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Panama City Personal Injury Attorneys
Representing the Wrongfully Injured in Bay County
After an accident, there can be a lot to think about. From hospital bills to medical expenses to lost wages, it can be challenging to focus on your recovery when your economic security might be at stake. If you were wrongfully injured due to someone else's negligence in Bay County, securing experienced representation from a qualified Panama City personal injury lawyer is paramount to securing fair compensation.
Injuries can occur without warning, and when they do, our personal injury attorneys in Panama City are here to protect your rights. If another’s carelessness harmed you or a loved one, look no further than the experienced representation at Perry & Young, P.A. to seek justice on your behalf. With hundreds of millions of dollars recovered for our clients, you can count on our firm to guide you wisely throughout your case.
Our comprehensive approach explores every legal angle to advocate for your best interests. Our firm has cultivated strong professional relationships within the legal community, providing us with numerous resources to assist in your representation. Additionally, our attorneys stay updated with the latest legal trends and case law developments, leveraging this knowledge to strengthen your position and achieve a fair outcome for your situation.
If someone else’s negligence injured you, our firm can pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. Call (850) 215-7777 to schedule a free consultation.
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"They are dedicated to helping you and will go above and beyond for you."I have used Ted Howell and Trina at this firm to help me for my claim and have referred other people as well to them that they have helped. They are dedicated to helping you and will go above and beyond for you. You will never have to wonder what is going on with your case as they always keep you in the loop. I highly recommend Ted and Trina if you need someone in your corner!- Hollie H.
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"Perry and Young is a fantastic Law firm to work with!"
Perry and Young is a fantastic Law firm to work with! I have personally worked with Ted Howell on multiple occasions and he has been kind, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend Ted and Perry Young.
- Christopher A. -
"Always willing to help EVERYONE in their surrounding community!"Perry & Young, P.A. is an amazing injury firm! They support many local clubs and school organizations around the Panhandle of Florida, including my FFA chapter at Cottondale High School. They are very friendly group of individuals and are always willing to help EVERYONE in their surrounding community!- Charlize R.
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"Their support for their community is phenomenal."Perry & Young, P.A. is an amazing attorney office. Their support for their community is phenomenal. They sponsor and constantly support many of the clubs and organizations in the Panhandle. I know personally that they sponsor the Cottondale FFA Chapter and supports us in anything we do- Kaitlyn H.
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"This law firm is who you need to call if you have an injury."
This law firm is who you need to call if you have an injury. I had the pleasure of working with Ryan and team; all who were prompt and knowledgeable both in informing me of updates or answering any questions I had. Thank you again!
- Ann D. -
"Lance Berry genuinely and sincerely has compassion for others."I’m so very grateful for choosing this firm. Also I highly recommend Lance Berry! He has went above and beyond to help me. He genuinely and sincerely has compassion for others. He was very kind and understanding about my injuries and situations. Thank you so very much for everything you’ve done. I am forever grateful and will spread the word to anyone I know whom needs help after an accident!!!- Jennifer W.
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"They made sure to communicate with me every time there were changes or more information in my case."Team Howell: Ted, Kris and Trina. They were excellent to work with, they made sure to communicate with me every time there were changes or more information in my case. They guided me and advised me through every step in my case. They are very friendly and welcoming. I could not ask for a better group to represent me. I am truly thankful for them.- Bob D.
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"My guy Les McFatter was very professional and always a text or phone call away"
I had a remarkable experience with Perry and Young. My guy Les McFatter was very professional and always a text or phone call away to answer any questions or concerns. He went above and beyond to make this experience as smooth as possible! Maggie Harris thank you for making communication so easy. Highly recommend! Thank you Les and Maggie!
- Travis J.
Personal Injury Cases We Handle
We handle the following cases, and more:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Our attorneys represent clients injured in various motor vehicle accidents, from car crashes to truck accidents to hit-and-runs. Our firm is well-equipped to seek fair compensation for injuries from motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, tire defects, etc.
- Medical Malpractice: Our attorneys have a successful track record representing clients in medical malpractice cases. From surgical errors to delayed diagnoses to birth injuries, our firm can pursue justice on your behalf.
- Nursing Home Abuse: Nursing home negligence is a sad reality. Our lawyers help families navigate the complexities of the legal process while fighting to recover full damages on their behalf.
