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An injury that keeps you from working will create real financial strain. Talk to a Fort Myers, FL personal injury lawyer to help you identify and gather the right documents to prove your losses and access all the compensation you're entitled to. Key Records to Proving Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity Florida law treats these losses as economic damages. That category covers both the income that you've already lost and also income you're reasonably certain to lose in the years ahead. The Easiest Part The easiest thing to prove is usually the wages you've already lost. Pay stubs from the months right before the injury will show your regular rate of pay, the typical hours you work, how often you take overtime, and any bonuses. A letter from your employer that confirms the exact days you missed, your hourly or salary rate, and any benefits that have stopped because of your missed work will be equally useful. W-2 forms and federal tax returns from the prior two or three years can give a longer view of your earnings pattern and help rule out any argument that what you were earning right before the injury was just a temporary fluctuation. Injury and Its Effects Medical records are an important bridge proving the link between your injury and the missed paychecks. They also are needed to prove what your potential is for lost income in the future. For example, if you're unable to return to your physically demanding job for another six months because your doctor is restricting your activities or you're waiting for surgery, that income should be reimbursed. You'll need your treating physician's notes stating, in plain language, that the injuries prevented you from performing your job duties. Work-restriction forms, physical-therapy progress notes, and any functional capacity evaluation results need to show exactly what tasks you could no longer do and for how long. The Complex Part For future earning capacity, things get trickier. It's difficult to predict into the future. The court will look at your ability to earn, not merely the paycheck you held on the day of the injury, and they will require proof that any reduction you're expecting in the future can be shown with reasonable certainty. That standard usually calls for more than your testimony alone. You'll need permanent impairment ratings assigned by a doctor, imaging studies, and long-term treatment plans. Expert Help Vocational experts are often used in these cases. They review your education, work history, physical restrictions, and the local job market, then explain which occupations remain open to you and which are closed. Their reports translate the medical limitations into concrete occupational consequences. Then, you'll need an economist to take those findings and turn them into dollar figures. Your lawyer will have connections with experts of these types to help prove your case. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Fort Myers, FL for a Consultation If you've been injured, contact Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. in Fort Myers today to get a free consultation. Since 1962, we've been helping the people of Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida.

A boating collision on the local waters around Fort Myers, FL can easily leave you dealing with damage, possible injuries, and questions about what comes next. Getting advice from a boating accident attorney right away can make a real difference in how things turn out for you Steps to Take After a Fort Myers, FL Boating Accident Keep Everyone Safe Stop the boat safely if you can and check every person on board for injuries. Look for bleeding, broken bones, or anyone who seems dazed or in pain. If anyone needs urgent help, call 911 or use your VHF radio to reach the Coast Guard right then. Give first aid only if you know what you're doing and conditions allow it. Document Everything While Details Are Fresh Take photos and short videos from multiple angles before anything gets moved or changed. Try to capture the damage to both boats, any debris in the water, the position of the vessels, weather and water conditions, and any visible injuries. Use your phone's GPS or a marker to note the exact location. Write down or record the other operator's name, address, phone number, boat registration number, and insurance details, if they have any. Get the same information from any passengers or witnesses, along with their contact info and a quick note of what they saw. Report the Collision Properly The law requires that you make a written report when a boating collision causes bodily injury, death, the disappearance of anyone, or property damage that looks like it'll cost $2,000 or more. You must also notify authorities immediately if there's a serious issue of any kind. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or the local sheriff's marine unit usually handles these reports. Call them as soon as you can after securing the scene and getting medical help. Even when a report is not strictly required, filing one creates an official record that can protect you. Handle Insurance and Other Communications Carefully Call your own insurance company to report the incident, but stick to basic facts when you talk to them. Don't discuss fault, give recorded statements, or accept any settlement offer from the other operator's insurer without having a lawyer review it first. Insurance companies often try to close these cases quickly and cheaply, hoping that you don't yet know how much money you're really owed. Call a Boating Accident Attorney Bringing in an attorney early in the process can change how the rest of it will go. They can step in and manage talks with insurance companies, properly investigate the cause of the accident and who was at fault, and gather the right evidence or experts as needed to prove all this. They'll also track all your medical costs, lost wages, and the impact this has had on your daily life and work to recover fair compensation for those losses, plus pain and suffering. If a boating collision has disrupted your time on the water, call Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. in Fort Myers, FL now at 239-500-4878 for a free consultation. We also serve clients in Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres, and Port Charlotte.

If you've been in a motorcycle crash in Fort Myers, FL, comparative fault rules will have an effect on your final award if you were partly to blame. Talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you can to make sure you know what your options are and to protect yourself from any unfair accusations of fault. Comparative Fault In Fort Myers, FL Comparative fault divides responsibility for an accident, assigning percentages of fault to everyone involved (when justified). The idea is to make sure compensation matches the degree of responsibility each person holds, and your final compensation is usually cut by the same percentage as your fault. So, for example, if you were hit by a car that turned without looking when you had the right of way, they'd be primarily to blame. However, if you were also speeding at the time, you might be assigned 10% of the fault on the theory that you might have avoided the accident if you hadn't been speeding. That means you'd be able to recover 90% of your losses and damages. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you're able to recover so long as your fault is 50% or less. If you're more than 50% at fault, you can't recover anything at all. Florida used to have a pure comparative negligence approach, where you could recover at least a little bit even if you were 99% at fault, but since 2023 that's no longer the case. How Fault Is Determined Fault is about who failed to exercise reasonable care under any given circumstance, and in a motorcycle accident, it can be hard for the cyclist to get a fair hearing. Many people assume that motorcyclists are reckless by nature, so having a lawyer is particularly important. You'll want the help of someone with experience in the legal system and an understanding of the bias that cyclists face. Motorcyclists frequently encounter situations where a car or truck driver's inattention is the primary cause of the accident, but rider errors such as speeding or improper cornering can be an issue; and the insurance companies typically look hard for any evidence of fault on the part of the rider. Other Ways Your Award Can Be Affected Florida law also allows insurance companies to argue that your choice not to wear a helmet worsened certain types of injuries, even if you were actually following all state laws and even if you didn't contribute to the accident itself. Riders over 21 who have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage may legally ride without a helmet, but if you suffer head trauma, the defense may claim that proper headgear would have reduced the severity of your injuries. They will then argue that they shouldn't have to pay for all your medical bills. Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer If you've been in an accident, give us a call at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. in Fort Myers, FL at (239) 441-2009 for a no-obligation discussion about your rights. You can also talk with us at our offices in Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres, or Port Charlotte.

If you've lost a loved one in a fatal accident in Fort Myers, FL, it may very well be worth talking to a wrongful death attorney to find out if the case qualifies to bring a lawsuit. What Turns a Fatal Accident Into a Wrongful Death Case? A fatal accident has grounds to become a wrongful death lawsuit when the death results from another person or entity's wrongful act, negligence, default, or breach of contract or warranty. Essentially, you would ask yourself: " H ad my loved one survived, would they have had grounds to bring a personal injury lawsuit? " If so, you can likely bring a wrongful death claim. Who Can File the Lawsuit? Only the personal representative of a deceased person's estate can bring a wrongful death action, which is done on behalf of the survivors and the estate. Survivors typically include the spouse, children, and parents but can also include other blood relatives if they were dependent upon the deceased and any adoptive children or parents if the adoptions were legalized. What Can Be Recovered for the Survivors? Various things can be recovered for different survivors, depending on the specific circumstances and the relationship of each survivor to the deceased. In general, all survivors are entitled to get the value of the support and services that their loved one would have provided them had they lived. Spouses can also claim for the loss of companionship and protection they have suffered. Minor children can also be compensated for the loss of guidance and instruction that they would have gotten from their parent. In addition, survivors are entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering or mental anguish they've endured by the loss of their loved one. The family is also entitled to recover funeral expenses and any medical expenses that their loved one incurred as a result of the accident. The deceased's estate itself can also bring a claim to recover what the estate can be assumed to have been worth had the deceased lived a normal lifespan. Figuring this out can be tricky, but a lawyer can help. It's important to consider the deceased's: Age at death Financial situation Career and career trajectory Earning potential Health at the time of the accident For example, if the person who died was already 65, retired, and dealing with advanced heart disease, the court will generally find that their estate would have gained far less in additional savings or assets had they lived, compared to a healthy 35-year-old who was steadily advancing in their career. Talk to a Wrongful Death Attorney An experienced lawyer can review the facts of your situation to tell you whether your loved one's death is likely to qualify for a wrongful death claim. If you have questions, talk to Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. in Fort Myers, FL right away. We serve clients in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres, and Port Charlotte as well as surrounding areas.

