Were you injured due to another party’s careless or wrongful conduct in Orlando, Florida? If so, call Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law at (407) 801-3000 or contact us online for assistance. Our Orlando personal injury lawyers will advise you of your legal rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
With over 100 years of combined experience, we are the advocates you’ll want fighting for you during this difficult time. Our attorneys have successfully recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients. Now, we’re here to provide you with top-notch representation and support.
To learn more, contact our Orlando law firm today for a free case evaluation.
Why Choose Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law To Handle My Orlando Personal Injury Case?
At Norden Leacox, we are deeply committed to serving communities throughout Florida. However, the unique experience our founding partners bring to every client’s case is what truly sets us apart. They spent years defending large corporations and insurers and now use that insider perspective to fight for injured victims — and maximize their financial recoveries.
Our case results speak for themselves. Here are some examples:
- $8.5 million for a victim involved in a motorcycle crash
- $2.25 million for a client in a wrongful death settlement
- $1.25 million for a client who suffered severe injuries due to a motor vehicle accident
- $1.0 million for a car accident victim involved in a motor vehicle crash who was initially offered $8,000
Our dedication and track record have earned recognition from leading organizations, including Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Let our award-winning legal team put their experience and insight to work for you. Call our Orlando law office for a free case review.
Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Hiring a personal injury attorney in Orlando comes with numerous advantages, often leading to higher payouts for claimants.
Here’s why:
- Leveling the playing field: Insurance companies have extensive resources to challenge and undervalue claims. If you retain an attorney, you will be better equipped to stand up to these large corporations and achieve a fair outcome.
- Expert witness support: If your case involves complex legal or factual issues, our attorneys have a network of experts we can call upon to assist.
- Protection from bad faith tactics: Insurance adjusters may use many strategies to undermine your claim. With an attorney in your corner, you have someone to protect you and fight back.
- Reduced stress: Recovering is already hard enough without the added burden of managing a legal claim. Let an attorney tackle the complexities so that you can focus on healing and recovery.
If you want to discuss the benefits of an attorney-client relationship, reach out to our office to schedule a free initial consultation.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
If someone else’s negligence or misconduct caused your injuries, you may have the right to file a claim against them. This allows you to recover compensation for your damages and hold the at-fault party accountable.
Scenarios that can lead to injury cases in Florida include:
- You sustained injuries in a car crash caused by a distracted driver.
- Your child slipped on a wet floor at a store and broke their arm.
- You were burned by a defective appliance.
- A loved one died in a fatal boating accident.
- As a patient, your doctor misdiagnosed your condition, leading to severe complications (medical negligence/malpractice).
Whether you or a family member were hurt in an accident, suffered a dog bite or long-term disability, or were harmed in any other way, you may have a valid claim. We highly recommend that you consult an experienced personal injury lawyer in Orlando to determine whether you have a cause of action.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Most personal injury attorneys in Florida, including those at Norden Leacox, work on a contingency fee basis. You will not have to pay anything upfront. Instead, we’ll get to work right away at no out-of-pocket cost to you.
You’ll only owe legal fees if we obtain compensation on your behalf, and they will be deducted directly from the settlement or jury award. No win, no fee. Our priority is to make high-quality legal representation accessible to everyone, and this arrangement achieves that goal.
We can provide more information during your free consultation.
Our Orlando, FL Office Location
Visit our office, conveniently located at 633 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 801-3000
Hours: We are available 24/7
How Much Is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?
Your personal injury claim is unique to you and your situation. Accordingly, we cannot provide a dollar figure without knowing the specifics of what happened.
When our Orlando personal injury attorneys are evaluating what your case is worth, we’ll consider the following:
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of your medical care and future needs
- Your lost income and any negative impacts on your earning capacity
- The extent of your physical and mental pain
- Whether you share any fault for your harm
- The insurance coverage and benefits available
- The liable parties
- Whether the accident aggravated any pre-existing medical conditions
Other factors, like the strength of your proof and the competence of your attorney, can also affect the amount you receive. Working with a skilled lawyer significantly improves your chances of a successful result versus a lowball settlement.
