Table Of Contents
- Why choose Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
- What is a âpersonal injury?â
- The elements of a personal injury case
- Different types of Spring Hill personal injury lawsuits
- Deadline to file a Spring Hill personal injury lawsuit
- Spring Hill personal injury lawyer fees
- Economic vs. non-economic damages: What is the difference?
- What not to do after a Spring Hill personal injury
- Our Spring Hill personal injury attorneys are not afraid of litigation
- Spring Hill Personal Injury FAQs
- Do you have more questions? Speak with a Spring Hill personal injury lawyer today
Why choose Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
Our founding partner, Matthew Dolman, knows firsthand the impact a personal injury lawsuit can have on a family. When Matthew was a teenager, his father was in a car accident. Unfortunately, Matthew's father did not receive the legal representation he deserved. It was challenging to get the attorney on the phone. Clearly, the firm was a settlement mill that did not offer personalized attention. Matthew never forgot what it was like for his family during this difficult time. Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, is not a “settlement mill.” Unlike some personal injury law firms, we do not process a high volume of cases just to make a fast dollar. We are a firm of trial attorneys who will fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. We pursue justice for victims injured due to someone else's negligence. And, we're not afraid to go to court to obtain the best possible results for your case. Our case results show how we've fought hard for our past clients. We take on some of the toughest personal injury cases, including wrongful death and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Our extensive resources allow us to see your case through, no matter what it takes. We will never pressure you to accept a lowball settlement simply because we're afraid to go to trial.What is a “personal injury?”
A personal injury is a preventable accident in which an individual sustains physical, mental, and emotional injuries. Common personal injuries that can occur in the Spring Hill area include:- Medical errors
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Nursing home abuse/neglect
- Product liability
- Slip and fall cases
- Workplace injuries
The elements of a personal injury case
There is more to a personal injury claim than sustaining injuries and pursuing a settlement. The law requires that personal injury cases meet specific legal requirements. To break down the elements of a personal injury case, we'll discuss three hypothetical situations: an on-the-job injury, a car accident, and a slip and fall injury.1. A person or entity owed you a responsibility
The first element of a personal injury case is that someone owed you a responsibility. For example:- Employers must provide a safe workplace
- Motor vehicle operators have a duty to obey traffic laws
- Property owners are responsible for keeping their premises in good repair
2. The responsible party breached that duty
- A company did not provide its workers with appropriate safety equipment
- A distracted driver ran a red light
- A store owner failed to repair their damaged sidewalk
3. That breach of duty caused your injuries
- A machine operator sustained an eye injury because they didn't have access to safety glasses
- The distracted driver hit a pedestrian in a crosswalk
- A shopper tripped and fell on the damaged sidewalk
4. You sustained damages because of those injuries
- The worker lost sight in his eye
- The pedestrian suffered broken bones
- The shopper fractured their spine and sustained a concussion
Different types of Spring Hill personal injury lawsuits
Below are some of the most common personal injury lawsuits we handle at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA.Medical malpractice/Medical errors
Patients seek medical care to improve or stabilize their health, not get worse. These and other medical mistakes can have detrimental effects:- Birth injuries
- Improper hospital discharge
- Medication errors
- Misdiagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Bravera Health Spring Hill
- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Spring Hill
- HCA Florida Oak Hill Family Care
- HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital
- Spring Hill Medical Center
- Springbrook Hospital
Motor vehicle accidents
Car accidents are a leading cause of personal injuries. In one recent year, The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported that 2,195 crashes occurred in the Spring Hill area. These crashes resulted in 44 fatalities and 1,856 injuries. Many crashes happen along Florida State Road 589/Suncoast Parkway as traffic flows in and out of Tampa. Spring Hill motor vehicle accidents can involve:- Bicyclists
- Cars/Passenger vehicles
- Hernando County's “TheBus”
- Motorcycles
- Pedestrians
- Semi Trucks
- Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies
Nursing home abuse
Individuals who can no longer care for themselves are vulnerable. They rely on others for basic care such as meals, dressing, bathing, and grooming. Some of Spring Hill's nursing home and elder care facilities include:- Brookdale Spring Hill
- Casalia Gardens Assisted Living Facility
- Evergreen Woods Health Care
- Forest Oaks of Spring Hill
- Mariner Palms Assisted Living Facility
- Spring Hill Assisted Living Facility
- Spring Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center
- Depression
- Missing personal items, including money
- Unexplained or questionable injuries
- Weight loss
