Our Practice Areas
Personal Injury Law Firm in Florida
Suffering a personal injury is a life-changing experience. From the pain and suffering to the economic losses, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and depressed after an accident. To make matters worse, you are worried about how you will pay for medical care and handle your bills if you cannot work.
Smith, Ball & Báez has represented countless victims across the state of Florida. We focus solely on personal injury law and have represented clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries, deaths of loved ones, and other losses. While we cannot turn back the clock so our clients can avoid the injury, we have recovered millions of dollars on their behalf. We fight tirelessly for our clients, providing a voice for the voiceless.
Don’t try to negotiate with the insurance company yourself. Instead, contact our Florida personal injury law firm for help.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
Smith, Ball & Báez handles an assortment of cases. Common personal injury cases include:
- Car Accidents
- Boat Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Product Liability
- Wrongful Death
- Slip and Fall
- Catastrophic Injuries
- Medical Malpractice
- Medical Malpractice
Establishing Fault in Personal Injury Cases
There are four elements needed to establish fault in personal injury cases in Florida. First, the defendant must owe a duty of care to the claimant. For example, drivers have a duty to drive the speed limit and stop at red lights. Second, the defendant must have breached that duty. Using the previous example, assume that the driver drove over the speed limit and ran through a red light. That would be a clear breach of the duty of care. Third, the claimant must have sustained damages, such as an injury or property damage. Fourth, the defendant must have caused that injury.
While running a red light, hitting a vehicle, and causing serious injuries is a clear example of establishing fault, personal injury cases are usually more complex. Smith, Ball & Báez has a vast amount of experience investigating personal injury cases and holding negligent parties responsible for the damage they cause, even in the most complex cases.
What If You Are Partially to Blame for the Accident?
If you are partially at fault for the accident, you might think you cannot recover damages. However, Florida is a pure comparative negligence state. Under Florida law, you can still file a claim and recover damages if you share the blame for the accident. However, the amount you recover will be reduced based on your level of fault. For example, if you are 10% responsible for the accident, your award will be reduced by 10%. Thus, if you are awarded $100,000, you will recover $90,000.
Some victims allow the insurance companies to assign the fault, and that is a mistake. Smith, Ball & Báez will defend you against the insurance company’s claims while presenting a strong case on your behalf for the jury.
Why Choose Smith, Ball & Báez?
- Free Consultation – Fill out an online form or call us to discuss your case free of charge.
- Highly Rated – We have numerous 5-star reviews on Google and a rating of 10 on the legal website Avvo.
- Proven Results – Smith, Ball & Báez has secured numerous multi-million settlements and trial verdicts for clients, including a $40 million settlement for a car accident wrongful death.
- Serving the State of Florida – Our personal injury law firm is based in Palm Beach County, and we serve victims throughout the state.
- Bilingual Law Firm – Smith, Ball & Báez and our legal support team are bilingual so that clients can speak in their native language.
- Available 24/7 – Reach out to our firm any time of day or night. We are available 24/7 to serve you and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations refers to the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after the incident occurs. The time limit varies depending on the type of claim you have. Most personal injury cases in Florida have a statute of limitations of four years. This includes car, motorcycle, and truck accidents, slip and fall, and product liability cases. Medical malpractice and wrongful death cases have a statute of limitations of two years. However, these time limitations are complex and require the assistance of an attorney. If you are unsure if the statute of limitations has passed, our team may be able to help.
Punitive Damages in Florida Personal Injury Cases
While rare, punitive damages can be awarded in cases of intentional misconduct or gross negligence. Judges award punitive damages to punish those who act with extreme negligence or disregard for others. You must provide clear and convincing evidence to prove intentional misconduct or gross negligence. Examples of cases where punitive damages might be awarded include drunk driving, drunk boating, street racing, and running a bicyclist off the road. Also, in some circumstances, failing to recall a dangerously defective product can lead to the court awarding punitive damages.
No matter what kind of situation you find yourself in, Smith, Ball & Báez is here to help. Call us at (561) 500-HELP or fill out our online contact form today to learn more about our firm.
What Sets Us Apart
Committed to Fighting for Justice for the Injured-
Over $100 Million Recovered
Our results speak for themselves, and our team is dedicated to winning for you.
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AV-Rated With Martindale Hubbell
We are ranked by the most prestigious peer review rating an attorney can receive for high ethical standards and professional ability.
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Over 65 Years of Experience
With over 65 years of combined experience, our attorneys know what it takes to win for you while adhering to the highest ethical standards.
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Award-Winning Attorneys
Our attorneys are committed to excellence and are recognized for their hard work with many accolades from the legal community.
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We're Not Afraid to Litigate
We're trial lawyers at heart and don't shy away from the courtroom; we'll put our compassionate tenacity to work for you.
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A Florida Firm With Extensive Resources
No case is too big; we'll utilize our large network of experts, connections in the legal community, and deep well of resources to help you win.