Don’t Be Fooled: Five Common Myths About Personal Injury Law

For almost 45 years, the attorneys at Searcy Denney have worked with Florida clients who have suffered an injury. Over the years, we’ve become aware of many misconceptions that may cause victims to feel hesitant about contacting a lawyer. 

For instance, they may feel skeptical about working with an attorney – or being able to afford one. In addition, they may doubt their ability to recover damages or fear bankrupting the responsible party. Sadly, these misconceptions may keep many people from contacting a Florida personal injury lawyer after being injured. 

If you’ve suffered injuries due to an accident or other incident, the choice to contact an attorney is very important. An experienced, trustworthy attorney can protect your interests and advocate for you and your family as you seek the compensation you deserve for your suffering. 

We hope that debunking these five myths can help you decide about contacting a Florida personal injury lawyer. And if you do decide to move forward, contact us today for a free case evaluation.

MYTH: You must take care of a personal injury claim yourself.
REALITY: You don’t have to navigate this on your own. 

Yes, you can attempt to resolve a claim on your own. However, just because you can do something doesn’t mean that you should. Providing legal representation for personal injury claims is highly complex – especially if the claim runs the risk of going to trial. People who handle their own claims could run the risk of missing out on a more significant settlement.

Being injured in an accident can be difficult, stressful, and painful. At Searcy Denney, a Florida personal injury lawyer will come alongside you and fight for the full compensation available under the law. Our injury attorneys have helped people hurt in accidents recover billions in damages via settlements and court verdicts. In addition, we have the resources and experience to ensure that those responsible for your injury are held fully accountable. 

MYTH: I can’t afford to hire an attorney.
REALITY: At Searcy Denney, you don’t have to pay if you aren’t awarded damages. 

One of the biggest reasons people are hesitant to work with a Florida personal injury lawyer is that they are afraid they will have to pay out of their pocket up front, with additional fees piling up over time. That’s not usually true, however. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. In other words, the only fees paid are connected to damages awarded at the outcome of the case. 

At Searcy Denny, we agree to work for you on a contingent fee basis in nearly every case. Our promise: no recovery, you owe us nothing. That means that our fee is an agreed-upon percentage of the compensation you are awarded, and our firm won’t get paid unless you recover those damages. In addition, we offer a free case evaluation. We’ll talk about the legal options available to you so that you can have more confidence when deciding whether or not to move forward. 

MYTH: I can wait until I feel better before filing a claim.
REALITY: Filing a claim sooner is usually better. 

Some victims may feel like they can take their time when it comes to filing a personal injury claim. There’s no doubt that an accident’s physical and emotional toll could lead victims to not feel ready to move forward. However, there is actually a time limit on how long you have to make a claim. 

All 50 states, including Florida, have rules called statutes of limitations that limit the amount of time victims have to file a claim. Though there are sometimes exceptions to these, the best route is to contact a Florida personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if you’ve suffered an injury due to someone’s negligence or willful misconduct. You don’t want to lose the opportunity to pursue a claim. Plus, it’s ideal for claims to be investigated while the incident is fresh in witnesses’ minds. 

MYTH: I don’t want to ruin the responsible person’s life by making them pay.
REALITY: Often, the liable party’s insurance will pay the funds. 

Many of the victims we meet are genuine and kind-hearted. They may be fully aware of the pain and suffering they’ve experienced. They may even know who is responsible and have evidence to show for it. Still, maybe they’re not sure about pursuing a claim against this party because they don’t want to bankrupt them – especially if the person responsible is a close friend or family.

If you’re feeling some guilt about burdening the other party by filing a claim for injuries, medical expenses, property damage, or other pain and suffering, remember that the person who is responsible for your injury probably won’t be paying damages from their own funds. Instead, their insurance will likely cover the cost of any settlement you’re awarded.

MYTH: My injuries aren’t severe enough to contact an attorney.
REALITY: A “minor” injury or damage still deserves to be covered.

Don’t make the mistake of downplaying your injury. Just because your injuries weren’t substantial doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve to have your medical expenses covered. As you may have experienced, even “minor” injuries can require an ER visit and need X-Rays, expensive diagnostic tests, and additional appointments to diagnose your situation further. 

Watch out for “minor” injuries leading to inadequate settlement offers from insurance companies that don’t cover your expenses. Whether you broke a thumb or suffered a brain injury, a Florida personal injury lawyer can work with you to secure a settlement appropriate for your injury, damages, and any pain and suffering that may apply.  

We’re Here to Help – Contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Today!

If you’ve experienced an injury due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct, consider reaching out to a Florida personal injury lawyer at Searcy Denney. We have extensive experience working with injury victims and can help you understand your options. We encourage prospective clients to ask EVERY question that comes to mind so you feel informed and confident about moving forward if you choose. Call us toll-free at 800-780-8607 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. We have offices conveniently located in Tampa,  West Palm Beach, and Tallahassee.