Sometimes, in a criminal act, innocent bystanders can become seriously injured. If you are unfortunately made to be a crime victim, then you have a right to receive compensation to recover your damages. Read on to discover how to seek compensation and how a seasoned St. Lucie County personal injury lawyer of The Florida Personal Injury Law Team can work on your behalf in filing a personal injury claim.
How can I seek compensation as a crime victim in the state of Florida?
A common example of how you can be made a crime victim is if you were injured in a car accident where the other party was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Or. you can be considered a crime victim if you were injured while the other party committed an act of assault.
That said, as a victim of a crime, you are eligible to sue via a personal injury claim. For your claim, you must prove that your injuries and damages were a direct result of the criminal actions of another party.
The other party will likely undergo criminal prosecution, where they can be sentenced to jail time, fines, and other penalties. However, you are still able to press charges in a separate personal injury case, where they can be sentenced to paying the financial compensation that you require to heal.
With this, you may claim either economic or non-economic damages, or both. Examples of both read as follows:
- Economic damages:
- Medical bills.
- Lost wages or employment opportunities.
- Lost property.
- Non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Decreased quality of life.
- Disability.
What is the time limit for a crime victim injury claim in the state of Florida?
In the state of Florida, the time limit, otherwise known as the statute of limitations for a crime victim injury claim is typically four years. In other words, you have four years from the date in which your accident occurred to file a lawsuit. If you miss this established deadline, then you will be permanently barred from suing. Ultimately, this means that you will lose your opportunity to receive the compensation that you require to heal.
That is why you must bring your personal injury claim to the attention of a competent Port St. Lucie personal injury lawyer as soon as you possibly can. Do not wait for your injuries to heal themselves. Pick up the phone and give our firm a call today.
Contact our experienced Port St. Lucie Firm
Here at The Florida Personal Injury Law Team, we understand the detrimental effects that an injury can have on an individual and his or her family. Contact us today for help.
