Personal Injury Lawyers in Winter Haven FL
Accidents can happen anywhere, and when they do, the consequences can be life-altering. The aftermath of an injury can leave you overwhelmed and uncertain about your future. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you do not have to face this challenge alone. Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Winter Haven FL law firm are here to fight for your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Navigating the legal system after an accident can be daunting, especially when you are trying to focus on your recovery. That is why having a dedicated and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer from Howell & Thornhill, P.A., by your side can make all the difference. As Polk County’s oldest personal injury law firm, we are committed to advocating for our clients so they can achieve justice and move forward with their lives.
Why Choose Howell & Thornhill, P.A.’s Winter Haven Personal Injury Attorneys?
At Howell & Thornhill, P.A., we bring over 100 years of experience serving the Winter Haven community and surrounding areas. Our team of injury attorneys protects injured individuals’ rights and holds negligent parties accountable. Here is what sets us apart:
A Legacy of Excellence
Founded with a mission to provide exceptional legal services to the local community, our team at Howell & Thornhill, P.A. is happy for you to check on our reputation in the community. Ask around! We have successfully handled cases for more than 10,000 clients, recovering millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.
Compassionate Advocacy
At our personal injury law firm, we treat our clients like family and understand the emotional and physical toll that an injury can take. From the first consultation, you will see that we are here to listen, support, and guide you through every step of the legal process. Your well-being is our priority, and we will fight tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Local Knowledge
As “Your Home Team,” we are deeply rooted in the Florida community. Our intimate knowledge of Winter Haven and the surrounding areas’ local courts, judges, and legal landscape allows us to craft effective and efficient strategies. This local insight gives our clients a significant advantage when pursuing their claims.
Personalized Attention
At Howell & Thornhill, P.A., we limit our practice to personal injury and wrongful death law, allowing us to give your case the attention it deserves. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances and tailor our approach to meet your needs. From car accidents to complex wrongful death claims, we give every client personalized and focused representation.
No Fees Unless We Win
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our firm only gets paid if we win your case, making high-quality legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. This ensures that your interests and ours are always aligned.
Types of Cases We Handle in Our Winter Haven Personal Injury Law Firm
Our Winter Haven lawyers handle a variety of personal injury cases, including:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are a leading cause of personal injury claims, with 133 fatalities and 9,532 injuries reported in 2022 by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Whether caused by distracted driving, speeding, or drunk driving, our attorneys are dedicated to holding the responsible party accountable and securing the compensation you deserve. From minor fender benders to severe crashes, we fight to help you recover the resources needed for your recovery.
Truck Accidents
Due to commercial vehicles’ large size and weight, truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. Our team has extensive experience handling complex truck accident cases involving multiple parties, such as trucking companies and federal motor carriers. We work diligently to uncover critical evidence, such as driver logs and maintenance records, to prove the truth of what happened.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are highly vulnerable due to their lack of external protection, making accidents especially dangerous and often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Aware of the unique risks they face, like limited visibility, road hazards, and aggressive drivers, we will investigate your accident and fight to protect your rights and to secure your compensation.
DUI Accidents
DUI accidents in Florida cause numerous fatalities and injuries each year, with impaired drivers often causing devastating consequences for victims. We are committed to holding these drivers accountable and pursuing maximum compensation for victims. Our team works to secure justice while sending a clear message about the dangers of impaired driving.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists are at significant risk of injury in collisions with motor vehicles. Due to their size and vulnerability, cyclists are often severely injured in accidents, even those that may seem minor. Our team works diligently to ensure that injured cyclists receive the medical care and compensation they need to recover. We handle a wide range of bicycle accident cases, including collisions with motor vehicles, unsafe road conditions, and defective bicycle equipment.
Boating Accidents
Florida’s waterways are renowned for their beauty and recreational opportunities but can also be hazardous, with boating accidents often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Our attorneys can help you seek justice and compensation if you have been injured due to negligence. We thoroughly investigate potential causes, including reckless operation, equipment failure, negligent maintenance, and third-party negligence.
