Wellington Personal Injury Lawyers
Your Path to Justice and Recovery
An unexpected injury can disrupt every aspect of your life—medical bills mount, work is put on hold, and recovery becomes your focus. At Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, our Wellington personal injury lawyers bring nearly a century of dedicated experience to helping individuals like you pursue the compensation needed to recover and rebuild.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to another’s negligence, call our Wellington personal injury lawyers at (561) 472-8165 or send us an email for a free, confidential consultation. Take a proactive step toward restoring your health, financial stability, and peace of mind.
What Steps Should I Take After an Injury?
Immediate Actions to Strengthen Your Case
After an injury, certain actions can strengthen your personal injury claim significantly. Here’s what to prioritize.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Documenting your injuries early provides a strong medical foundation for your case. Medical professionals can assess your injuries and create records that support your claim. - Document the Scene
If you’re able, take photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any relevant property damage. Collecting as much evidence as you can on the day of the injury provides a powerful foundation for your case. - Gather Witness Information
Witness accounts add valuable insight. Obtain contact information from those who observed the incident so their statements can be included in your case if needed. - Consult an Attorney
Consulting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible ensures that your rights are protected from the outset. An attorney can provide guidance, preserve evidence, and handle communications with insurance companies.
How Do I Choose a Winning Personal Injury Attorney?
Key Qualities to Look for in Your Attorney
Choosing the right attorney will directly impact whether or not you have a successful outcome. Look for the following attributes when selecting an injury attorney.
- Experience in Personal Injury Law
Look for an attorney with a track record in personal injury cases. Familiarity with the process can make a significant difference in strategy and outcomes. - Local Knowledge
Wellington’s road design and conditions, common accident sites, and typical ways insurance companies handle claims in the area can all affect your case. An attorney familiar with local issues can leverage this knowledge to your advantage. - Commitment to Client Communication
An accessible attorney who provides regular updates and answers your questions promptly will help you stay informed and confident in your case. - A Contingency Fee Structure
Working on a contingency fee basis means you won’t pay legal fees unless your attorney wins compensation for you. This structure reduces financial stress while focusing on results.
At Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, our attorneys embody these qualities, with a client-centered approach and a reputation for effective advocacy in Wellington and beyond.
Do I Have a Case?
Elements of a Valid Personal Injury Claim
For a personal injury case to proceed, four legal elements must generally be met. Here’s a breakdown of each:
- Duty of Care
The responsible party must have had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care. For example, drivers have a duty to operate vehicles safely, and property owners must maintain safe premises. - Breach of Duty
It must be shown that the responsible party failed to meet this duty, acting in a way that a reasonable person would not have in similar circumstances. For instance, if a driver was speeding, they breached their duty to drive safely. - Causation
There must be a direct link between the breach of duty and the injury. This causation element ensures that the injury occurred specifically due to the responsible party’s actions. - Damages
Finally, tangible damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering must be present for a claim to be viable.
Injury Documentation
Clear documentation of your injuries is critical. Medical records, treatment histories, and any related evidence support your claim by demonstrating the severity and impact of the injuries.
Assessing Case Viability
Our team evaluates each case thoroughly to determine if these elements are present. We then provide an honest assessment of your options, outlining the next steps and the potential outcomes.
What Types of Compensation Are Available?
Types of Damages in Personal Injury Cases
In a personal injury case, compensation may cover various losses, both economic and non-economic:
- Medical Expenses: Includes costs from emergency care, surgeries, ongoing treatment, and rehabilitation. Our attorneys document each expense to ensure full coverage of current and future medical needs.
- Lost Wages and Earning Potential: Compensation accounts for income lost during recovery and any reduction in earning capacity if your injury affects long-term work abilities.
- Pain and Suffering: This covers both the physical pain endured and the emotional distress resulting from the injury. Evidence like medical records and testimony from loved ones can help quantify these impacts.
- Additional Expenses: In some cases, compensation may also cover necessary adjustments to daily life, such as mobility aids, home modifications, or therapy sessions.
Our Wellington injury team will work to build a comprehensive case and secure a settlement or verdict that reflects the full extent of your financial and personal losses.
What Will it Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
Understanding the Contingency Fee Model
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Legal fees are deducted as a percentage of the settlement or court award, with no out-of-pocket costs during the case. The contingency fee structure allows you to focus on recovery without worrying about upfront legal fees.
Why the Contingency Model Benefits Clients
The contingency fee model ensures that your attorney is motivated to maximize your compensation. Since fees are contingent on winning, our interests align with yours—we succeed only if you do. This financial arrangement provides peace of mind and eliminates financial risk.
What Types of Cases Do You Take?
Overview of Our Practice Areas
Our Wellington personal injury lawyers are experienced across a broad spectrum of personal injury cases, each requiring a custom case strategy. Here’s a closer look at the types of cases we handle and our specific strategies for each:
Car Accidents
Car accidents can result from a variety of factors, such as distracted driving, speeding, and poor road conditions. Common collision types include rear-end impacts, side swipes, and multi-car pileups. For each case, we:
- Investigate Thoroughly: We collect police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction details to establish fault.
- Document Damages: We quantify immediate medical expenses, future treatment needs, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Negotiate Aggressively: Our attorneys communicate with insurers to seek fair compensation and are prepared to escalate to court if a reasonable offer isn’t provided.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents involve commercial vehicles that often operate under strict federal and state regulations. The size and weight of these vehicles increase the potential for severe injuries. When handling truck accident cases, we:
- Examine Driver and Company Records: We review driver logs, drug and alcohol tests, and maintenance logs to identify any regulatory violations.