- Workers’ Compensation: Our accomplished workers’ compensation lawyers help injured employees protect and exercise their rights by filing for workers’ compensation benefits following workplace accidents. Our team goes the extra mile to hold liable parties accountable while fighting to ensure our clients are compensated fully and fairly.
Florida Personal Injury Laws
Personal injury laws in Florida govern the legal rights of individuals who have been harmed or injured due to another party's negligence or wrongful actions. These laws include car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, medical malpractice, and product liability cases.
Main Elements of Personal Injury Liability
To succeed in a personal injury lawsuit based on negligence in Florida, the plaintiff (the injured party) typically needs to prove the following elements:
- Duty of Care: The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant owed them a duty of care. This duty of care refers to the legal obligation to act reasonably and prudently to avoid causing harm to others. For example, drivers must operate their vehicles safely, property owners must maintain safe premises, and healthcare providers must provide competent medical care.
- Breach of Duty: The plaintiff must show that the defendant breached the duty of care owed to them. This means the defendant failed to act consistently with how a reasonable person would have acted under similar circumstances. The breach of duty could involve actions (such as reckless driving) or inactions (such as failing to fix a hazardous condition on a property).
- Causation: The plaintiff must establish that the defendant's breach of duty was the cause of their injuries. Proximate cause means that the defendant's actions or negligence directly led to the plaintiff's injuries in a foreseeable way. In other words, the plaintiff must show that "but for" the defendant's actions or negligence, the injury would not have occurred.
- Damages: The plaintiff must prove that they suffered actual damages due to the defendant's breach of duty. Damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the injury.
However, Florida is a no-fault insurance state regarding car accidents. This means that regardless of who is at fault for the accident, individuals injured in car accidents must first seek compensation from their insurance provider through personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Yet, there are exceptions to this rule for serious injuries that meet certain thresholds, allowing the injured party to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.
Florida follows a strict liability doctrine in some cases, such as product liability cases involving defective products. This means that the injured party does not need to prove negligence by the manufacturer or seller; they only need to demonstrate that the product was defective and caused their injury.
Additionally, property owners in Florida must maintain safe conditions on their premises. If someone is injured due to hazardous conditions on another person's property, the property owner may be held liable for the injuries under premises liability laws.
Florida's Comparative Fault Rule
Florida follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that if the injured party is found to be partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced proportionally. However, Florida applies pure comparative negligence, which means that even if the injured party is 99% at fault, they can still recover 1% of damages from the other party.
Your Rights Under Florida's Personal Injury Laws
Florida's personal injury laws are structured to protect victims of negligence and wrongful conduct. Navigating these laws can be complex, involving statutes that dictate how cases are pursued and the types of compensation that may be available. Understanding your rights is essential, as it can significantly impact the resolution of your case and the compensation you may receive for your injuries and losses.
In Florida, negligence must be demonstrated by showing that the responsible party violated a duty of care that led to your injuries. This duty of care stipulates how individuals and entities should act to prevent harm to others. If a person fails to meet this standard, they may be held legally responsible for any injuries resulting from their actions, as long as the connection between them and your injuries is straightforward and demonstrable.
If you are involved in an accident in Florida, knowing that the state follows a comparative negligence rule is essential. If you are partially at fault for an accident, your compensation could be reduced proportionally by the level of fault attributed to you. For instance, if you are found to be 20% responsible for an accident, your compensation might be reduced by 20%. Working with an attorney who can effectively argue to minimize any attributed fault and maximize your recovery is essential.
Ways to Help Your Personal Injury Claim
Collecting evidence is crucial to support your claim. This can include photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, police reports (if applicable, such as in car accidents), medical records documenting your injuries and treatment, and any other relevant documentation like repair estimates for property damage.
You must also seek prompt medical treatment for your injuries. Not only is this important for your health and well-being, but it also creates a record of your injuries and treatment, which can be crucial evidence in your case.
Navigating a personal injury lawsuit can be complex, so it's advisable to seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and work to secure the compensation you deserve. Do not hesitate to let Perry & Young protect your rights, health, and best interests inside and outside the courtroom.
Our firm has 15 years of experience protecting the rights of the injured in Florida. Contact us online to discuss your case with a trusted Panama City attorney!