Work Injuries
Workplace injuries can have a devastating impact on your life and livelihood. Whether you have suffered a serious injury in a construction accident, developed a repetitive stress injury, or been injured due to unsafe working conditions, our skilled team can help. In some cases, you can file a lawsuit against a third party, such as a negligent contractor or equipment manufacturer, in addition to your workers’ compensation claim.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are highly vulnerable in traffic accidents, often suffering severe injuries or fatalities when struck by negligent drivers. We advocate for injured pedestrians, fighting for the compensation they deserve. Our team handles various pedestrian accident cases, including crosswalks, jaywalking, hit-and-run, distracted driving, and drunk driving accidents.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for their guests and invitees. This includes ensuring that the property is free from hazards that could cause slip-and-fall accidents. If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property, we can help you pursue a premises liability claim. We handle slip-and-fall cases caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, obstructions, inadequate lighting, and lack of safety precautions.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Animal attacks, especially dog bites, can cause severe physical and emotional trauma, ranging from minor wounds to disfigurement or even death. Victims often face lasting emotional effects like fear and PTSD. Florida law holds dog owners liable for injuries caused by their pets, even if the owner was unaware of aggressive tendencies. Our attorneys understand Florida’s dog bite laws and will work tirelessly to hold negligent pet owners accountable for your injuries.
Accident Reconstruction
When liability is unclear, accident reconstruction can provide critical evidence. Our injury lawyers work with experts to recreate accidents and build a compelling case for our clients. This approach is particularly beneficial in complex cases involving multiple vehicles or conflicting witness accounts.
Paralysis, Scarring, and Other Injuries
Severe injuries, such as paralysis or permanent scarring, can have devastating and life-altering consequences. These injuries often require extensive and ongoing medical care, resulting in significant financial burdens. Furthermore, they can lead to significant emotional and psychological distress, impacting your quality of life, relationships, and overall well-being. Our team understands the profound impact that catastrophic injuries can have on you and your family. We are committed to fighting for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Nursing Home Abuse
Elderly residents deserve to live in a safe and caring environment. If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home, our Winter Haven attorneys are here to fight for accountability for the physical harm. From physical harm to emotional abuse, we take a comprehensive approach to achieve justice for your family.
By offering proficient representation in these and other personal injury matters, our injury law firm in Winter Haven, FL, is committed to helping you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
Understanding Florida’s Personal Injury Laws
Navigating the complexities of Florida’s personal injury laws can be challenging. An personal injury attorney from Howell & Thornhill, P.A. can guide you through these complexities, protect your rights, and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically two years from your injury date. However, exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances of your case. It is crucial to act quickly to preserve your right to compensation.
Comparative Negligence
Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if a judge or jury finds you to be 50% or less at fault for your injuries, you can still recover damages. However, the amount you can recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Conversely, if it finds you more than 50% at fault for your injuries, you are barred from recovering any damages.
No-Fault Insurance
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, meaning your own insurance company will cover $10,000.00 in medical expenses and lost wages, without raising your rates typically if you are not at fault. The insurance for the driver at fault owes the remaining amounts along with reimbursement of your suffering.
Steps to Take After an Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can protect your rights and preserve evidence for your claim. Here is what you should do after an accident:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and safety should be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, seeing a doctor to document your condition is essential.
- Report the incident: Notify the appropriate authorities, such as the police for car accidents or property managers for slip-and-fall cases.
- Gather evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible, including photos of the scene, witness contact information, and medical records.
- Avoid speaking to insurance companies: Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim. It is best to let our personal injury lawyers handle all communications.
- Contact a Winter Haven personal injury lawyer: The sooner you involve our attorneys, the better your chances of building a strong case.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
In a personal injury case, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: Covers current and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages: Reimburses income lost due to your inability to work
- Pain and suffering: Compensates for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury
- Property damage: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, such as your vehicle
- Punitive damages: In rare cases of gross negligence, the court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Time is of the essence in personal injury cases. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and insurance companies often try to delay the process. By contacting our Winter Haven law firm as soon as possible, you will give yourself the best chance of securing a favorable outcome.
How To Choose the Right Attorney: Personal Injury
After an accident, choosing the right personal injury attorney is critical to securing the compensation you deserve. At Howell & Thornhill, P.A., we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll injuries can take, and we are dedicated to fighting for your rights. However, with many attorneys to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a personal injury attorney:
- Experience: Look for an attorney with a proven track record of success in handling cases like yours. Our firm has lawyers with over 100 years of experience and recovered millions for our clients.
- Reputation: Research the attorney’s reputation and read client testimonials. Howell & Thornhill’s commitment to client satisfaction can be checked by our positive reviews and reputation within the Winter Haven community.
- Communication style: Choose a lawyer who is easy to communicate with and who will keep you informed throughout the legal process. During your free consultation with our firm, you can learn about our attorneys and discuss your case in detail. We do not have case managers, voice mail, or a call center. You will meet a lawyer face to face.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the right personal injury attorney to represent you after an accident.
Contact Howell & Thornhill, P.A., Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in Winter Haven, FL, contact our personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation. We are here to answer your questions, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process. Let us help you turn a difficult situation into a path toward recovery and justice.