St Petersburg Personal Injury Attorney
Personal injury claims are our specialty. We understand how difficult an insurance company can be to deal with and we are here to guide you through the process. We handle cases that involve an injury to you or a family member. That is the definition of what a personal injury lawyer does.
If you have been injured in an accident that is not your fault, you may have a claim. Please contact us as soon as possible after the incident to discuss what happened and get advice. Our consultations are always free of charge, so there is no risk to contact us.
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What is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a claim for negligence. This is different from an intentional act where someone tries to hurt you. Insurance companies will only cover negligence claims. Even though a person or business was at fault for the accident, the claim is made against the insurance company for that party. Normally, the at-fault party never has to pay anything out of pocket. As part of your claim, we recover compensation for your medical bills, emotional distress, pain and, and economic losses like lost wages. The insurance companies look for specific information when evaluating the claim. Because of this, it is only with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney that you will be able to maximize the value of your claim.
What Types Of Cases Do You Handle?
Our personal injury lawyers handle a wide variety of claims. The most common are auto accidents, truck accidents and slip and fall accidents. But, an accident can happen to anyone at any time. We have seen a rise in accidents in Uber and Lyft cases, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents. We also handle many cases against businesses when they create an unsafe condition or their employees are careless and hurt someone. In every case, we look tirelessly for insurance to cover losses. Did you know that if a person is negligent and not driving a car, their homeowner’s insurance will cover the loss? Our injury attorneys have the experience to know where to look and how best to advise you on the steps to take.
How Much Do You Charge For An Injury Claim?
All personal injury cases are charged in the same way. It is called a contingency fee agreement and means that the lawyer is paid a percentage of the money that is recovered for you. This percentage is one third for most claims and twenty-five percent for claims against a state or government agency. You never have to put any money down and make payments. If no money is recovered, then you do not owe your lawyers anything. This makes the hiring of a lawyer no risk to you. And, because all personal injury lawyers charge the exact same percentages, you are able to hire the best lawyer for your case.
Will My Case End In A Lawsuit?
Not likely. Very few cases end in a personal injury lawsuit. Lawsuits are expensive and take a long time. If your case can be settled reasonably without a lawsuit, that is generally the best tactic. But, we cannot control the decision of the insurance companies. Some companies have begun to use a strategy that they offer low ball offers in every case to weed out the people who are not willing to file suit. Sometimes, there is confusion within the insurance company and they don’t handle a claim properly. Sometimes, especially with high value cases, they want to make sure the claim is worth paying before they settle. Again, these situations are rare and out of our control. While we are aggressive and happy to take the claim to court, that is s decision that you, as the client, ultimately control. You will always have decision making authority over anything that we do. All of our decisions are made together as a team.
Are There Risks To Starting An Injury Claim?
No. Because you only pay your lawyer if you recover money, there is no risk to starting a claim. If your claim involved an auto accident, you don’t have to worry about your rates going up if you were not at fault. Therefore, it is always in your best interest to hire a lawyer and set up a claim. Your medical expenses need to be paid by someone, right? If you do not want to pursue it later on down the road, you can always withdraw the claim at no penalty.
How Long Do I Have to Start an Injury Claim?
The first few days after an accident are the most important, so you may not have as much time as you think. Some people have seen “14 days” on television commercials and think as long as they see a doctor within that time frame, they are fine. But, that is not the case. The 14 day rule applies to your ability to trigger your PIP (no fault) insurance benefits after an auto accident. If you wait up to 14 days to get treatment and then make an injury claim, the insurance company is not going to pay you. Any delay in treatment means that you were that badly injured according to an insurance company. So, never delay in getting treatment. If you need a referral to a doctor who is a specialist with these types of accidents, we know everyone in the area. We can send you to facilities that are close by and that will provide you with excellent medical treatment. But, the bottom line is that treatment needs to start immediately and then you will need to follow your doctor’s advice. We, as your personal injury lawyers, will start the insurance claim and handle the insurance company while you get better.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
We know how disruptive an unexpected accident can be to your life. We have helped countless people who are in the same situation as you. We believe that our results speak for themselves and the dozens of five star reviews from past clients will describe how we treat people. We are the good guys with a good reputation. The insurance companies know us and respect us. If you want excellent legal help and want to like your lawyers, please call us. We will work hard for you and treat you right.
Meet Our Team
Sean K. McQuaid is a winner – his ambition is evident in his professional and personal life. He thrives in leadership positions. He is a leader in everything that he does. From the captain of his Ivy League college baseball team to now presiding as President of the firm and President of the St. Petersburg Bar Association, Sean’s rise to the top reflects his ambition and determination. Sean joined the firm out of law school in 2000, became a shareholder in 2006, became a named partner in 2013, and now runs the firm. His expansive collection of accolades is awe-inspiring; he’s a Martindale Hubbel AV-rated attorney, a Super Lawyer, Legal Elite, received a perfect ranking and client’s choice award from avvo.com, and many more. From the baseball diamond to the courtroom, Sean continues to capture the spotlight with his charisma and confidence. His commitment to success will undeniably serve you and your best interests. Sean McQuaid is determined to win and ensure the best outcome for your case.
Jonathon W. Douglas is uniquely experienced in the art of trial advocacy. He began his work as an Assistant Public Defender for the Sixth Judicial Circuit and then moved on to a high profile firm doing defense work in both State and Federal Courts. He then went on to represent some of the largest insurers in matters ranging from bodily injury to complex insurance litigation. Today, Johnathon has switched sides to care for and fight for victims’ rights. Having such considerable experience from multiple sides, Jonathon knows how the legal system works. He has an advantage with his inside knowledge of insurance companies and their litigation tactics. Jonathon’s courtroom successes and experience make him a dangerous weapon to be used in your favor.
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