Product Liability
Manufacturers have an obligation to produce safe products. Serious injuries can occur when products are defective, including:- Automobile part
- Children's toy
- Household appliance
- Lawn equipment
- Medical device
- Medications
Slip and fall claims (premises liability)
People often refer to premises liability cases as “slip and fall” accidents. These injuries can occur at virtually any private or public location: a sports arena, a restaurant, or a neighbor's house. Below are examples of hazards that can cause a slip and fall injury.- Cluttered aisles
- Damaged stairs, floors, and walkways
- Defective elevator doors
- Liquid spills
- Loose handrails
- Publix Super Market
- Walmart
- Trampoline parks
- Escape rooms
- Country clubs
- Golf courses
- Hotels
- Spring Hill area parks
- Privately owned property
Workers' compensation
Many people associate workplace injuries with construction, agriculture, and mining. However, an injury can occur in any workplace, including offices, retail stores, schools, and hospitals. Some of the largest employers in the Spring Hill, FL area include:- Citrus Memorial Health Care Systems
- Hernando County School District
- Oak Hill Hospital
- Publix
- Walmart
Deadline to file a Spring Hill personal injury lawsuit
Florida law places a time limit on pursuing personal injury settlements. This deadline is called a statute of limitations. Florida statutes outline how long you have to file a legal claim. You could have as little as two years, depending on your injuries. In most cases, the clock starts ticking: - The day the injury occurred, or
- The day you were made away of the injury, or
- The day you reasonably should have known about the injury
Spring Hill personal injury lawyer fees
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, believe that everyone should have access to legal representation. When you hire us, we'll enter into a contingency fee agreement with you. We agree to work on your case without asking for upfront attorney fees. We'll collect our fees after we secure a settlement for you. You won't owe any attorney fees if we don't obtain compensation for you. However, you may need to pay other costs, such as court fees. We can discuss our payment schedule in detail at your free consultation.Economic vs. non-economic damages: What is the difference?
The law categorizes personal injury damages as either economic or non-economic.- Economic damages are tangible and have a set cost.
- Non-economic damages are subjective but no less real.
Personal injury economic damages
Economic damages are relatively straightforward. However, the insurance company may attempt to undervalue your future damages. The law may entitle you to compensation for:- Current and future medical care for your accident-related injuries
- Lost income
- While you recover
- If you are permanently disabled and cannot return to work
- If you can return to work, but in a limited capacity (fewer hours or a lower-paying occupation)
- Property damage
- Repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Compensation for damaged personal belongings: jewelry, electronics, prescription eyeglasses, etc.
- Mobility aids: wheelchair, walker, crutches
- In-home help for meals, grooming, childcare, cleaning
- While you recover
- If your injuries prevent you from performing tasks you did before your accident
Personal injury non-economic damages
Non-economic damages are not as straightforward and do not have fixed costs. We fight hard to ensure you receive adequate compensation.- Your physical pain and emotional suffering
- Loss of self-esteem due to permanent disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment if you're unable to pursue favorite pastimes or spend time with family and friends
- Loss of companionship if your injuries interfere with your relationship with your spouse
- Loss of guidance if your injuries interfere with your relationship with your minor children
What not to do after a Spring Hill personal injury
Don't wait to contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
It is never too early to consult a lawyer. After you seek medical treatment, give us a call. There is no point in waiting to see how much the insurance company will offer you. The amount they voluntarily offer is likely much less than what the law entitles you to. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses that do not have your best interests in mind. Their goal is to boost their profits, not to fully compensate you for your injuries.Don't delay seeking medical care
Your injuries or condition may worsen without prompt medical care. See a doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment. If you delay medical care, the insurance company may question your injury's seriousness. Waiting to seek medical care can weaken your personal injury claim. At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we know that some Spring Hill residents don't have access to medical care. They either don't have health insurance or have high out-of-pocket costs. That's why we've partnered with a nationwide network of doctors who can treat you with no upfront costs. You get the care you need right away without incurring more debt. These doctors collect their fees out of your settlement.Don't publicly discuss your case
Many people take to the internet to air their grievances, whether that's through Google reviews or social media. It's in your best interest not to publicly discuss your injuries while your case is pending. The insurance company could misconstrue your comments and use that information to bolster their case.Our Spring Hill personal injury attorneys are not afraid of litigation
