Experienced Personal Injury Trial Attorneys Helping Injury Victims Seek Appropriate Financial Compensation and Recovery in Miami, Florida
Have you been injured in Miami due to someone else’s negligence? Navigating the legal system after an accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Ward Ruddock, we practice personal injury law. Whether you’ve been hurt in a car crash, slip and fall, or truck accident, understanding your rights is a must when seeking fair and appropriate financial recovery through a personal injury claim. Ward Ruddock’s trial-experienced lawyers can guide you through every step of your Miami personal injury case.
When you make a claim with an insurance company, be it your own insurance provider or the insurance company representing the party that caused your injury, your interests and that of the insurance companies conflict. Our team of Miami trial attorneys have one goal: pursuing fair and honest compensation for clients who experience damage and loss caused by an injury. We know how to prove negligence and document the financial impact caused by an injury. Our personal injury attorneys can guide you through every step of your claim while seeking the maximum compensation under the law.
We handle a wide range of personal injury claims in Miami, Florida, including auto accidents, slip and falls, catastrophic injuries, negligent security, product liability, dog bites, child injuries, wrongful death cases, and more. Our experienced attorneys provide comprehensive legal representation, guiding Miami injury victims through complex processes and fighting for fair compensation. We help victims pursue fair settlements and navigate the intricacies of Florida’s personal injury laws, protecting their rights and seeking the financial recovery they need.
If you’ve experienced a personal injury, or even harm to your reputation, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for losses caused by the negligence of another — whether the injury was caused with intent or by unintentional negligence.
Insurance companies look out for one thing — their bottom line profitability — and going up against them can be intimidating. They will attempt to settle as quickly as possible and release your claim before you call a lawyer. That’s where Ward Ruddock comes in. We help you think about the many aspects of your claim and answer questions you may not be thinking about, including:
- What are your full medical needs? Do you understand the full extent of your injuries?
- Was there additional damage to property or mental anguish caused to other family members related to your injury?
- Do you fully understand your policy, what is covered, and the potential financial compensation you may be able to pursue?
Contact us through our online form or call us at (305) 390-4259(305) 390-4259 to schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options. Your personal injury claim can significantly affect your future, and we provide tailored guidance to seek your recovery. We want to be Your Attorneys For Life.
Key Takeaways
- The experienced personal injury trial lawyers at Ward Ruddock in Miami handle various cases and guide clients through complex legal processes
- Florida’s modified comparative negligence law impacts claims, allowing victims to pursue financial recovery if their fault is 50% or less
- The statute of limitations for the majority of personal injury claims in Florida is two years
- Proving duty of care, breach, causation, and damages is required for successful personal injury claims
- Trial experience matters when selecting a personal injury attorney, even if cases settle out of court
- Ward Ruddock handles various auto accident claims, including car, truck, motorcycle, and rideshare accidents in Miami
- Ward Ruddock’s attorneys assist victims in pursuing compensation for injuries, medical bills, and lost wages
- Ward Ruddock handles a variety of claim types, including motor vehicle accident, negligent security, product liability, slip and fall, child injury, and dog bite cases
- The firm’s legal team works on a contingent fee basis for wrongful death claims
- Ward Ruddock provides personalized services for every type of claim
- Injury victims in Miami can schedule free consultation with Ward Ruddock to discuss their case with an experienced personal injury trial lawyer and plan their legal strategy.
Types of Personal Injury Claims We Handle in Miami, Florida
At Ward Ruddock, we handle a wide range of cases in Miami, including:
- Auto accidents
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Rideshare accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Catastrophic injury
- Negligent security
- Product liability
- Dog bites
- Child injury
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
Our firm assists clients in navigating complex insurance claims and pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The personal injury lawyers at Ward Ruddock have experience in various types of catastrophic injury cases, such as those involving traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, severe burns, or injuries leading to amputation. We work diligently to help victims pursue proper medical care and fair compensation for long-term effects on their quality of life.
Our Miami personal injury lawyers provide comprehensive support, from initial consultations to courtroom representation, helping our clients understand their rights and pursue just compensation.
Auto Accident Claims in Miami, Florida
Ward Ruddock handles various auto accident claims in Miami, Florida. Our experienced motor vehicle accident lawyers assist victims of car, truck, motorcycle, and rideshare accidents. Our legal team navigates complex laws and works with medical experts to build strong cases for Miami injury victims, helping our clients seek fair compensation for injuries, medical bills, and lost wages through settlements, and pursuing lawsuits when necessary.
