury claims and lawsuits encompass a large area of the law which is why it is critical to seek out an attorney who possesses substantial experience handling cases similar to yours. Attorney Ryan Kuhl has a proven record of success handling a variety of complex cases including auto accident, premises liability, and dog bite claims.
Contact our firm today and speak with a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney backed by nearly two decades of experience.