- Consult Industry Experts: Accident reconstruction specialists, mechanical engineers, and industry professionals help us analyze complex evidence.
- Build a Comprehensive Claim: We account for medical costs, rehabilitation, lost earnings, and the long-term impact on our client’s quality of life.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face high risk on the road due to their limited protection and visibility. In Wellington, heavy traffic and complex intersections can add to these dangers. For motorcycle accident cases, we:
- Investigate Driver Negligence: We look for evidence of driver errors, such as failure to check blind spots, improper lane changes, and speeding.
- Detail the Full Impact of Injuries: Given the potential for catastrophic injuries, we document the client’s medical needs, both immediate and long-term.
- Emphasize Non-Economic Damages: Injuries from motorcycle accidents often involve pain and lifestyle changes, and we advocate for compensation that reflects these impacts.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
Wellington has many pedestrian-friendly areas, but these locations can become hazardous when drivers ignore traffic laws or fail to yield. Our approach in these cases includes:
- Analyzing Traffic Flow and Road Design: We examine whether the design or condition of crosswalks, bike lanes, and nearby traffic signals may have contributed to the accident.
- Gathering Witness Accounts and Footage: Surveillance or traffic camera footage, along with witness statements, helps us build a strong case.
- Addressing the Severity of Injuries: Given the vulnerability of cyclists and pedestrians, injuries can be severe. We seek full compensation for medical care, lost income, and long-term needs.
Premises Liability
Premises liability cases in Wellington involve injuries caused by unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. This can include slip and falls, poor lighting, or inadequate security. In these cases, we:
- Investigate Property Owner Responsibilities: We assess whether the property owner took reasonable steps to maintain safety and address potential hazards.
- Examine Maintenance and Inspection Records: We can use these to help us establish whether the property owner was aware of the dangerous condition.
- Seek Full Compensation for All Related Losses: We pursue damages for medical bills, lost income, and any future expenses arising from the injury.
Product Liability
Defective or dangerous products can cause serious harm. Product liability cases may involve issues with design, manufacturing, or labeling. Our strategy includes:
- Identifying the Source of the Defect: We determine whether the product issue arose during design, manufacturing, or distribution.
- Holding Responsible Parties Accountable: Depending on the case, we may pursue claims against manufacturers, distributors, or retailers.
- Documenting the Full Range of Damages: Injuries caused by defective products can lead to significant medical needs, lost income, and long-term health impacts. We seek compensation for all these areas.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. In wrongful death cases, we work to secure financial support for surviving family members. Our approach includes:
- Seeking Compensation for Lost Income and Support: We quantify the financial support that the deceased would have provided to their family.
- Accounting for Funeral and Other Expenses: We include all end-of-life costs in the claim to ease the financial burden on the family.
- Pursuing Justice on Behalf of the Family: Beyond financial recovery, our team is dedicated to holding the responsible party accountable.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home residents deserve a safe and respectful environment, yet neglect and abuse are unfortunately common. In these cases, we:
- Investigate Thoroughly: We review care records, staff qualifications, and facility inspection reports to uncover signs of neglect or abuse.
- Consult Medical Experts: Medical professionals help us understand the extent of harm and whether injuries were preventable.
- Seek Compensation for Physical and Emotional Harm: We pursue damages for both the physical injuries and the emotional distress caused by neglect or abuse.
Each of these case types requires a specific approach, and our team tailors its strategies to meet the unique demands of each case. Our Wellington personal injury lawyers are dedicated to advocating for fair compensation that reflects the true impact of each client’s injuries, ensuring that our clients can focus on their recovery.
How Does it Work?
Key Steps in the Personal Injury Process
The personal injury process generally follows these steps:
- Consultation – Discussing your case and determining the best path forward.
- Investigation – Collecting evidence such as accident reports and witness statements.
- Paperwork and Filings – Ensuring all necessary documentation is complete.
- Negotiations – Communicating with insurers to pursue a fair settlement.
- Trial Preparation – Preparing your case for court if a fair settlement isn’t reached.
Our attorneys provide guidance and regular updates throughout each phase, keeping you informed and prepared.
What Do I Tell My Insurance Company?
Communicating Carefully with Insurers
When dealing with insurance companies be careful what you say. Here are key tips:
- Limit Information
Provide only basic details about the accident; avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be used to dispute your claim. - Consult Your Attorney
Let your attorney handle detailed communications. Insurance adjusters are skilled at minimizing payouts, so having a lawyer communicate on your behalf can protect your claim’s value. - Document Everything
Keep records of all communications with the insurer, including emails, letters, and phone calls. These records can be valuable if disputes arise.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Statute of Limitations for Florida Personal Injury Cases
Florida law generally requires personal injury claims to be filed within two years of the injury date. Certain exceptions may extend this deadline, such as cases involving minors or where injuries manifest over time. We ensure all filings comply with legal deadlines, preserving your right to compensation.
What If I Am Partially at Fault?
Understanding Florida’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule allows you to pursue compensation if you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. If you’re found partially responsible, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but are 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
How We Address Partial Fault
When partial fault is involved, insurance companies often try to shift more blame onto the injured party. Our attorneys counter these tactics by gathering evidence and building a case that demonstrates the primary fault lies with the other party. In this way we can protect your compensation amount.
Take the Next Step with Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel
An unexpected injury can create life-altering challenges, but with the right personal injury team, you can secure the resources needed to rebuild. At Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, our Wellington personal injury attorneys bring focused experience and a results-driven approach to every case. Call (561) 472-8165 or use our contact form to request a free consultation to discuss how we can help you pursue the full compensation you need to move forward confidently.
