How much can you sue for personal injury?
If you’ve suffered a personal injury in Florida, the law allows you to seek various types of damages to cover your losses. The amount you can sue for will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.
Are There Damage Caps on Personal Injury Lawsuits?
There is no damage cap for damages in Florida, with the exception of medical malpractice non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These are quantifiable financial losses resulting from the injury, such as medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and future medical expenses. There is no cap on economic damages in Florida, so you can sue for the full amount of your financial losses.
Non-Economic Damages
These are more subjective and cover intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium (damages suffered by a spouse). Florida does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, except for medical malpractice claims against practitioners.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or showed a wanton disregard for safety, a court may award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. Florida law sets a standard that limits punitive damages to three times the amount of compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater.
What Are Maximum Damages for Medical Malpractice?
Florida does have a cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases:
$500,000 per claimant. This cap applies to non-economic damages if the injury or wrongful death resulted from medical negligence in most medical malpractice cases.
$1 million per claimant. If the malpractice resulted in a catastrophic injury or the wrongful death of a patient, the cap is raised to $1 million.
What Factors Impact Compensation in a Personal Injury Case?
Calculating the exact amount you can sue for in a personal injury case is complex and depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the liability of the responsible party. To determine your potential compensation, you must speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. They can assess your case, gather evidence, and advocate for the maximum damages you deserve.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been injured in Florida and are seeking compensation for your damages, contact a personal injury lawyer at Friedland & Associates. We offer free consultations to discuss your case, evaluate your potential claims, and provide guidance on the best course of action to pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.
