How Much Compensation for Back Injury in Florida Varies

Back injuries are among the most persistent, life-altering injuries a person can sustain. They vary in severity from mild strains up to causing paralysis and can result from slips and falls, medical negligence, motor vehicle accidents or other circumstances. People who suffer back injuries often wonder how much compensation for a back injury they can count on in the state of Florida. The compensation available varies from case to case, but injured parties might be able to recover finances from lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses and/or other damages.

Recent Back Injury Client in Florida

In one recent case, our law office was able to negotiate a settlement for our client, Justin. He was in a car accident off of 14th Ave in Vero Beach, Indian River County, and suffered an injury to his back at the L5-S1 level of his lumbar spine. He had a herniated left disc and was eventually recommended for an anterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery. Fortunately, the surgery was successful and relieved the majority of the pain he was feeling.

Our law office gathered evidence on Justin’s behalf and negotiated settlement with at-fault parties, resulting in compensation for his back injury in the amount of $177,500.

Past performance may not be indicative of future results, but Justin’s case shows that compensation is available and the legal system can provide significant recovery for Florida back injury cases.

Car accident cases, slip and fall cases, medical malpractice cases and many others are typically dependent on establishing the defendant’s negligence. Negligence in Florida is governed by Chapter 768 of the Florida Statutes. In order to establish negligence, the plaintiff must demonstrate the following:

Duty. The defendant had a duty to the plaintiff (or the public at large).
Breach. The defendant breached his or her duty.
Causation. The defendant’s breach caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
Damages. The injuries resulted in damages to the plaintiff that can be compensated.

How Much Compensation for Back Injury in Florida

The amount of compensation available to the plaintiff in a Florida back injury case varies based on the specific circumstances of the event and the injury. An award may include both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages, sometimes referred to as special damages, include actual financial losses suffered by the plaintiff as a result of the injury. Current, past and future medical bills are included in economic damages, as are lost wages.
Non-economic damages, sometimes referred to as general damages, include pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of consortium.

In some back injury cases in Florida, the court may also award punitive damages. Punitive damages are, as the name implies, meant to punish the defendant and so they are typically available only in cases where the defendant’s actions are deemed worse than standard negligence.

Signs of Serious Back Injury

The differences between minor and severe back injuries may not be immediately apparent to the injured party. Indeed, it is not uncommon in car accident cases for a person to experience increasing or delayed symptoms for a period of days or weeks after the crash. According to the Mayo Clinic, some signs of serious back injury include:

Numbness, loss of sensation or tingling in hands, feet, fingers or toes
Pressure or extreme pain in the head, neck or back
Difficulty maintaining balance
Weakness, lack of coordination, partial paralysis
Labored or difficult breathing.

Individuals who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention. Those who have suffered back injuries might also want to speak with a lawyer. A lawyer with experience handling personal injury cases might be able to secure compensation for you to cover treatment costs. Additionally, a Florida injury lawyer may argue on your behalf to secure compensation for lost wages or pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may be warranted. Our attorneys at Freeman Injury Law will offer free consultations and no costs or fees unless we win a settlement for your back injury claim in Florida. Call us at 1-800-561-7777 for a free appointment to discuss your rights. Now serving Orlando, West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie and Fort Lauderdale areas.