Car Accidents in Miami, Florida
Car accidents in Miami, Florida, often occur due to negligence, such as distracted driving or speeding. Victims may seek compensation through settlements or lawsuits to cover medical expenses, including nursing care. Ward Ruddock’s attorneys guide clients through the legal process, protecting their rights and pursuing fair compensation.
Truck Accidents in Miami, Florida
Truck accidents in Miami, Florida often lead to severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Our personal injury law firm is experienced in handling these complex cases, which may involve multiple parties including trucking companies and insurance providers. Our firm’s attorneys work diligently to investigate accidents, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for victims’ pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages. In some instances, product liability claims may be filed if faulty vehicle components contributed to the accident.
Motorcycle Accidents in Miami, Florida
Motorcycle accidents in Miami, Florida often lead to severe injuries or wrongful death claims due to riders’ vulnerability. At our firm, we help motorcycle crash victims understand their rights and pursue fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Miami include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Unsafe lane changes
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
Motorcycle accident claims can be complex, and the other driver(s) involved will often have a differing perspective that contests the motorcyclist’s version of events. Furthermore, the injuries from these accidents are often severe. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are familiar with the concerns for motorcycle accident claims, and we can research and coordinate with expert witnesses to pursue appropriate recovery.
Rideshare Accidents in Miami, Florida
Rideshare accidents in Miami, Florida involve unique legal complexities due to the involvement of multiple insurance policies and potential liability issues. Ward Ruddock’s attorneys assist victims in navigating these cases, which may require assessing liability in reference to both the rideshare company’s insurance policy and the driver’s personal liability insurance. Our firm’s personal injury lawyers also consider factors such as the driver’s status at the time of the accident, and we carefully adhere to the statute of limitations for filing claims.
Important considerations for rideshare claims can include:
- Determining primary insurance coverage
- Assessing driver status (on-duty vs. off-duty)
- Investigating potential rideshare company negligence
- Addressing injuries such as concussions or whiplash
Slip and Fall Accidents in Miami, Florida
Slip and fall accidents in Miami, Florida often lead to serious injuries that require immediate medical attention. Ward Ruddock handles these cases with personal care, helping victims navigate the complex legal process and deal with insurance claims adjusters.
Our attorneys understand that slip and fall accidents can cause significant pain and suffering, similar to injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. We work diligently to gather evidence, such as surveillance footage and witness statements, to build strong cases for our clients.
Our experienced legal team helps slip and fall victims pursue fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We guide clients through each step of the personal injury claim process, protecting their rights and fighting for fair compensation.
Catastrophic Injuries in Miami, Florida
Catastrophic injuries due to auto accidents in Miami, Florida often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Types of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Amputation Injury
- Severe Burns
Ward Ruddock’s personal injury attorneys handle these complex cases, working diligently to seek fair compensation for victims of severe injuries in Miami. Our firm’s experienced legal team understands the devastating impact of catastrophic injuries on victims and their families. We assist clients in navigating insurance company negotiations and pursuing legal action when necessary to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our attorneys collaborate with medical experts to build strong cases for clients who have suffered life-altering injuries in car accidents or other tragic incidents. We use a comprehensive approach to help catastrophic injury victims pursue the support and compensation they need to address their long-term care requirements.
Negligent Security Claims in Miami, Florida
We handle negligent security claims for victims injured due to inadequate property protection. These cases often involve crimes at apartment complexes, gas stations, or other public spaces where property owners failed to provide sufficient security measures.
Ward Ruddock’s legal team understands the complexities of negligent security claims and their potential overlap with workers’ compensation cases. We guide clients through the legal process, helping victims pursue appropriate compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Common negligent security scenarios in Miami and South Florida include:
| Location | Security Issue | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment complex | Inadequate lighting | Assault or robbery |
| Parking lot | Lack of security cameras | Vehicle theft or vandalism |
| Hotel | Faulty door locks | Burglary or assault |
| Shopping center | Insufficient security personnel | Mugging or violent crime |
Our firm’s experienced attorneys investigate negligent security cases thoroughly, gathering evidence to prove property owner liability. We work diligently to build strong injury cases to pursue fair compensation for victims.