Slip and fall accidents are more common than you might think, especially in bustling areas like Fort Myers, Florida. These incidents can lead to serious injuries and even long-term disabilities. Understanding the common hazards in popular locations around Fort Myers can help you stay safe and avoid potential accidents. Common Slip and Fall Hazards Wet Floors Whether it’s a spill in a grocery store or a recent cleaning at a shopping mall, wet floors are a significant risk. Look out for caution signs and be cautious in areas prone to spills. Uneven Surfaces Cracked sidewalks or uneven flooring in public spaces can cause unexpected trips. Pay attention to your surroundings and report any hazards to property management. Poor Lighting Inadequate lighting in parking lots or hallways can obscure potential hazards. Always ensure you can see where you're walking, especially at night. Obstacles Items left in walkways, such as boxes or cleaning equipment, can be dangerous. Clear paths are essential for safe passage. High-Risk Locations in Fort Myers Shopping Centers Busy shopping areas are common places for slip and fall incidents due to a combination of heavy foot traffic and maintenance activities. Parks and Recreational Areas Uneven ground and wet grass can be hazardous, particularly after rain. Restaurants and Cafes Spills are frequent in these settings, so it’s crucial to be vigilant about where you step. Prevention Tips Wear appropriate footwear with good grip. Stay alert and avoid distractions such as mobile phones while walking. Report hazards to the appropriate authorities to prevent accidents for others. What to Do If You Experience a Slip and Fall If you find yourself in a slip and fall accident, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Document the scene with photographs and report the incident to the property manager. This documentation will be vital if you decide to pursue a legal claim. At Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A., we specialize in personal injury cases, including slip and fall accidents in Fort Myers. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the process and fight for your rights. For expert legal advice and representation, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.

If you've been in a slip-and-fall accident outside a store in Fort Myers, FL, you may be able to bring a claim against the store owner or manager if there were unsafe conditions that contributed to your fall. A slip-and-fall lawyer can help you gather the evidence you'll need to show what happened. Evidence You Need in Your Fort Myers, FL Slip-and-Fall Claim The best evidence in these cases will usually be: Photos of the scene Incident reports Eyewitness statements Video surveillance footage Medical records Internal reports Complaints to the city Proving Liability All the evidence you collect goes towards showing negligence to prove that the store is liable. You have to prove the store had a duty of care to keep you safe, failed in this duty, and that this failure was what caused (or significantly contributed to) your accident. Then, you have to prove precisely what you've lost as a result of the accident. Your losses are called "damages" in legal parlance. Why It Can Be Tricky If your fall took place at the storefront, in other words outside the store itself, the question becomes precisely what the store owner or manager's duty was regarding that area. The store owner or manager does have a duty to keep that entrance area safe and either fix hazards or warn visitors about them. But because the area is outside, exposed to the elements, it's important that you be able to prove actual or constructive knowledge on the part of the store. Actual Knowledge Actual knowledge means the store owner or manager had seen or been told about a hazard. Constructive Knowledge Constructive knowledge means the store owner or manager should have known about a hazard, either because it had been there long enough that it should have been discovered in the due diligence of keeping the store in order, or because it was a regularly occurring hazard. PProving constructive knowledge requires showing that the hazard had been there a while or that it was often a problem. For example, if there's an area at the entrance to the store that regularly becomes slick when wet, the store should have been putting out warning signs every time it rains. But if that area was slick because a visitor to the store spilled their drink on it 15 minutes before you fell, and the day was dry, the store owner likely won't be found liable. Common Defenses Three of the most common defenses that stores in these cases use are: Comparative fault: you are at least partially to blame Lack of notice: the store wasn't aware and couldn't have reasonably been expected to be aware Open and obvious danger: a reasonable person taking basic precautions would have avoided the danger Talk to a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer As you can see, it can be tricky to prove liability in these cases. Call us today at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. for help with your case in Fort Myers, Naples, ​Cape Coral, ​Lehigh Acres, or Port Charlotte.

