What Damages Can You Recover in a Florida Personal Injury Claim?

If you’ve been injured in an accident in North Florida, whether from a car crash, slip and fall, or other incident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. But many people don’t realize just how many types of damages they can recover in a personal injury claim under Florida law.

Understanding what you're legally allowed to pursue can make a major difference in the outcome of your case and your financial recovery.

Types of Compensatory Damages in Florida

Florida personal injury claims generally allow for two categories of damages: economic and non-economic.

1. Economic Damages

These are the measurable, out-of-pocket costs related to your injury—anything that can be proven with bills, receipts, or financial records.

Common examples include:

  • Medical Expenses – Hospital bills, doctor visits, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
  • Lost Wages – Time you’ve missed from work because of your injury.
  • Loss of Earning Capacity – If you can’t return to your previous job or work at the same level.
  • Property Damage – If personal items (like a car or phone) were damaged in the accident.

In Florida, you can recover both current and future expenses, which is especially important if your injury will require long-term treatment or impact your ability to work.

2. Non-Economic Damages

These are harder to quantify, but just as real. Non-economic damages cover the personal, emotional toll an injury takes on your life.

Examples include:

  • Pain and Suffering – Physical pain caused by the injury.
  • Emotional Distress – Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological impacts.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If you can no longer enjoy hobbies or activities you once did.
  • Loss of Consortium – If your injury affects your relationship with a spouse or partner.

While these damages don’t come with a receipt, they carry significant weight in a Florida personal injury case.

Punitive Damages in Florida 

In certain personal injury cases, Florida law allows for punitive damages. These aren’t meant to compensate you, but to punish the at-fault party for especially reckless or intentional behavior—like drunk driving or fraud. Certain caps to punitive damages apply in some cases in Florida, but they can still add significant value depending on the circumstances.

How Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law Affects Damages

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means if you’re found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, as of March 2023, if you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages.

That’s why it’s critical to have strong legal representation to minimize your share of fault and maximize your potential recovery.

Final Thoughts

Recovering damages in a Florida personal injury claim involves more than just medical bills. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, emotional trauma, future care, and even loss of life enjoyment. Knowing what damages you're eligible to pursue can help you make smart, informed decisions after an accident. An experienced injury lawyer at Douglas & Douglas will ensure you meet your burden to establish the necessary legal elements to maximize your recoverable damages.

If you're unsure what your claim might be worth, give us a call (386) 752-5511 to evaluate your case and fight for the full compensation you deserve.