Product Liability Claims in Miami, Florida
Ward Ruddock handles product liability claims in Miami, Florida, assisting victims injured by defective products. Many times, these cases involve faulty vehicle parts that lead to motor vehicle accidents, including car, motorcycle, and bus accidents. Our firm’s attorneys investigate product defects thoroughly to establish manufacturer liability.
The legal team at Ward Ruddock understands the complexities of product liability cases, which can lead to serious injuries or wrongful death. We work diligently to gather evidence, consult with experts, and build strong cases for our clients who have been injured due to defective products.
Our attorneys guide clients through the legal process, helping injury victims seek fair compensation for injuries sustained from defective products. We pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Product liability claims often involve the following:
| Product Type | Potential Defect | Possible Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle brakes | Manufacturing flaw | Car accident injuries |
| Motorcycle helmet | Design defect | Traumatic brain injury |
| Bus safety equipment | Failure to warn | Passenger injuries |
| Construction tools | Malfunction | Workplace injuries |
Dog Bite Claims in Miami, Florida
Ward Ruddock’s experienced attorneys handle dog bite claims in Miami, Florida, providing legal assistance to victims injured on public or private property. These cases often involve complex liability issues, similar to car accident cases, where determining fault is critical.
Our firm’s legal team investigates dog bite incidents thoroughly, gathering evidence to establish owner negligence and seek fair compensation for victims. We assist our clients in navigating insurance claims and pursuing a lawsuit when necessary.
Ward Ruddock’s attorneys understand the emotional trauma dog bite victims and their loved ones experience. We work diligently to help our clients pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages due to missed employment, and pain and suffering from these incidents.
Child Injury Claims in Miami, Florida
Ward Ruddock handles child injury claims in Miami, Florida, often addressing cases involving premises liability and torts. Our personal injury attorneys assist families seeking compensation for injuries sustained by their children in various settings, including schools, playgrounds, and day care facilities.
Our legal team at Ward Ruddock investigates child injury cases thoroughly, gathering evidence to establish negligence and seek fair compensation. We guide South Florida families through the legal process, ensuring proper documentation of the child’s health issues and long-term care needs.
At Ward Ruddock, our attorneys communicate effectively with clients via email and phone, providing updates on case progress and answering questions. We work diligently to protect children’s rights and pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and future care requirements.
Wrongful Death Claims in Miami, Florida
Ward Ruddock’s attorneys handle wrongful death claims in South Florida, representing families who have lost loved ones due to negligence or intentional acts. These cases often stem from catastrophic injuries sustained in accidents, requiring extensive evidence gathering and expert testimony to establish liability.
We guide clients through the complex legal process, helping them seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional distress. Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis, empowering families to pursue justice without upfront costs.
At Ward Ruddock, our attorneys understand the importance of support for grieving families. We work diligently to build strong cases, consulting with medical experts and accident reconstructionists to prove negligence and pursue fair compensation for the significant losses our clients have suffered.
How Florida’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule Affects Your Personal Injury Claim in Miami
Florida’s modified comparative negligence law significantly impacts personal injury claims in Miami. This law allows injured parties to seek damages even if they are partially at fault, as long as their responsibility does not exceed 50%. Claims adjusters use this principle to determine liability and compensation in various cases.
Under this system, the amount of damages potentially to be awarded is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the plaintiff. For example, if a victim is found 30% responsible for an accident, their compensation would be reduced by 30%. This principle applies to various types of cases, including those involving complex liability scenarios.
Our Miami personal injury lawyers navigate the complexities of modified comparative negligence for injury victims seeking to recover following an accident. We work to minimize clients’ perceived fault and maximize potential compensation. This approach is especially important in cases involving substantial damages or multiple parties.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims
In Florida, the statute of limitations for the majority of personal injury claims is two years from the date of the incident. This applies to cases involving auto accidents, slip and fall accidents, and other incidents leading to pain or injury. We stress the importance of filing claims within this timeframe to preserve legal rights.
Certain exceptions to the standard statute of limitations exist in Florida personal injury law. For instance, if the injured party is a minor or if the defendant concealed their identity, the timeframe may be extended. A qualified personal injury attorney can guide clients through these complexities and pursue timely filing of claims on your behalf.
