Personal Injury Lawyers — Orlando and Central Florida
A personal injury occurs when a person is the victim of another party’s reckless, careless, or negligent actions. When an accident is the fault of another person or organization, the injured party may be entitled to monetary compensation. At McElyea, Santos & Barnard, P.A., our personal injury lawyers provide Orlando and Central Florida victims with a professional standard of representation. Committed to protecting the rights of personal injury victims, our lawyers can help you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.
Personal injury lawsuits are intended to provide compensation to injured parties and to discourage the continuation or repetition of the behavior that caused their injuries. In order to successfully litigate a client’s claim, our personal injury lawyers must first prove liability. Through extensive investigation and research, we will demonstrate that the party bears legal responsibility for the injury. We will then seek damages, or monetary compensation for the injury, on the client’s behalf.
Stages of a Case
Starting a Lawsuit: Filing Papers
The victim first has a case consultation and evaluation with our personal injury lawyers, after which our firm will file the necessary paperwork at court. These pleadings include the complaint (or petition) which outlines the victim’s case against the defendant. A summons is then issued to the defendant, who is then required to submit an answer. Our personal injury lawyers ensure that these complicated papers are correctly completed and all deadlines are met.
Discovery: Fact-finding and Investigation
During this methodical process, our personal injury lawyers will gather relevant information to support your lawsuit. This essential stage in the litigation process is where many claims are won or lost. At McElyea, Santos & Barnard, P.A., our personal injury lawyers serving Orlando and Central Florida meticulously research each client’s claim and prepare extensively for every case.
Resolution before Trial: Settlements
Many personal injury claims are resolved before ever reaching a courtroom through a negotiated settlement among the parties involved. The defendant agrees to pay damages; in return, the plaintiff agrees to release any further legal action. Our personal injury lawyers carefully weigh the pros and cons of any settlement with the client and will advise the best course of action.
Trial
If a settlement cannot be reached, our personal injury lawyers will take the victim’s claim to trial. We will argue your case and allow a judge and jury to determine whether the defendant is liable for the injury as well as the amount of monetary damages the guilty party must pay. If successful, our personal injury lawyers will then work with the client to ensure the judgment is promptly paid.
The practice of holding a person or organization liable for a victim’s personal injury is based on the notion of negligence. Generally, negligence occurs when a party acts recklessly and causes injury to another person. Our personal injury lawyers establish negligence by showing that the at-fault party:
had a legal responsibility to ensure the plaintiff’s safety;
failed — through conduct, action, or inaction — to fulfill that legal duty; and
the plaintiff was harmed or injured as a result.
If you have been injured as a result of another’s negligence or misconduct, contact McElyea, Santos & Barnard, P.A., today and schedule a consultation with the personal injury lawyers at our Orlando firm. Our team provides dedicated, experienced representation and will fight for fair compensation.
Our personal injury lawyers offer Orlando and Central Florida–area victims a high standard of legal representation. We are experienced in a range of practice areas. To learn more about a specific type of personal injury, click on the links provided below.
Florida’s many theme parks typically deny responsibility for injuries suffered by their guests. Our personal injury lawyers can help if this happens in your case.
Product liability involves a manufacturer or seller being held legally responsible for placing a defective or dangerous product into the hands of a consumer.
Animal Attacks
Victims bitten or otherwise harmed by an animal may have a legal right to recover damages from the animal’s owner or other responsible party.
Contact McElyea, Santos & Barnard, P.A., and schedule a case consultation if you have been injured as a result of another party’s negligence or misconduct. Our personal injury lawyers serve Orlando and Central Florida, and have an impressive track record of outstanding verdicts and settlements. We have the experience and the knowledge necessary for obtaining just compensation for your claim.