Most of us know that airplanes have "black boxes" that record important data that can be accessed after a crash. Fewer people know, however, that most cars made after about 2013 also have Event Data Recorders (EDR), or black boxes, that have important info your car accident lawyer in Fort Myers, FL may be able to use after a crash to show what happened. What's an EDR and How Do You Access It? The EDR doesn't record everything or send constant surveillance information anywhere. What it's doing is taking snapshots of the car systems at the moment of a crash or any near crash. Basically, if you slam on the brakes or it senses a jolt, it will kick on. It will also kick on if some of your safety systems are engaged, like airbags. The EDR will typically show the speed the car was traveling at the time of the crash, whether the seatbelts were engaged, whether the driver was pressing on the gas (and how hard), and whether the brakes were hit. It may or may not show other information, but EDR systems function in different ways, depending on model, year of production, and manufacturer. Getting access to this data isn't necessarily straightforward. You can't access it on your dashboard; it can only be retrieved using some special hardware and software that connects with your vehicle's diagnostic system. For this reason, it's important that you don't authorize any repairs or salvage of your damaged vehicle too quickly after an accident. If the information from the other vehicle could be important to your case, get your lawyer to request the court in writing to hold it as evidence. Why It's Important EDR data is important because it is neutral. It doesn't have a bias, and it can't forget. In a car accident, liability disputes often center around just a couple of moments in time, and the humans involved in those moments may not accurately remember what was going on. That is just the nature of memory. Beyond that, there's always a temptation for someone who knows they're liable to lie to protect themselves. The EDR data can prove what really happened. For example, in a rear-end collision, the following driver is typically held at fault automatically because they are required to keep a safe following distance. But if the EDR data backs up their claim that the front driver suddenly slammed on their brakes, this could help their case. Limitations It's important to bear in mind that the black box is not a magic tool that will take care of everything in itself. It's just one piece of evidence that your lawyer may be able to use. The EDR also cannot contribute to questions like whether a light was green or whether a pedestrian stepped out suddenly in front of a vehicle. It can only record what's going on in the car. Talk to a Fort Myers, FL Car Accident Lawyer Today If you've been in an accident, call Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. in Fort Myers at (239) 441-2009. We also have offices in Port Charlotte, Naples, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres.

By Andrea Smith Deciding whether to use birth control is a significant and deeply personal choice for a woman. Beyond preventing pregnancy, birth control may also be used to regulate menstrual cycles, reduce anemia, manage endometriosis symptoms, improve skin and lower the risk of developing ovarian and endometrial cancers. Risks for users of Depo-Provera While birth control offers benefits, risks also exist. For some users of Pfizer’s injectable drug Depo-Provera (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate), recent research has raised concerns about a potential link to meningioma brain tumors. Meningioma is a type of brain tumor that develops from the meninges, the thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common type of primary brain tumor. Symptoms may include headaches, seizures, vision problems, hearing loss, memory issues, weakness or personality changes –depending on the tumor’s location. A recent study published in JAMA Neurology suggests prolonged use of Depo-Provera may be associated with an increased relative risk of developing meningioma. Although meningiomas are typically non-cancerous, they can still lead to serious health complications. Treatment options vary and may include monitoring, surgery, radiation therapy or a combination of approaches, depending on the tumor’s size, growth rate, symptoms and location. Women seeking compensation for health issues Legal action is being taken across the country against Pfizer. Depo-Provera is the subject of a growing mass tort, with more than 1,700 cases having been consolidated in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) as of this month. Although Pfizer maintains the drug is safe, the Food and Drug Administration added a meningioma warning to the Depo-Provera label in December 2025. Women involved in the litigation allege injuries linked to long-term use, including brain tumors. Plaintiffs claim Pfizer failed to adequately warn doctors and patients about the risk of developing meningioma. Under failure-to-warn laws, pharmaceutical manufacturers may be held liable if they do not provide sufficient risk information to allow patients and physicians to make informed decisions. These claims do not assert the drug is defective or fault physicians for prescribing it. Allegations in lawsuits against Pfizer regarding Depo-Provera include the following: Pfizer was aware or should have been aware of the increased risk of meningiomas associated with prolonged Depo-Provera use. Pfizer failed to adequately warn doctors and patients of potential risks. Some women suffered significant harm, including the need for brain surgery, after continued use without full awareness of the risks. Plaintiffs are seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages. Evidence cited includes medical records, prescription histories and expert testimony linking the medication to brain tumors. Pfizer is the primary defendant. Generic manufacturers named in some of the lawsuits include A-S Medication Solutions, Greenstone LLC, Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC, Prasco Laboratories and Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. Statutes of limitations for filing legal claims related to Depo-Provera injuries vary by state. The period to file a lawsuit typically starts when a person is diagnosed with a brain tumor and can reasonably attribute it to the birth control medication. The litigation is ongoing, with additional cases expected as awareness increases. Individuals who believe their health issues may be linked to Depo-Provera are encouraged to seek qualified legal guidance to explore their options. About the Author Andrea Smith is co-managing Partner of Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith. She specializes in personal injury and wrongful death cases.