Norden Leacox has helped clients in central Florida with many types of cases. Let us stand by your side to ensure you get every dollar your case deserves.
What Damages Are Available to Orlando Accident Victims?
Personal injury victims may be entitled to damages for both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages are the monetary losses and impacts of your accident and injuries, such as:
- Medical bills incurred
- Future medical treatment and other necessary expenses
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages, income, and benefits
- Diminished earning potential
- In-home care
- Disability
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
You may also have non-economic damages, which are more subjective and could include:
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or impairment
- Disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
- Mental anguish
- PTSD
- Loss of companionship
- Inconvenience
- Emotional distress
While rare, if your case goes to court, you may also receive punitive damages. However, you’ll need to have clear and convincing evidence that the defendant’s actions were intentional or grossly negligent.
Our attorneys offer the aggressive representation and unwavering commitment our clients need to receive the maximum amount of compensation available.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After an Accident in Florida?
Under Florida law, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. The clock starts running on:
- The date of your accident or injury
- The date your injury was diagnosed
- The date of your loved one’s unjust death
However, it’s important to note that certain exceptions could apply, meaning the deadline for your case could be different.
It’s crucial to seek legal advice from a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Failing to file your case within the specified statute of limitations could result in losing your right to compensation altogether. Reach out to our team to start the process and preserve your claim.
We Handle All Types of Personal Injury Cases in Orlando
The Norden Leacox team can help you after any type of personal injury or accident, including the following practice areas:
Car Accidents
Auto accidents are common and happen every day. Tens of thousands are reported annually in Orlando and elsewhere in Florida, especially on dangerous roadways like I-4. Heavy traffic, busy theme park exits, and careless drivers all contribute to collisions in the area. Insurance companies will try to deny or reduce your financial recovery.
Our Orlando car accident lawyers can help you file a PIP insurance claim and explore additional compensation sources, ensuring you receive the necessary resources. Let us work to hold the negligent or reckless driver accountable.
Motorcycle Accidents
With year-round sunshine and scenic routes, Orlando is a great place for motorcyclists to ride. However, congested areas and negligent motorists can create hazards for even the most careful riders.
Our Orlando motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help you hold responsible parties accountable.
Truck Accidents
As a central transportation hub, Orlando sees significant semi-truck traffic. Accordingly, 18-wheeler collisions are common, and they can lead to catastrophic injuries. Accidents often happen because the driver gets distracted, violates Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration hours-of-service regulations, or makes other errors.
Our Orlando truck accident lawyers will investigate the crash and identify all parties who may share responsibility, such as the trucking company, trucker, suppliers, and more.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one can be one of the hardest things you’ve ever experienced, especially if it happens unexpectedly. Whether they were killed intentionally or accidentally, you may be able to hold the wrongdoer financially accountable. Our wrongful death lawyer can help your family seek justice.
Pedestrian Accidents
Downtown Orlando and areas near amusement parks see a high number of pedestrians. Unfortunately, these people can suffer serious injuries due to inadequate or confusing crosswalks and negligent drivers. Our pedestrian accident lawyer can take on your claim and ensure that you’re fairly compensated.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slips and falls can happen anywhere, from museums and restaurants to poorly maintained sidewalks. Our Orlando slip and fall lawyer can help you prove that the property owner was negligent. The owner may try to fix the hazard or hide evidence.
Our team at Norden Leacox will act quickly to protect your right to compensation. We’ll collect evidence demonstrating that the premises were unreasonably unsafe.
Our team also handles claims involving:
- Bicycle accidents
- Boat accidents
- Construction accidents
- Dog bites
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse
- Premises liability
- Product liability
- Brain injuries
- Uber accidents
- Lyft accidents
- Workplace injuries
If you were injured because of another party’s negligence, call our offices at (407) 801-3000 for more information about our personal injury law firm and how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Orlando Personal Injury FAQ
How much time do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida?
You generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. This deadline applies to car accidents, slip and falls, and most other negligence claims arising after March 24, 2023. If you miss this strict deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, preventing you from recovering compensation.
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), the legislature recently reduced the statute of limitations from four years to two years for general negligence claims. This change was part of the HB 837 tort reform. However, accidents that occurred before March 24, 2023, may still fall under the previous four-year rule, creating a complex legal landscape for current claims.
Do not wait until the two-year mark approaches to seek legal help. Evidence fades quickly, and building a strong case takes time. Contact our Orlando office immediately to determine exactly which deadline applies to your specific situation and ensure your rights are protected before time runs out.
Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a)
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for my accident in Florida?
You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. If a jury finds you are 51% or more responsible, you are barred from recovering any compensation. If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system under Florida Statutes § 768.81. This law, updated in 2023, replaced the old “pure” comparative negligence standard. Now, if a jury awards you $100,000 but finds you 40% at fault, you receive $60,000. However, if you are found 51% at fault, you receive zero.
Insurance adjusters often try to shift blame to you to trigger this 51% bar and deny your claim entirely. It is vital to have an experienced attorney investigate the crash, gather evidence, and fight to ensure liability is apportioned correctly so you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
Florida Statutes § 768.81
What is the 14-day rule for car accident injuries in Florida?
The 14-day rule requires you to seek initial medical care within 14 days of your car accident to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. If you fail to see a qualified healthcare provider within this two-week window, your insurance company can legally deny your PIP claim, leaving you responsible for all medical bills.
Under Florida Statutes § 627.736, PIP coverage pays 80% of your medical bills up to $10,000, regardless of who caused the crash. To access the full $10,000 limit, a doctor must diagnose you with an “Emergency Medical Condition” (EMC). Without an EMC diagnosis, your benefits are capped at just $2,500.
Go to a hospital, urgent care, or physician immediately after any collision, even if you feel fine initially. Shock often masks pain. Seeking prompt treatment ensures your health is prioritized and preserves your right to essential insurance benefits for your recovery.
Florida Statutes § 627.736
When can I sue for pain and suffering after a Florida car accident?
You can sue for pain and suffering only if your injuries meet Florida’s “serious injury threshold.” Since Florida is a no-fault state, minor injuries are covered solely by PIP insurance. To step outside this system and file a liability lawsuit for non-economic damages, you must prove your injury resulted in permanent damage.
Florida Statutes § 627.737 defines a serious injury as one causing significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, or death. Without meeting these criteria, you are limited to economic damages like medical bills.
Proving a permanent injury often requires detailed medical records and expert testimony. An attorney can review your medical history to determine if you meet this threshold and help you pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for the full compensation you are owed.
Florida Statutes § 627.737
Who is responsible if I slip and fall at a store in Orlando?
The business owner is responsible if they knew or should have known about the dangerous condition that caused your fall and failed to fix it. You must prove that the store had “constructive knowledge” of the hazard, meaning the spill or danger existed long enough for them to discover and remedy it.
Under Florida Statutes § 768.0755, premises liability claims involving transitory foreign substances (like liquid spills) require proof of negligence. You must demonstrate that the condition occurred with regularity or existed for a sufficient length of time. Mere occurrence of an accident does not automatically make the business liable for your injuries.
Take photos of the hazard immediately and report the incident to a manager before leaving the store. Request a copy of the incident report and get contact information for any witnesses. These steps are crucial for establishing the timeline necessary to prove the business owner’s negligence.
Florida Statutes § 768.0755
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida?
The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate is the only individual authorized to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida. This representative files the claim on behalf of the surviving family members and the estate itself. The representative is usually named in the will or appointed by the court.
Florida Statutes § 768.20 specifies that the personal representative acts for the benefit of the decedent’s “survivors.” Survivors eligible to recover damages include the spouse, children, parents, and any blood relatives or adoptive siblings who were partly or wholly dependent on the decedent for support or services.