Common Mistakes People Make After Suffering an Injury
After an injury caused by someone else's negligence, people often make errors that can hurt their chances of receiving fair compensation. To protect your claim and your financial future, it’s important to avoid these common personal injury mistakes:
- Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
Many people underestimate their injuries and delay seeking medical care. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, some conditions may worsen over time. Failing to seek prompt medical attention can not only endanger your health but also create gaps in your medical records, which are crucial for your personal injury claim. - Failing to Document the Incident
Forgetting to gather evidence from the accident scene is a frequent oversight. Photographs, witness statements, and police reports are key to proving fault and damages. Without this documentation, your claim may lack the solid foundation needed to succeed. - Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Advice
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. It’s common for victims to say something inadvertently that can weaken their claim or settle for much less than they deserve. Talking to adjusters before consulting with a personal injury lawyer in Panama City is a costly mistake. - Waiting Too Long to File a Claim
Personal injury claims in Florida are subject to statutes of limitations, which means delays in taking action might result in losing your right to compensation. It's essential to act quickly to protect your case. - Not Consulting a Personal Injury Attorney
Some individuals try to handle personal injury claims on their own, unaware of the complexity involved. This often leads to undervaluing the claim or navigating pitfalls that could have been avoided with professional legal assistance.
Being proactive about your health and claim is vital when navigating personal injury circumstances. Seeking the right medical evaluations promptly, understanding the importance of documentation, and consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can drastically influence the trajectory of your recovery both physically and financially.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Navigate the Statute of Limitations
Complying with the statute of limitations is essential in any personal injury matter. In Florida, most personal injury lawsuits must be initiated within two years from the date the injury occurred. This timeframe generally applies to auto accidents, premises liability claims, and wrongful death. However, some exceptions exist. For instance, medical malpractice cases also carry a two-year deadline, but in certain situations, the countdown may begin when the injury is discovered rather than when it happened.
Failing to file within the appropriate timeframe can result in your case being dismissed entirely, regardless of merit. This is where working with a personal injury attorney becomes especially valuable. An experienced lawyer can:
- Ensure timely filing: Your attorney will track important legal deadlines and ensure all necessary documents are submitted within the statute of limitations.
- Evaluate exceptions: In cases where the start of the statute may be delayed, such as injuries not immediately discovered, they can determine whether any exceptions apply.
- Preserve evidence: Early involvement allows your attorney to gather and preserve key evidence that may weaken or disappear over time.
- Build a strong case: Attorneys know how to assemble and present compelling claims while protecting your rights throughout the legal process.
By seeking legal counsel early, you reduce the risk of missing critical deadlines and improve your chances of securing fair compensation. Our Panama City personal injury attorney can help you stay on track, make informed decisions, and ensure your case complies with Florida law.
How Can Perry & Young Help?
Navigating the legal intricacies of personal injury law can be immensely challenging, especially when dealing with the physical, financial, and emotional burdens of a recent injury. If you were injured due to someone else's negligence in Panama City, seeking sound counsel from a trusted legal representative is imperative to avoid common legal pitfalls and pursue full damages under the law.
Our dedicated Panama City personal injury lawyers at Perry & Young, P.A. are proud to offer high-quality representation to individuals and families in their times of need. When you choose to partner with us, we can assist with:
- Filing your claim: Our attorneys can ensure you understand the legal options available and guide you through the steps to file your claim correctly and on time.
- Presenting compelling evidence: In personal injury lawsuits, the injured party ("plaintiff") bears the burden of proving negligence on the part of the offending party ("defendant"). Our seasoned lawyers can help fortify your claims with relevant evidence to present your argument as compellingly as possible.
- Minimizing unnecessary time and costs: Time-consuming litigation and accruing legal fees aren’t ideal for someone recovering from an accident. Clients can trust our attorneys to keep conflict and costs to a minimum when possible and review each case with a practiced legal eye to determine if it can be settled out of court or if pursuing litigation is necessary to achieve a fair settlement.
- Negotiating with insurers: Our personal injury lawyers are effective negotiators, empowering them to protect your rights against large and powerful entities that may seek to take advantage (e.g., insurers offering lowball settlements).
Our Panama City personal injury lawyers have successfully handled thousands of cases, empowering us to pursue maximum compensation for our clients in various personal injury claims and disputes.
Contact Perry & Young today to meet with our personal injury lawyer in Panama City!