When you're involved in a car crash in Fort Myers, FL with someone who doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough to cover your losses, your Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage should kick in. Figuring it all out can be difficult, but your car accident attorney can help you work through your claim and compensation options as well as deal with the paperwork and negotiations. UM and UIM Coverage UM coverage steps in when a driver who causes an accident has no insurance at all. Your UM coverage will help to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. UIM coverage is for when the other driver doesn't have enough insurance for all your losses. You'll first draw on their insurance, but when you hit their policy limit, your UIM coverage kicks in to cover the rest up to your own policy limit. more What Makes Them Different It's important to understand that UM/UIM coverage is not the same as liability coverage or collision coverage. Liability coverage on your insurance policy covers the damage that you cause to someone else. Collision coverage is to handle the repairs for your vehicle. Why UM/UIM Coverage Matters in Fort Myers, Florida Our state has a no-fault insurance system, meaning that for most minor crashes, each driver's own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance will cover their initial medical costs and some lost wages, no matter who caused the crash. Once the PIP is used up, however, if you still have losses that aren't covered, and if your injuries qualify under state guidelines, you can bring a claim against the other driver. If they don't have insurance, or not enough, then you'd need your UM/UIM coverage.Florida requires insurers to offer UM/UIM when you buy a policy, but you are allowed to reject it. You have to do so in writing, however, so if you don't remember doing that, it's likely you do have UM/UIM coverage. How Your Car Accident Attorney Helps It can be very difficult to work through all the red tape to access the coverage you need. You'll need to file with your PIP insurance, possibly fight them if they dispute any aspect of coverage, and then decide if you're eligible to bring a claim against the other driver. If so, you'll have to do all the legal work involved in that, and if the other driver doesn't have coverage, you'll then have to apply again to your insurer for UM/UIM coverage and provide proof that all other coverage options have been exhausted before they'll consider your claim. Your lawyer will have been down this road many times before and can review your policy, gather evidence, keep pushing with all involved parties, handle all the paperwork, make sure deadlines are met, deal with disputes and negotiations, and make sure you don't settle for less than you're entitled to.If you've been in a crash and need help with a claim, contact us now at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Naples, or Port Charlotte to set up a free consultation.

If you're bringing a personal injury claim here in Fort Myers, FL, it's normal to feel stressed about the medical bills piling up as the case is negotiated. Your personal injury lawyer can not only help you with the case itself but also help you work through a combination of insurance coverage and deferred payment agreements to deal with these bills until you get reimbursement from a settlement or judgment. For Car Accidents Florida is a "no-fault" state for car accidents, and this means every driver must carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP covers 80% of your reasonable and necessary medical expenses, up to the policy limit, and 60% of your lost wages if you're unable to work while you recover. To use your PIP coverage, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. PIP will pay your medical providers directly while your case is pending, regardless of who was at fault, and the insurance company is required by law to pay within 30 days of the date you submit your claim. However, they do have 60 days to investigate the claim. This coverage is often the first source of payment for bills in auto accident cases, though it's often insufficient, as $10,000 doesn't go very far. more Health Insurance or Other Coverage If your PIP benefits run out or are not enough, which is common where there have been serious injuries, or if your claim isn't being brought after a car accident, you can use your private health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid to cover the gaps while you wait for a settlement or judgment. These plans usually pay providers right away or as services are provided. Bear in mind, however, that these insurers have the right to be reimbursed later from any money you receive in your settlement or court award. Your lawyer will keep track, and once your settlement or award is paid, will reimburse your insurer and make sure the insurance company is only reimbursed for what they actually paid. Getting Letters of Protection If you do not have enough insurance coverage or otherwise can't pay the bills immediately, many doctors and medical providers in Florida will treat you if they have a properly prepared Letter of Protection (LOP). An LOP is a written agreement that should be prepared by a qualified attorney. In it, the healthcare provider agrees to wait for payment until your case settles or goes to trial, and you promise to pay them once the settlement or verdict is in. This can be a wonderful option, but be aware that if your case does not result in a large recovery, or any recovery at all, you will likely still owe your provider the full bill. Talk to your lawyer to be certain of the terms of the LOP Your lawyer can help you explore other options. Call for a free consultation with Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. in Fort Myers, FL ​to get help with your claim.

