Were you hurt in an accident in Lakeland, FL? If someone else caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, lost earnings, and more. An experienced Lakeland personal injury lawyer can help you fight for all the damages you deserve.
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers has represented accident victims in Lakeland and across Polk County for more than 28 years. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions for our injured clients. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free case review to discuss how we can help you.
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How Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident in Lakeland, FL
An accident can happen in a moment and change your life forever. You should not have to fight for money for your medical bills and other losses. You deserve a tireless advocate who will take on the insurance company and take your case all the way to court if necessary.
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers have fought for Lakeland accident victims and their families since 1992. Our award-winning personal injury law firm has been recognized with the 2020 Silver Client Champion Award and a “Preeminent” Martindale-Hubbell rating. We’ve recovered more than $500 million. With more than 120 years of combined experience, you can count on our law firm to give you the legal counsel you deserve.
We are a small law firm with big resources. We will not delegate your claim to a case manager; you will receive the personal attention you deserve.
Here is how our Lakeland personal injury accident lawyers can help you:
- Provide sound legal advice, support, and guidance
- Fight back against insurance company tactics
- Handle all communications and paperwork
- Work with experts to gather proof and provide expert opinion on causation and your damages
- Negotiate on your behalf and take your case to court if necessary
Do not trust the insurance company to treat you fairly. Call Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers in Lakeland, Florida, at (813) 590-5954 today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
How Common are Accidents in Lakeland, FL?
According to FLHSMV, in 2023, Polk County reported a significant number of accidents in and around Lakeland, including:
- More than 13,600 auto-related accidents, resulting in over 10,000 injuries and nearly 175 deaths
- Over 3,000 hit-and-run crashes, nearly 1,100 of which resulted in injury to the victims
A personal injury claim can result from any accident or violence caused by another person. In 2019, Florida had an age-adjusted injury rate almost 9% higher than the national average. The rate was 12.5% higher than average for unintentional injuries, such as car accidents, falls, and drownings.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Lakeland
Att Catania & Catania, our Lakeland personal injury attorneys bring extensive experience and unwavering commitment to serve clients across a wide spectrum of personal injury cases in Lakeland. Our expertise in Florida personal injury law and a deep commitment to our clients position us as a formidable ally in your pursuit of justice and compensation.
We handle all types of accident injury cases, ranging from workplace accidents and traffic accidents to medical negligence, dangerous products, and intentional tort. Contact our law firm if you or someone you love has been hurt in any of the following types of accidents:
Lakeland, FL Car Accidents
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident requires more than just legal knowledge; it demands a compassionate understanding of the victim’s plight. Our Lakeland personal injury lawyers are adept at handling such cases, offering personalized support to ensure you recover the compensation you deserve. From tackling complex negotiations with insurance companies to litigating on your behalf, we stand with you at every stage, safeguarding your rights and fostering your recovery.
Lakeland, FL Truck Accidents
The challenges of truck accident cases in Lakeland, FL, are complicated, often involving battles against well-resourced corporate entities. Our firm’s seasoned injury lawyer in Lakeland, FL, possesses the expertise to tackle these challenges head-on. By conducting thorough investigations and identifying all parties liable for your suffering, we strive to secure maximum compensation for your losses, ensuring you have the representation needed to face powerful adversaries.
Lakeland, FL Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accident victims in Lakeland, FL, encounter unique hurdles, from severe injuries to facing unwarranted biases. Our legal team is committed to championing motorcyclists’ rights, working diligently to ensure fair treatment and compensation for all your losses. We understand the nuances of motorcycle accidents and are dedicated to providing the comprehensive support required for your full recovery.
Lakeland, FL Bicycle Accidents
Bicycling in Lakeland brings its share of risks, and accidents can leave lasting impacts. If you’re dealing with injuries from a bicycle accident, partnering with a Lakeland personal injury lawyer is essential. Our attorneys specialize in advocating for cyclists, aiming to secure just compensation for your injuries and advocating for your rights and safety on the road. We handle each case with the attention and dedication it deserves, focusing on your needs and best outcomes.
Lakeland, FL Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can be devastating, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Our legal team specializes in representing victims of pedestrian accidents in Lakeland, providing the empathetic and comprehensive support necessary during such challenging times. With a seasoned injury lawyer in Lakeland, FL, by your side, you can confidently navigate the complexities of your case, ensuring your expenses and emotional distress are adequately addressed.
Other Types of Cases We Handle
Beyond traffic-related injuries, Catania & Catania is equipped to tackle various personal injury claims in Lakeland. From motor vehicle accidents and slip-and-fall incidents to workplace accidents and cases of nursing home abuse, our lawyers bring a wealth of knowledge and advocacy to the table.
We also handle claims involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, offering our expertise to secure the justice and compensation our clients rightfully deserve.
- Lyft accidents
- Boating accidents
- Bus accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Catastrophic injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse
- Product liability cases
- Dangerous drugs
- Defective medical devices
- Premises liability cases
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dog bites
- Workplace accidents
- Construction accidents
- Assault
- Wrongful death
Do not let the insurance company treat you unfairly or blame you for your accident. Contact our law office or call (813) 590-5954 to schedule a free consultation with a Lakeland personal injury lawyer ready to fight for you.