At Ward Ruddock, we handle filing these claims for our clients ahead of the statute of limitations. Note that the majority of cases involve significant research and gathering of evidence that is more readily accomplished shortly after the events of an accident. This underscores the importance of promptly seeking a free consultation to determine your legal strategy and protect your claim.
Elements Required To Prove a Miami, Florida Personal Injury Claim
In Miami, Florida personal injury claims, including those involving car accidents, require proving four key elements:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
Our personal injury law firm guides clients through this process, working to establish these significant components when dealing with insurance companies. Demonstrating proof of each of these elements is essential for building a strong injury case in South Florida.
Duty of Care
Duty of Care is a fundamental element in personal injury claims. This legal obligation requires individuals to act with reasonable care to prevent harm to others. This also applies in workplace accident and construction accident cases, in that employers have a specific duty to provide a safe work environment. Our personal injury attorneys will work with you to establish that the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff (the injury victim), which varies depending on the nature of the case:
- Driver’s duty to follow traffic laws and drive safely
- Property owner’s duty to maintain safe premises
- Employer’s duty to provide a safe workplace
- Medical professional’s duty to provide competent care
- Manufacturer’s duty to produce safe products
Breach of Duty
Breach of duty occurs when an individual fails to fulfill the duty of care, potentially leading to a motor vehicle accident, bus accident, or wrongful death. In Miami, Florida, the plaintiff and their lawyer must demonstrate that the defendant’s actions or inactions fell below this standard, causing harm to the plaintiff or their loved one. This element helps establish liability in personal injury cases, whether it involves a driver’s negligence in a car crash or a property owner’s failure to address hazardous conditions.
Causation
Causation is a significant element in Miami personal injury claims, connecting the defendant’s breach of duty to the plaintiff’s injuries. Our personal injury attorneys will work with you to demonstrate that the defendant’s actions directly led to the harm you suffered. In complex cases, such as those involving multiple parties or causal factors, our lawyers may take the case to trial to prove causation effectively.
Important considerations in proving causation can include the following:
- Direct cause-and-effect relationship
- Proximate cause analysis
- Foreseeability of harm
- Intervening causes assessment
- Expert witness testimony on causation
Damages
Damages are a crucial element in personal injury claims in South Florida, encompassing the actual losses suffered by the victim due to a catastrophic injury. Our personal injury lawyers at Ward Ruddock in Miami work on a contingency fee basis as we help injury victims quantify and prove various types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We provide guidance, assess damages, and present compelling evidence to support our clients’ claims for compensation:
| Type of Damages | Description |
|---|---|
| Economic Damages | Measurable financial losses (e.g., medical bills, lost income) |
| Non-Economic Damages | Intangible losses (e.g., pain and suffering, emotional distress) |
| Punitive Damages | Additional compensation in cases of extreme negligence |
| Future Damages | Anticipated long-term costs and losses |
Types of Damages You May Be Able to Pursue in a Miami, Florida Personal Injury Claim
In Miami, Florida personal injury claims, victims may seek various types of damages. These might include economic damages for quantifiable losses, noneconomic damages for intangible suffering, and perhaps even punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence. Plaintiffs seeking compensation under the law in Miami should understand these categories. Our experienced trial lawyers gather evidence to support claims for lost wages and other damages, often negotiating with insurance companies in pursuit of appropriate settlements or preparing for court proceedings.
Economic Damages
Economic damages in Miami personal injury claims encompass quantifiable financial losses due to injuries and accidents. These damages often include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Our personal injury lawyers meticulously document these losses to establish a clear breach of duty of care. We work diligently to help our clients pursue fair compensation for both current and future economic impacts:
| Type of Economic Damage | Description |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Costs for treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care |
| Lost Wages | Income lost due to injury-related absence from work |
| Property Damage | Repair or replacement costs for damaged property |
| Future Earnings Loss | Projected income loss due to diminished earning capacity |
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages in Miami personal injury cases encompass intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages often affect cases involving severe or catastrophic injuries in which the impact on the victim’s quality of life is significant. Our personal injury attorneys work diligently to quantify these subjective losses, presenting evidence to pursue a just verdict that reflects the full extent of clients’ suffering in the past and in the future.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages in Miami personal injury cases serve as a deterrent against egregious misconduct. The court may award these damages in addition to compensatory damages when a defendant’s actions demonstrate gross negligence or intentional harm. We will carefully evaluate your case to determine if punitive damages are appropriate, as they require a higher burden of proof in court. While not common, punitive damages can significantly increase the overall compensation for accident victims, though Florida law caps punitive damages in the majority of cases.