The first step in getting the compensation that you deserve after an injury comes as you choose your Fort Myers, FL personal injury attorney. Your first meeting with your attorney is an important one. Here's what to bring to that first consultation. All the Essential Documents You'll need documents identifying you and providing your phone number, email, and mailing addresses. If you are bringing a claim on behalf of a minor or an incapacitated person, you'll need to bring the legal documents showing that you are the guardian or legal representative of that person. more Next, make sure you have all the documents related to your accident itself. A report, whether you made that with the police or with a business, should be included as well as all your medical records and bills. Then, gather up and bring all your insurance documents and copies of any correspondence that you've had with the insurance company so far. Finally, if you have had to miss work because of the accident, you'll need to bring proof of your income and any correspondence you've had with your employer. ‍The Evidence The next thing to bring is whatever evidence you have beyond the initial report. Ideally, this will include photos and videos of the accident scene, any property that was damaged, and any injuries you sustained. Be ready to provide your lawyer with contact information for any witnesses. If you have any correspondence related to the accident, be sure to bring that. You'll also want to bring receipts for any expenses you've had that can help to show what happened. For example, if you never take Ubers, but you suddenly started taking them on rides to and from your home and your doctor's office after the accident, this can be used to help prove you were injured in the crash or that your car was damaged. Your List of Questions You should also come to your first consultation prepared with a list of questions you want to ask. Be sure to ask the attorney how much experience they have with cases like yours, what the legal fees will be like, whether they think you have a strong case and how long it's likely to take, and what the next steps will be if they decide to take your case and you decide to proceed with them. ‍ You might also ask who will be communicating with you, as this may not be the attorney directly. That's not something to worry about: attorneys have highly specialized skills, so hiring staff to do basic communication frees up an attorney to spend their time on things only they can do. But you should still know who will be calling or emailing you and when you should expect to speak to the attorney directly. To set up your first free consultation, contact Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. in Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Port Charlotte, Naples, or Cape Coral today.

Every personal injury case is unique, and the total settlement is always going to depend on what injuries you've sustained and the precise circumstances of your case. Following is some general information, but you need to talk with a Fort Myers injury attorney as soon as possible to present the details of your case and get a better idea of what you personally can expect. Nationwide, there's an incredible amount of variety depending on the type of personal injury you're talking about. But on average, over the last 20 years, half of all people who brought a personal injury claim received $24,000 or less. The average amount for all cases of all types was $31,000, but the average for various types of cases can be quite different. For example, the average for a car accident case is just $16,000, while the average for a medical malpractice case is $679,000. For product liability, the average is $748,000, and for a slip-and-fall or other premises liability case, the average is $90,000. Here in Florida, car accident settlements do tend to be slightly higher because of Florida's no-fault insurance system. This because in the smaller cases the respective drivers' own insurance kicks in, regardless of who is at fault. You can't bring a claim unless your injuries and losses are particularly bad. more How Can I Tell What My Outcome Will Be? There's no way for anyone to tell you for certain what the outcome of your case will be, though an experienced lawyer with personal knowledge of the details of your case will be able to give you some round figures to work with. But there are some important factors that determine the value of a claim: How Bad Your Injuries Are The severity of your injuries is probably the biggest issue affecting the value of your claim. The worse your injuries are, the higher your medical bills will have been. And the worse your injuries are, the harder it will be to recover from them. This matters a lot when it comes to calculating pain and suffering, or non-economic damages. To calculate these, lawyers and courts typically multiply the total of your economic losses by a number between one and five. If you only have minor injuries and they heal quickly, you would multiply by one. If you have catastrophic, life-altering injuries, you would multiply by five. Everything else falls in between. Liability The question here is who is responsible for your injuries, how clear the evidence, and whether you bear any responsibility yourself. Under Florida's comparative fault rules, if you are more at fault than others in an accident, you cannot recover compensation. Your compensation would typically be reduced by the same percentage as your fault, as well. The clarity of the evidence is also very important. If liability is unclear or disputed, you may find it harder to negotiate for a better settlement. Skill of Your Fort Myers Injury Attorney One of the key factors in your case will be the experience and skill of the attorney you choose. To work with experienced attorneys at a law firm that's been serving Floridians since 1962, contact Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. in Fort Myers, FL now for a free consultation.