Personal injury law can encompass a broad array of topics, from car accidents to defective products to medical malpractice, and more. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A., our Miami injury attorneys have significant experience handling these different types of cases, and we understand the intricacies of each. If you have been injured, you may be entitled to compensation to help pay for medical bills, lost wages, etc. Browse the following practice areas to find more information about the specific type of injury you have suffered and what sort of compensation you might be able to receive.
Motor Vehicle AccidentsPerhaps the most common type of personal injury accident is one involving motor vehicles, such as a truck, car, motorcycle, or ATV. All drivers owe a duty of reasonable care to those around them, including other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. A driver who fails to exercise reasonable care, such as by texting while driving or failing to obey road signs, is liable for any injuries he or she causes as a result. Among the most common types of motor vehicle accidents are:
Florida employers are required by state law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation is intended to provide an avenue for workers injured on the job to get quick and easy compensation for their injuries, regardless of fault. Unfortunately, the process is often more complex than expected, particularly when there are questions about whether an injury arose during and out of the scope of employment or when third parties are involved. Among the types of workers’ compensation issues we handle are:
A wrongful death claim arises when someone dies as a result of the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another. Typically, certain immediate family members of the deceased may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek financial compensation for their loss. This compensation may cover such losses as: loss of income, loss of companionship, and mental pain and suffering. In some particularly egregious cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party or parties and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct.
Construction AccidentsConstruction sites can be dangerous places, not only for workers but also for passers by. Although the safety regulations applicable to construction sites can be complex and stringent, sometimes companies or individuals take shortcuts or otherwise do not adequately meet the minimum safety standards required under Florida law. The degrees of injuries that may occur at a construction site range from minor to catastrophic. The parties responsible for an accident can often be difficult to identify due to the complex interactions between employers, contractors, subcontractors, and others. A few types of construction accidents include:
Cruises can be a great way to experience new places, with some of the risks that come along with mainland travel. However, cruise ship passengers still face hazards while onboard a ship. While injured passengers can bring a personal injury lawsuit against a cruise ship, these cases are especially complex because they often involve a unique set of laws called admiralty and maritime laws. At the South Florida personal injury law firm of Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, our attorneys have decades of experience handling cruise ship passenger injury claims and can effectively handle your case from beginning to end without interruption.
Admiralty and Maritime LawWhen an accident happens at sea, whether aboard a cruise ship, on a dock, or on a private boat, different laws may apply depending on the specific circumstances. In many cases, maritime law applies, which is why it is important to consult with an attorney who is familiar with maritime law. In the case of cruise ship accidents, even if you do not live in Florida, we can help you take action against Florida-based cruise ship companies if you suffered an injury while you were on or off board.
Property owners are required by law to keep their premises reasonably safe. In some cases, this may involve regular maintenance, such as mopping puddles during rainy weather or keeping grass mowed, and in other cases it may involve providing security personnel or installing lighting in dark areas. A property owner who fails to maintain safe premises may be liable to visitors who are injured as a result. Examples of premises liability cases include:
Companies are required by law to design and manufacture products that meet or exceed minimum safety requirements before they come into contact with consumers. Unfortunately, they do not always do so. Design defects, manufacturing errors, and inadequate product warning labels can cause serious injury or, in some cases, death to an unwitting consumer of a product. Products ranging from children’s toys to auto parts to medical devices all fall within the ambit of products liability law, and many injuries that result from a defective product are compensable.
Doctors, nurses, technicians, and other medical personnel owe a duty of care to their patients that is determined by community standards. When a medical provider fails to meet this duty and injures a patient, a medical malpractice lawsuit may be warranted. Incidents that may lead to medical malpractice liability in Florida include:
Some accidents do not fall neatly into other categories but are still within the scope of Florida personal injury law. These may include: