Practice Areas Personal Injury

A Boca Raton Injury Lawyer Handling All Types of Injury Cases

The word “accident” suggests an incident that is unforeseen and, therefore, no one’s fault. However, the reality is that many accidents are avoidable and often caused by someone’s negligence. If you have suffered a serious injury due to someone else’s carelessness, a Boca Raton injury lawyer from The Grife Law Firm can help. We have experience handling all types of personal injury claims and know how to help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.

Motor Vehicle Accidents In Florida

Accidents involving motor vehicles are among the most common types of personal injury cases that we handle. However, the fact that they are common does not mean that they are simple or straightforward. Your case is unique, and you have unique challenges that you are facing. We dig deep into every case we handle to identify the specific cause of the accident, the potential issues, and whatever challenges you may be facing so that we can develop a personalized strategy for helping you get your life back on track. We work with clients in all types of motor vehicle accidents, including the following:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Bus accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Rideshare accidents (Uber and Lyft)
• Commercial vehicle accidents

Whatever type of motor vehicle accident you were involved in, an experienced Boca Raton injury lawyer from our firm can help you get the compensation you need to put it behind you.

Florida Catastrophic Injuries

Thankfully, most of our clients suffer injuries that are only temporary. As painful as their injuries may be and as disruptive to their lives as their accidents may be, they can expect to recover and return to how their lives were before the accident. For those who suffer catastrophic injuries, however, there is very little certainty about what life looks like going forward. As a result, it is critical to work with a Boca Raton injury lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases and how to get the best possible outcome.

Catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and burn injuries often result in permanent disability. You may be unable to work for a long period or for the rest of your life. You may face years of intense medical treatment and rehabilitation, resulting in significant medical bills and other costs. Your life may never be the same, so it is vital that you get the compensation you need and your family needs to move forward.

Medical Malpractice In Florida

Medical malpractice occurs when a physician, nurse, or other healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care when providing treatment. These cases can be incredibly difficult because identifying medical malpractice is not easy; there are no guaranteed outcomes when it comes to medical treatment, and complications and side effects are common.

For these reasons, you need to contact a Boca Raton injury lawyer as soon as possible if you suspect you have suffered harm due to medical malpractice. They can assess your case, determine whether you have a claim, and explain your options. Should you decide to pursue a claim, they can gather the evidence you need to build a strong case so that you can get the compensation you deserve.

Premises Liability

Premises liability involves a property owner’s legal responsibility for the safety of their guests and other visitors. Whether it is private property or a commercial establishment, property owners have a legal duty to guests, customers, and other visitors from reasonably foreseeable harm. Premises liability claims can include the following:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Negligent security
• Injuries arising from building or fire code violations
• Accidents caused by inadequate maintenance

Property owners can breach their duty of care by failing to make necessary repairs, failing to inspect the property for hazards routinely, or failing to warn guests of known hazards. As straightforward as this sounds, proving your case will not be easy. If you have been injured on another person’s property, the best thing to do is contact a Boca Raton injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Dog Attacks 

Dog attacks can result in very severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Young children and the elderly are especially at risk. However, regardless of your age, you may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured in a dog attack.

Unlike other states, Florida applies a strict liability standard regarding dog attack cases. In other words, you do not need to prove that the owner was negligent in some way or that the dog had a propensity for aggressive behavior. Instead, the fact that you were attacked is sufficient to pursue a claim for compensation for your injuries. You should be aware, however, that there are exceptions to this rule. If you have been injured in a dog attack, a Boca Raton injury lawyer can help you navigate the claim process so that you can get the compensation you deserve.

Wrongful Death

Tragically, some accidents result in death at the scene or later when the victim succumbs to their injuries. While no amount of money can replace your loss, you may be entitled to compensation that can help you pay your bills and cover other losses as a result of your loved one’s death. Florida law limits who may pursue a wrongful death claim, but you may be able to recover compensation for the following:

• Loss of the victim’s current and future financial support, including their wages, retirement income, benefits, and other income
• Loss of companionship, emotional support, and guidance
• Medical and funeral expenses

The loss of a loved one can have a tremendous impact on your family’s future. If you have lost a loved one in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, a Boca Raton injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you need

Cruise Ship Accidents

In many ways, cruise ship accidents are very similar to premises liability cases; slip and fall accidents are among the most common types of cruise ship accidents that result in injuries. However, cruise ship accidents can also include injuries and deaths due to illness, drownings, and even medical malpractice.

Unfortunately, many people do not realize that these cases are far more complex than the common personal injury case for several reasons. One, your case may be governed by maritime law, a unique area of the law that very few lawyers have experience with. Second, your ticket may limit where you can pursue your claim and how long you have to file a lawsuit. These issues are in addition to the fact that the scene of your accident may not be readily accessible, and the witnesses may be from an entirely different part of the country.

The bottom line is that you need a Boca Raton injury lawyer who has experience in handling these cases in order to be successful. If you have been injured on a cruise ship, contact us as soon as possible before you lose your rights.

Insurance Disputes 

Insurance provides an important safety net for people who are injured or suffer unexpected losses. Unfortunately, many people discover they don’t have the coverage they thought they had when they need it most. We rely upon insurance agents and other insurance professionals to guide us on which insurance products best meet our needs and how much coverage we should purchase. When they fail to provide that guidance, they can be held accountable. However, these claims are extraordinarily complicated, and you will likely need a Boca Raton injury lawyer who knows how to take insurance companies and their agents to task in these situations.

Product Liability In Florida

Every year, thousands of people across the country are injured by defective products. A defective product is not a product that is damaged or broken but rather one that is unreasonably dangerous when used as intended by the consumer. Consumer products can be considered defective in one of three ways:

1. Defective due to a design flaw;
2. Defective due to a manufacturing flaw; or
3. Defective due to a lack of warnings or instructions on how to safely use the product.

If a defective product has injured you, you may be able to hold the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer liable for your injuries and other losses. Furthermore, these cases are judged according to a strict liability standard, meaning you do not need to prove negligence.

Product liability cases involve pursuing a claim against a corporate entity. Proving your case can be difficult, and you should expect them to defend themselves aggressively. A Boca Raton injury lawyer with experience handling product liability claims can help you pursue your rights.

Defective Drugs and Defective Medical Devices

We assume that over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and various medical devices are safe. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Pharmaceutical companies will sometimes downplay potential risks, rush through testing, or fail to take steps to guard against impurities and other defects. The end result is that people can suffer considerable harm that is often irreversible from these defective drugs.

Both defective drugs and defective medical devices fall under the umbrella of product liability claims but warrant special consideration – it can be difficult to know whether you have suffered harm as a result of using a dangerous drug or medical device, and even harder to prove. If you believe you have suffered harm as a result of a dangerous drug or medical device, contact a Boca Raton injury lawyer as soon as possible.

What You Need to Prove in Your Personal Injury Case

No matter how obvious it may seem, you will need to prove that the other party should be held accountable for your injuries and other losses. In short, you need to prove that they were negligent in some way. Ultimately, however, your case requires that you prove four separate elements: 

1. The other party owed you a legal duty of care. This is easy in some cases, such as medical malpractice claims where a doctor or other healthcare provider has a clear duty of care to their patients. This can be a complex issue in other cases, such as in premises liability claims. 
2. The other party breached their duty to you. This is where you must prove negligence. This will depend heavily on a thorough investigation of the facts but also requires an understanding of the law which defines what may or may not be considered negligence. 
3. The other party’s breach caused your accident. You must prove a causal connection between their negligence and the accident that caused your injuries. 
4. You were injured as a result of the accident. You will need to thoroughly document your physical injuries and other losses, including demonstrating how they were caused by the accident in question. 

Proving your case is more complex than many people anticipate, and you only get one chance. Do not risk your future by trying to handle your case on your own – get the help you need by working with a skilled Boca Raton injury lawyer.      

How a Boca Raton Personal Injury Lawyer from The Grife Law Firm Can Help

If you have been injured in an accident, it’s quite likely that you don’t even want to think about hiring a lawyer. You’re struggling just to get through each day and recover from your injuries. Unfortunately, many people reach out to a lawyer when it’s too late, and then they are left with bills they can’t pay. 

At The Grife Law Firm, we know the difficult decisions that you face. Our goal is to make the process as easy as possible, from start to finish, so that you can focus on your health and those things you care most about. As a result, we’re committed to helping our clients in every way possible. 

More Than Just Legal Help

While our clients hire us for our legal services, what sets us apart from other firms is that, for us, client service means more than just legal representation. We can help you make arrangements for a rental car or other transportation. We can help you coordinate treatment so that you can get the medical treatment you need. We can deal with your creditors if you are unable to work and work with you and your employer to protect your job. Our Boca Raton personal injury lawyers are here to help you get back to normal in whatever way we can. 

We Can Handle the Communication

One of the biggest challenges you face is dealing with the avalanche of phone calls, emails, and other communications. You will need to communicate with your insurance company, the at-fault party and their insurance company, your employer, potential witnesses, and other parties who may be involved. All of it can become incredibly time-consuming and exhausting, especially when you are in pain and need to rest. We can handle all of the correspondence so that you can focus on your recovery. 

We Can Gather the Documents and Evidence You Need to Prove Your Case

Personal injury claims can quickly turn into a paper chase. Even when it is obvious that the other party is at-fault, you will need documentation and other evidence to prove your claim. Non-lawyers are often unsure of what documents they will need, and trying to keep track of the paperwork can become overwhelming when you are recovering from your injuries. A Boca Raton injury lawyer from The Grife Law Firm can help you gather and organize the evidence you will need to build your case, including the following: 

• All of your medical documentation including doctor’s reports and bills
• Accident reports
• Video footage and photographs
• Witness statements
• Pay stubs and other documentation of lost wages

We know what evidence you will need, and we know how to get it. We manage the paperwork so that you don’t have to. 

We Can Be Your Advocate

The best advocates will speak up for you both inside and outside the courtroom. Even if you do not plan to go to court, you need someone on your side to advocate for your best interests. Insurance companies are notorious when it comes to settling claims, typically offering far less than what claims are worth. An experienced Boca Raton personal injury lawyer can negotiate for a fair settlement so that you can get the compensation you need to rebuild your life. And of course, your lawyer can be your advocate in court if settlement is not an option. 

Your lawyer can also be a powerful advocate for you in other aspects of your case, including the following:

• Persuading reluctant witnesses to submit a statement in order to clarify the facts surrounding your accident
• Working with your doctor to clarify the cause of your injuries, your prognosis, and your limitations 
• Working with your employer to ensure that your job is protected while absent and that your limitations are accommodated once you return
• Working with any creditors that you may be unable to pay due to being unable to work

Getting You The Information You Need to Make Informed Decisions

Personal injury cases are more complex than many people realize. A Boca Raton personal injury lawyer from our firm can explain how the law applies to your case as well as its strengths and weaknesses. They can explain what damages you may be entitled to and provide an estimate of what your case may be worth. They can help you understand your options, such as when a settlement may be in your best interest versus when going to court is likely the best way to resolve your case. Furthermore, we communicate the information you need in real-time as your case develops. The decision as to how to proceed with your case is always yours, but we provide the information you need and answer any questions you may have along the way. 

We Can Guide Your Case Through the Legal Process

While most cases settle out of court, going to trial is sometimes unavoidable. Unfortunately, the legal process is incredibly difficult for non-lawyers to navigate. A simple mistake such as a missed deadline can jeopardize your case, regardless of how strong your claim may be. 

At The Grife Law Firm, we are seasoned litigators. Providing aggressive and effective courtroom representation, a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer from our firm can get your case through the legal process as quickly as possible so that you can get the compensation you need. 

A Boca Raton Personal Injury Lawyer Answering Your Questions About The Personal Injury Process

Suffering a serious injury in an accident can leave you feeling completely overwhelmed. The questions alone can be intimidating but don’t worry if you are unsure even what questions to ask. At The Grife Law Firm, our goal is to answer whatever questions you may have so that you are completely comfortable with deciding whether or not to pursue a personal injury claim. 

How can I afford to hire an attorney? 

Almost all personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay any legal fees unless they recover compensation on your behalf. If they do recover your compensation for you, then their fees are paid as a compensation of the total compensation awarded to you, typically between 33 and 40%. This means that you do not pay any legal fees upfront or out of your own pocket, and you will never pay any legal fees if your case is not successfully resolved. 

Do you offer free consultations? 

We offer free initial consultations, as does almost every other personal injury law firm. However, we emphasize that you are not under any obligation to hire us. Our only goal during your consultation is to empower you to decide how to proceed with your claim. 

What can I expect during my free consultation? 

We will sit down and listen to what happened, what challenges you face, and what things you are worried about. We will review and evaluate your case, including potential issues as well as strengths. We will provide you with an estimate of what your case may be worth. We will answer any questions you may have and make sure that you have the information you need to move forward. All of this at no cost and no obligation. 

Will I have to go to court?

It is typically very difficult to predict whether or not a particular case will have to go to trial from the outset, but most personal injury cases settle out of court. Unfortunately, however, going to court is sometimes the best option for recovering fair compensation for your claim. We understand just how intimidating it can be for non-lawyers to go to court, but we make sure that our clients understand the process, are completely comfortable with what is about to happen, and are thoroughly prepared to testify. 

I’ve heard a lot about Florida’s tort reform laws – will they affect my case? 

The tort reforms that went into effect in late March of 2023 changed Florida’s personal injury laws in several fundamental ways. The bottom line for accident victims is that you should contact a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if you have suffered a serious injury. 

How long do I have to pursue my case? 

There is a deadline by which you must file a lawsuit in order to receive compensation, referred to as the “statute of limitations” in legal terminology. If you do not file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, you will lose all of your rights to compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be or how negligent the other party may have been. 

It is also important to note that the statute of limitations is important, even if you do not plan to file a lawsuit. Insurance companies and other parties will not even consider your claim if the deadline to file suit has passed because you have no legal means of compelling them to pay your claim. 

This is one of the most significant changes resulting from Florida’s tort reform laws. The statute of limitations in a personal injury case, previously four years, is now only two years. This means that accident victims have half as long as before to pursue their case. And while two years may sound like plenty of time, the longer you wait to pursue your case, the harder it will be to prove. As a result, we recommend that you contact a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer even if you are not sure you need to pursue a claim. 

Do I have a case if the other party says that I am partially to blame for the accident?

If the other party is blaming you for the accident, you should contact a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer immediately. These cases often involve complex factual issues that can have a significant impact on your claim. However, it is important to remember two things: 

1. The other party must prove that you were negligent in some way; and 
2. The other party must prove that your accident contributed to causing the accident. 

It is one thing for people to make allegations, but it is quite another to prove them. Your lawyer can require that the other party prove their claim and offer evidence to rebut their position. 

In addition, accident victims should be aware that this is another issue that has changed significantly following Florida’s tort reforms. Under the new laws, accident victims who are more than 50% responsible for the accident are barred from recovering any compensation. As a result, it is more critical than ever that you not only have strong evidence on your side but that you can overcome the other party’s claim that you are at fault. An experienced Boca Raton personal injury lawyer from The Grife Law Firm can do both. 

Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer? 

You might be surprised by how quickly the insurance company offered to pay your claim. This is a common tactic that insurance companies use to reduce the amount they pay on claims. They offer to pay whatever your expenses are to date, plus the costs to repair or replace your vehicle, and throw in a little extra. They may not even refer to it as a settlement – it sounds like they are just paying what they owe you. Unfortunately, once you accept the check, you have waived any right you have to additional compensation, even if your injuries are worse than you thought or your losses are more extensive than you anticipated. 

As a result, we recommend that you do not accept any funds from the insurance company without first talking to a Boca Raton injury lawyer. Determining whether or not a settlement is fair requires knowledge of the law and careful consideration of the facts. Your lawyer can review your case and determine whether you should accept their settlement or make a counteroffer. 

What can I do to protect my rights?

The steps you take in the days and weeks are critical to the success of your claim, should you decide to prove one. Here are some steps you can do to protect yourself if you need to take legal action: 

• Get a thorough medical exam. Make sure your doctor thoroughly documents your injuries, identifies the cause, and explains any limitations you may have that affect your daily living activities or ability to work. Make sure you keep copies of your medical records and your bills, including any amounts paid for copays or deductibles. 
• Follow your doctor’s orders. We know it can be difficult to stay home from work or stay in bed, but failure to follow your recommended treatment can be used against you. Also, make sure to attend any follow-up or physical therapy appointments.
• Do not admit liability. Whether speaking with the other party, the insurance company, or anyone else, be very careful not to admit liability to any extent whatsoever. Seemingly harmless statements like, “I didn’t see you” can undermine your claim. Discuss only the basic facts and do not provide any opinions as to what you think might have happened. Also, do not give any opinion as to the extent of your injuries.   
• Documents about the accident. Keep copies of any documents surrounding the accident, including accident reports and correspondence (emails, letters, and voicemails) with the insurance company representatives and the parties involved.
• Document your lost income. Keep copies of your pay stubs, time off of work, and any other documentation to prove your lost wages caused by the accident. 
• Take photos. Take photographs of the scene of the accident, your injuries, and any other damage caused by the accident. Taking pictures with your smartphone is perfectly acceptable. Try to take pictures from multiple angles to ensure you get at least a few high-quality photographs. 
• Take notes. Keep detailed notes about how your injuries affect your day-to-day life.

This can be a lot to do if you are in pain, unable to work, and unable to take care of your family. A Boca Raton injury lawyer can take on all of these tasks so that you can focus on getting better.