Calculating the Value of Your Miami, Florida Personal Injury Claim
At Ward Ruddock, our Miami personal injury lawyers assess various factors when calculating claim values. These often include medical expenses from hospital visits, severity of injuries, and long-term impacts on the victim’s life.
The circumstances of the motor vehicle accident play a significant role in determining compensation. Witness statements, police reports, and expert testimonies help establish liability and strengthen the case. Our personal injury attorneys analyze these elements to build a comprehensive claim strategy, considering both economic damages and non-economic damages when valuing a claim. This approach seeks fair compensation for tangible losses and intangible suffering.
The following table outlines key factors in calculating claim value:
| Factor | Impact on Claim Value |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Directly increases claim value |
| Injury Severity | Higher severity often supports claims for larger compensation |
| Liability Evidence | Strong evidence can increase claim value |
| Long-term Effects | Ongoing impacts may support claims for higher compensation |
Trial Experience is an Important Factor When Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney — Even if You Don’t Go To Court
Trial experience is paramount when selecting a personal injury attorney in Miami, even if a case doesn’t go to court. Our trial lawyers have courtroom experience and are well-equipped to negotiate settlements, and insurance companies know we can effectively argue a case before a judge. This skill is particularly valuable in complex cases involving truck drivers or multiple parties at fault.
Our trial experience also brings with it a deep understanding of case evaluation. We can accurately assess the strength of a car accident injury claim, anticipating potential challenges and preparing robust strategies to counter the defender’s arguments. These skills often lead to more favorable case resolutions, whether through settlement or litigation.
Our experienced trial lawyers bring a level of confidence and preparedness that can significantly impact the entire legal process. This ability to build compelling cases and present evidence effectively often yields higher settlements, even without going to trial. Consider these following factors when choosing a personal injury attorney:
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Trial Experience | Essential for negotiation leverage |
| Case Evaluation Skills | Critical for accurate claim assessment |
| Negotiation Ability | Key for seeking favorable settlements |
| Courtroom Confidence | Valuable for all stages of legal process |
How an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney at Ward Ruddock Can Help You Throughout Your Case in Miami, Florida
At Ward Ruddock, our experienced personal injury attorneys provide comprehensive legal support for a wide range of cases, guiding our clients through complex medical evaluations and insurance negotiations to seek fair compensation for damages like health care expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Suffering a personal injury can set you back in many facets of your life, but we are here to pursue your interests and help you recover physically, financially, and emotionally.
Our personal injury lawyers in Miami, Florida help injury victims in our community navigate complex legal processes and seek fair compensation for their injuries. We handle a wide range of cases, leveraging our knowledge in Florida’s modified comparative negligence law and diligently pursuing personal injury claims ahead of the statute of limitations to protect Miami injury victims’ rights.
We help our clients seek proper medical care and fair compensation for both economic and noneconomic damages. By offering free consultations and working on a contingency fee basis, our committed trial attorneys make their skilled legal representation accessible to injury victims in Miami — empowering them to pursue justice and financial recovery without upfront costs.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Ward Ruddock to Discuss Your Personal Injury Claim and Plan Your Legal Strategy
With over twenty years of combined legal experience and millions of dollars recovered from insurance companies, Ward Ruddock is committed to providing injury victims in Miami the support and advocacy they need to navigate their legal challenges and seek the maximum compensation under the law. Our Miami law firm offers free consultations to discuss personal injury claims and develop legal strategies. This initial case review helps clients understand their rights and potential for compensation.
During this initial call, we review the details of your case to determine the viability of your claim and the potential compensatory damages you may pursue. We will discuss what happened, the injuries you suffered, the medical treatments and expenses you need to cover, and the impact of the incident on your daily life. We will also explain how factors such as modified comparative negligence can affect a claim’s resolution. Our experience in various practice areas allows us to address the unique challenges of each injury case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing litigation when necessary.
At no cost to you, schedule your free case evaluation with Ward Ruddock today by calling (305) 390-4259(305) 390-4259 or filling out our online form. This initial meeting lays the foundation for a strong attorney-client relationship and an effective legal strategy. We keep you well-informed about your legal options throughout your case. With personalized services for every type of claim, we want to be Your Attorneys For Life.