Some personal injury lawyers quickly cycle through case after case. Their goal is to make a quick buck. They never take the time to listen to or get to know their clients. We do things differently at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA. Our goal is the same as yours: to pursue your physical, emotional, and financial recovery. We fight for maximum monetary compensation and hold negligent parties accountable in civil court. “How long will my case take?” is a common question we hear. Our answer is, “As long as it takes to pursue maximum compensation.” That may take a few months, or it could take a year or longer. Our attorneys settle many cases outside of court. However, we're not afraid of trial. We'll never encourage you to take an inadequate settlement because we're too lazy or scared to enter a courtroom. Spring Hill Personal Injury FAQs
Below are some of our firm's most frequently asked questions about personal injury cases.How do I know if I have a valid personal injury case?
The hours and days after a personal injury are often confusing. The responsible party might try to blame you, leaving you to wonder what happened. Don't let anyone talk you out of your right to pursue compensation. The only way to know your legal options after an accident is to consult an attorney. Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, offers free consultations to our prospective clients. It costs you nothing to find out if you're eligible to file a personal injury claim.How much does a Spring Hill personal injury lawyer cost?
Money is often a concern for accident victims. You may be unable to work due to your injuries, yet you still have living expenses to pay for. The last thing you need right now is another bill to pay. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. We do not collect any attorney fees upfront. You only pay Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, after we secure a settlement for you. A contingency fee agreement allows you to have legal representation without incurring more debt. Other fees may be associated with your case, regardless of the outcome. We can discuss payment at your free consultation.Why do I need a personal injury attorney?
Many accident victims question the need for legal representation. Here are several reasons why you need a Spring Hill personal injury lawyer.Insurance companies are for-profit businesses.
Despite catchy slogans and heartwarming commercials, insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses that must protect their bottom line. Their goal is to settle your case quickly, for the least amount of money possible. Insurance companies may use many tactics to save themselves money, including:- Saying you are at fault for your personal injuries
- Undervaluing your damages
- Failing to take into account your non-economic damages, like pain and suffering
You have one opportunity to collect compensation for your damages.
At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we take the time to calculate an appropriate settlement amount carefully. This figure includes your current and future accident-related damages. The law typically allows you one chance to pursue compensation for a personal injury. If you accept an inadequate settlement, this money will run out. You'll be left to cover bills and expenses out of your own pocket.Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, has the resources to build a strong case.
Most individuals don't have the time, knowledge, or financial resources to build a strong case on their own, especially while recovering from an injury. Our firm can take legal action to access evidence, interview witnesses, and conduct a thorough investigation. We can consult medical and economic professionals as needed.You'll need legal representation if your case goes to trial.
Our attorneys often settle personal injury cases without stepping foot in a courtroom. However, in some instances, putting your case in front of a judge or a jury can maximize your compensation. If that's the situation, you'll need an attorney to represent you at trial. We handle all our cases as if they will go to court, starting with the day you hire us.Is there a deadline to file a personal injury claim in Spring Hill?
Yes. Florida law limits how long you have to file a personal injury claim. These deadlines—called a statute of limitation—vary according to the type of injury you sustained. When the “clock starts clicking” depends on when you discovered the true nature of the injury. It's obvious when car accident injuries occur. However, other personal injuries like nursing home abuse and medical errors may not be readily apparent. The law measures personal injury statutes of limitation from:- The day of the accident, or
- The day you were aware of the injury, or
- The day you should have been aware of the injury, under reasonable circumstances
Medical malpractice claims
According to Fla. Stat. § 95.11(4)(b), you have two years to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. However, the law provides some exceptions for minors.Most other personal injury claims
According to Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(a), you have four years to file most other personal injury lawsuits for an “action founded on negligence.”Wrongful death claims
According to Fla. Stat. § 95.11(4)(d), you have two years to pursue a wrongful death claim. Contact us as soon as you suspect a preventable accident occurred. You preserve your legal rights by contacting an attorney right away.What does a personal injury settlement pay for?