Common Injuries in Lakeland Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury cases in Lakeland encompass a vast range of incidents, each leading to potentially severe and diverse injuries. Our clients have faced everything from traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage to fractures, burns, and significant emotional trauma.
At Catania & Catania, we recognize the profound effects these injuries can have on your life and livelihood. Our dedicated team is committed to assisting you through every step of your recovery process, ensuring you receive the necessary compensation to facilitate your healing journey.
What is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
You likely have many questions after your accident, including questions about how much your case is worth. Unfortunately, there is no simple way to estimate the value of a personal injury case in Lakeland.
During your consultation, your Lakeland injury lawyer will consider many factors:
- Were you partially at fault for the accident? Did you fail to mitigate your damages?
- How much insurance coverage is available?
- Do you have a strong negligence case?
- What type of injuries did you suffer and how serious are they?
- Will you have ongoing medical needs?
- Will you be able to return to your job?
- How will your injuries affect your mental, physical, and emotional health in the future? What about your quality of life, relationships, and ability to perform daily activities?
As a general rule, cases involving serious or disabling injuries are worth more than injuries from which you can make a full recovery. Serious injuries come with higher personal losses and long-term financial costs.
The best way to determine how much your case is worth is by scheduling a free case review with a Lakeland personal injury attorney.
What Damages Can I Recover After an Accident in Lakeland, FL?
You are entitled to compensatory damages when the defendant is found at fault for your injuries.
Compensatory damages are divided into:
- Economic damages or special damages. This is compensation for your financial losses.
- Non-economic damages or general damages. This is compensation for your intangible, personal losses.
Economic damages can be quantified, even though it may require the help of experts. Non-economic damages will consider the severity and type of injuries you sustained, the circumstances of your accident, how your life will be changed, and more.
The following are common examples of financial compensation you may recover in a Lakeland personal injury case:
- Property damage
- Medical care bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future lost earnings due to diminished or lost earning capacity
- Household services
- Other financial damages like home or vehicle modifications and counseling
- Non-economic damages for emotional distress, disfigurement, mental anguish, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, reduced quality of life, loss of enjoyment in life, and more
If your case goes before a jury, you may be awarded punitive damages on top of your compensatory damages. These damages are rarely awarded in cases and are capped at $500,000 or 3x your compensatory damages.
What Happens if I’m Partially at Fault for an Accident in Lakeland, Florida?
Are you being blamed for an auto accident or slip and fall? This is a common tactic by insurance companies seeking to reduce their own liability.
Florida uses a pure comparative negligence doctrine. This means you can still recover financial compensation even if you were 99% to blame for your accident. The damages you recover will be reduced according to your share of the assigned fault.
Do not let the insurance company try to shift the blame onto you. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Lakeland, FL, as soon as possible if you are being blamed for your accident.
What is Negligence and How Does it Affect My Personal Injury Case?
After you are injured in an accident, recovering compensation from the at-fault party requires proving they were negligent. This means they were careless or failed to exercise reasonable care.
A successful personal injury case proves all four elements of negligence:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care. This may be the basic duty of care a motorist owes to others on the road to exercise caution and obey traffic laws. It may be a heightened duty of care owed by a medical provider or property owner.
- The defendant breached the duty of care they owed you.
- The breach caused your accident.
- You suffered damages due to the breached duty of care.
You must prove negligence by “a preponderance of the evidence.” This means it was more likely than not that the defendant’s actions were unreasonable and caused your accident.
Evidence of negligence can include accident reports, witness statements, photos of the accident scene, video surveillance, maintenance logs, hiring practices, internal company records, and more. We may use expert testimony to strengthen your case.
If the at-fault party violated a safety law that was passed to protect people like you in similar circumstances, you may have an easier way to prove negligence. When you show the defendant was negligent per se, or by the law, they are presumed negligent.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Florida?
You have a limited amount of time to pursue your personal injury accident case. The first step is usually working with an insurance company.
Florida is a no-fault insurance state; your case may begin by making a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim against your insurance policy. This must be done within 14 days in most cases. For other accident claims, you must submit your claim to the insurer within a reasonable amount of time.
If you are eligible to make a claim against the other party’s insurance company, your claim must be submitted within a reasonable amount of time. You may also pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the other party, either after negotiations with their insurance company fail or without submitting an insurance claim.
In Florida, there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. Your case must be filed before this deadline or your case will be dismissed without consideration.
Wrongful death claims and medical malpractice lawsuits have a similar two-year statute of limitations. If you have a claim against a government entity, you have even less time to seek compensation. In rare cases, you may have longer to file an injury lawsuit such as medical malpractice that is not discovered immediately.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a personal injury accident contact our law firm today at (813) 590-5954.
What Does it Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Lakeland, FL?
Concerned about the cost of legal representation after your accident? The Lakeland personal injury lawyers at Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers will represent you on a contingency fee basis. This means no out-of-pocket attorney’s fees for skilled representation on your behalf.
We will handle everything from investigating your case to presenting your case to a jury. You will only pay our fees if we are successful in negotiating a settlement or winning a verdict.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Lakeland Personal Injury Lawyer
After a serious accident, you deserve sound legal advice and vigorous representation. Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers are prepared to fight on your behalf for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact our law office online or call us at (813) 590-5954 today for a free case review with a Lakeland personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.
