With offices in Lake City and Jacksonville, Douglas & Douglas is the law firm you need when you have suffered a personal injury at the hands of someone else’s negligent behavior. Our personal injury lawyers have the big-city, big-firm experience necessary to handle cases of any size or complexity; we also practice in small towns throughout northern Florida and understand the importance of a personal touch to a successful and satisfactory outcome for our clients.

We Try More Cases

Most personal injury cases settle at some point and most injury victims never see the inside of a courtroom. But preparing a case for trial and being ready to go to court are critical to achieving the best result. Insurance companies don’t want to face a jury in a serious injury accident, so their motivation to settle depends a lot on your lawyer’s reputation for success in the courtroom. At Douglas & Douglas, our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers are known for taking cases to trial, with positive results. While we listen to your expectations and settle when appropriate, our team is ready and able to take your case all the way to a jury verdict when it is in your best interest to do so. Additionally, our lawyers have experience working for insurance company defense firms, negotiating and litigating from the other side. We know how they work, and we know how to appropriately value your claim both pre-suit and in litigation.

Common Personal Injury Cases in Florida

In Jacksonville, FL, personal injury cases encompass a wide range of incidents, including automobile accidents, slip and fall injuries, workplace injuries, and more. The primary goal of personal injury law is to provide compensation for the injured party to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.

Automobile Accidents: Jacksonville, being a bustling urban area, sees a high number of car, motorcycle, and truck accidents. These incidents often result in significant injuries due to the heavy traffic and the presence of major highways like I-95 and I-10.

Slip and Fall Accidents: Property owners in Jacksonville have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. When they fail to do so, and someone is injured as a result, the property owner can be held liable. This includes accidents in retail stores, restaurants, and private properties.

Workplace Injuries: Jacksonville’s diverse economy means many residents work in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and maritime. Workplace injuries can range from minor accidents to severe incidents involving heavy machinery or hazardous materials.

Product Liability: When defective or dangerous products cause injury, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held accountable. This includes everything from faulty automotive parts to defective household appliances.

The Legal Process for Personal Injury Claims

Filing a personal injury claim in Jacksonville involves several steps:

1. Consultation with an Attorney: It’s crucial to seek legal advice promptly. A personal injury attorney will evaluate the merits of your case and advise you on the best course of action.
2. Investigation: Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions.
3. Filing a Claim: Once sufficient evidence is gathered, your attorney will file a claim against the responsible party or parties. This may involve negotiating with insurance companies or filing a lawsuit in court.
4. Negotiation and Settlement: Many personal injury cases are resolved through negotiation before reaching trial. Your attorney will work to secure a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
5. Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial. Your attorney will present your case to a judge or jury, who will determine the outcome and any awarded compensation.

Choosing the Right Personal Injury Attorney in Jacksonville

Selecting the right attorney is critical to the success of your case. When looking for a personal injury lawyer in Jacksonville, consider the following:

• Experience: Look for an attorney with a proven track record in handling personal injury cases similar to yours.
• Reputation: Research online reviews and testimonials to gauge the lawyer’s reputation and client satisfaction.
• Resources: Ensure the attorney has the necessary resources to thoroughly investigate and pursue your case.
• Communication: Choose an attorney who communicates clearly and regularly, keeping you informed about the progress of your case.

Personal injury cases in Jacksonville, FL, require careful navigation of the legal system and a comprehensive understanding of state laws. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, a slip and fall, or lost a loved one to wrongful death, seeking the help of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney is essential to securing the compensation you deserve. By understanding your rights and the legal process, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your future.

Your Local Law Firm for All Your Legal Needs

Douglas & Douglas is a full-service law firm ready to meet your needs in a variety of legal areas. Call on our attorneys in Lake City or Jacksonville for help with any of the following:

Personal Injury – We help victims of car, truck or motorcycle accidents recover compensation from the negligent driver. We hold property owners liable for unsafe premises and manufacturers liable for defective products. Our comprehensive personal injury practice includes representing victims of bicycle and pedestrian accidents and boating accidents as well. We work to achieve maximum compensation in cases involving catastrophic injury or wrongful death, and we work to see that injury victims and their families get the medical care and financial support they need to matter what challenges they may face.

Labor/Employment Law – We put our trial skills to use for the benefit of individuals who have been discriminated against because of their race, nationality, gender, age, disability or other protected classes. We also represent those who have been denied their earned wages, including minimum wage and unpaid overtime issues.

Business Law – Whether you are a start-up, a small family business or a major corporation. Douglas & Douglas’s attorneys are adept litigators who understand how business works and will fight for your business interests.

Criminal Defense – Our criminal defense practice is headed by a former judge and criminal defense attorney with decades of experience handling criminal cases in both capacities. We utilize our years of experience and extensive knowledge and skills to get a positive outcome for you when you are faced with a DUI, a possession offense, assault and battery or other criminal charges.

Mediation Services – If you find yourself involved in a civil dispute and wish to avoid protracted litigation, mediation may help you resolve your dispute more efficiently and economically, with a creative solution that is custom tailored to meet your needs without destroying an important business or family relationship. Douglas & Douglas can provide a certified, skilled mediator to facilitate the process and fashion a result that achieves your goals.

Contact Our Experienced Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyers Today

You have legal needs, and Douglas & Douglas is here to serve you, whenever and wherever you need us. Call us day or night. Same-day appointments are available, and you will meet with an attorney right from the very start. We maintain offices in Lake City and Jacksonville, and you are welcome to come to us, or we will come to meet you if that is more convenient. Spanish is spoken in the office, and we offer a variety of different payment methods, including contingency fees in personal injury and employment cases, where you don’t pay any legal fees unless and until we recover for you. Call the Jacksonville personal injury lawyers of Douglas & Douglas whenever you have legal needs, and we will be here for you.