A personal injury settlement compensates you for your accident-related damages. The law divides these damages into two categories: economic and non-economic.Economic damages
Economic damages have an associated cost and include:- Medical bills
- Lost wages while you recover
- Repair or replacement of personal items damaged in the accident
- In-home services for tasks you can no longer perform due to your injury (housekeeping, yard work, childcare, etc.)
- Will you need surgery for your accident-related injuries five years from now?
- Will you require hospitalizations, medical equipment, or physical therapy down the road?
- Does your doctor expect you to return to work in the same capacity? Or will you have to work reduced hours or at a lower-paying occupation?
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages are the intangible consequences of your personal injury. The insurance company may devalue these damages because they are “invisible” and subjective. Common non-economic damages include:- Your physical pain and emotional suffering
- Loss of enjoyment if you can no longer partake in hobbies or family activities
- Loss of self-esteem for permanent scarring or disfigurement
What is the average personal injury settlement?
Many prospective clients want to know how much the average personal injury settlement is. It is difficult to determine an accurate average because some cases settle for undisclosed, confidential amounts. Even if we could determine an average, that figure wouldn't be helpful to you. There is no such thing as an "average" personal injury. How the accident affects you, your life, your future, and your family is just that—personal. An adequate settlement compensates you for your economic and non-economic damages. Our lawyers fight for the maximum compensation allowed by the law. Our prior case results show how we've pursued and won settlements for our clients. After carefully reviewing the details of your case, we can determine how much your claim is worth.Who is held responsible in a personal injury case?
In some personal injuries, the negligent party is obvious. Other personal injuries require some investigation. Some examples of negligent behavior that may cause a personal injury case include:- A nursing home administrator that does not fully staff each shift
- A driver who gets behind the wheel after drinking
- A supervisor who does not provide employees the proper training to safely use equipment
- A restaurant owner who fails to repair a loose handrail
How long does it take to receive a personal injury settlement?
A personal injury case can take time to conclude. How long it takes to receive a personal injury settlement depends on several factors:- The severity of your injuries
- The overall total amount of damages
- When doctors can determine your prognosis
- If there are multiple responsible parties involved
Why should I choose Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA?
We know numerous Spring Hill personal injury lawyers are ready to take on your case. Why choose us to represent you?We know what it's like for accident victims.
Understanding the profound impact of personal injuries is at the heart of all we do. Our founding partner, Matthew Dolman, witnessed this struggle firsthand. A serious car accident injured Matthew's father when Matthew was a young teenager. The attorney his father hired was difficult to get a hold of and, in retrospect, did not handle the case properly. Matthew never forgot what it was like to be on the receiving end of this treatment.We can help you seek medical care, even if you can't afford it.
Our goal is for you to recover not just financially but also physically. We know that many Spring Hill residents don't have health insurance or they have high out-of-pocket costs. Unfortunately, this financial barrier stands in the way of getting the proper treatment after an accident. Our firm can connect you with our nationwide network of doctors. These providers will treat you without any upfront costs. You get the care you need when you need it without incurring more debt. These doctors collect their fees out of your settlement.We're accessible to our clients.
Our firm values communication and accessibility. Attorney Matthew Dolman lists his personal cell phone number on his business card. And our firm answers phone calls 24/7 to address emergencies and urgent issues.We're not afraid of litigation.
Some law firms operate as settlement mills. They quickly cycle through cases without offering personal attention or pursuing maximum compensation for their clients. These firms want to earn a fast dollar and move on to the next case. We have a different work ethic at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA. We are trial attorneys who are not afraid of litigation. We will never pressure you into accepting a lowball offer simply because we're ill-equipped or too scared to go to trial.Who can file a wrongful death claim in Florida?
At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we offer our deepest sympathy if you lost a family member. Death is always difficult, but knowing a negligent person could have prevented it compounds your grief.