Wrongful death claims are complex and emotionally difficult. Identifying all eligible survivors and calculating the full extent of lost support and companionship requires legal expertise. Our firm can handle these legal burdens, allowing your family to focus on grieving and healing during this challenging time.
Florida Statutes § 768.20
Is a dog owner liable if their dog bites me in Florida?
Yes, a dog owner is generally strictly liable if their dog bites you while you are in a public place or lawfully on private property. “Strict liability” means you do not need to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression or prior bites.
Under Florida Statutes § 767.04, the owner is liable for damages regardless of the dog’s former viciousness or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. However, your damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault if you provoked the dog, or if the owner had a prominent “Bad Dog” sign displayed (unless the victim is a young child).
Seek medical attention immediately to prevent infection and report the bite to local animal control. Document your injuries with photos. Even if the owner is a neighbor or friend, their homeowner’s insurance typically covers these claims, ensuring you can get medical bills paid without personal conflict.
Florida Statutes § 767.04
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Orlando?
It costs nothing upfront to hire a personal injury lawyer because we work on a contingency fee basis. You only pay attorney fees if we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or court verdict. If we do not win your case, you owe us absolutely nothing for our services.
This fee structure allows everyone access to high-quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. The specific percentage is regulated, and the agreement must be in writing. Standard contingency fees align with Florida Bar rules, ensuring that your lawyer’s interests are perfectly aligned with maximizing your recovery.
At Norden Leacox, we also advance all costs associated with building your case, such as filing fees and expert witness expenses. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case without any financial risk. We get paid only when you get paid.
Florida Bar Rule 4-1.5
What is the deadline for filing a medical malpractice claim in Florida?
You typically have two years from the date you discovered, or should have discovered, the medical error to file a malpractice claim. Additionally, there is a strict “statute of repose” that bars any claim filed more than four years after the incident, regardless of when you discovered the injury.
Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(b) establishes these strict timelines. Furthermore, Florida Statutes § 766.106 requires a comprehensive pre-suit investigation process. You must serve a Notice of Intent to Initiate Litigation on the healthcare provider 90 days before officially filing the lawsuit, adding complexity to the timeline.
Medical malpractice cases take significant time to investigate before filing. You need a medical expert to review your records to verify negligence occurred. Because the clock is ticking and the pre-suit requirements are lengthy, contact an attorney immediately if you suspect medical negligence caused your injury.
Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(b)Florida Statutes § 766.106
Can I sue the city or state if a government vehicle hit me?
Yes, you can sue a government entity like a city or state agency, but the process is different from suing a private driver. You must first file a formal written notice of the claim with the appropriate agency and the Department of Financial Services before you can file a lawsuit.
Under Florida Statutes § 768.28, the state waives sovereign immunity for torts but imposes strict limits. You must provide this notice within three years of the accident, and there is a cap on damages of $200,000 per person or $300,000 per incident. The government has a six-month investigation period after receiving your notice.
Missing the notice deadline or failing to include specific required information can permanently bar your claim. Because these cases involve strict procedural hurdles and damage caps, it is essential to work with an attorney who understands the nuances of Florida’s sovereign immunity laws.
However, Florida recently changed the time period to bring a claim (Statute of Limitations) in Negligence cases to two years so it is important that you consult with a lawyer if you have a case against the State of Florida or any Government entity. Contact us at 407-407-HURT to review your accident and discuss the applicable law in greater detail.
Florida Statutes § 768.28
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Contact our office for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.
Contact Our Experienced Orlando Personal Injury Lawyers For Legal Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in Orlando, Florida, the legal team at Norden Leacox is here to help. We are dedicated to providing clients with personalized attention and aggressive advocacy to secure the money they deserve.
We’ll use a century of combined experience to fight for you and obtain the best possible outcome. Contact our Orlando personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation at (407) 801-3000 to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you.
