Understanding Personal Injury Law in Jacksonville, Florida: What You Need to Know

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Jacksonville, Florida, you’re not alone—and you have rights. Personal injury law is designed to protect victims and provide a legal path to financial compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll accidents can cause.

At Barnes Cohen & Sullivan, we’ve been fighting for the injured in Jacksonville and surrounding areas for over 40 years. Whether you were hurt in a car crash on I-95, slipped and fell in a local store, or were bitten by a neighbor’s dog, understanding your legal options is the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.

What Is Personal Injury?

Personal injury law allows an injured person to file a civil lawsuit and seek compensation for damages caused by someone else’s careless or intentional act. Common types of personal injury cases in Jacksonville include:

  • Car accidents
  • Motorcycle and truck accidents
  • Slip and fall accidents (premises liability)
  • Dog bites and animal attacks
  • Medical malpractice
  • Nursing home abuse
  • Wrongful death

In each of these cases, the foundation of a personal injury claim is negligence—meaning the at-fault party failed to act with reasonable care.

 

Florida’s Personal Injury Laws: Key Points for Jacksonville Victims

Florida law has several important rules that apply to personal injury cases:

  1. Comparative Negligence

As of 2023 in Florida, if you’re found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages at all. That makes it critical to have an experienced legal team present your case effectively.

  1. Statute of Limitations

You have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. If  this deadline has passed, and your case will likely be dismissed—no matter how strong your claim is.

  1. No-Fault Auto Insurance

Florida is a no-fault insurance state, meaning your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers your medical bills and lost wages up to a limit—regardless of who caused the crash. However, if your injuries are serious or permanent, you may be eligible to step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault driver.

Common Accidents in Jacksonville That Lead to Injury Claims

Jacksonville, as Florida’s largest city by land area and population, sees its share of accidents. According to recent data:

  • Auto accidents are a daily occurrence, especially on major highways like I-295, I-10, and U.S. 1.
  • Slip and fall injuries often happen in retail stores, restaurants, and apartment complexes.
  • Dog bite incidents have increased in residential areas, particularly in communities with lax leash enforcement.

Our team at Barnes Cohen & Sullivan has extensive experience handling these and many other types of injury claims across Duval County and Northeast Florida.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Property damage
  • Rehabilitation and therapy costs

In tragic cases involving wrongful death, the family of the deceased may also recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of future income.

Why You Need a Jacksonville Personal Injury Attorney

Personal injury claims in Jacksonville can be complex, especially when insurance companies work hard to minimize payouts. At Barnes Cohen & Sullivan, our experienced trial attorneys:

  • Investigate your accident thoroughly
  • Collect evidence and expert testimony
  • Handle all communication with insurers
  • Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve

We also offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

What To Do After an Injury in Jacksonville

If you’ve been hurt in an accident, follow these steps to protect your health and your legal claim:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
  2. Report the incident (to police, property managers, etc.).
  3. Document the scene with photos or video.
  4. Collect witness names and contact info.
  5. Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters until you’ve spoken to an attorney.
  6. Contact Barnes Cohen & Sullivan to schedule a free legal consultation.

Jacksonville Trusts Barnes Cohen & Sullivan

With offices conveniently located in Jacksonville and Southeast Georgia, Barnes Cohen & Sullivan has helped thousands of clients recover millions in compensation. We know how insurance companies operate, and we know how to win.

Our roots in the Jacksonville community run deep, and we’re proud to fight for our neighbors every day. When you’re hurting, confused, and unsure where to turn, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Call for a Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in Jacksonville, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Contact Barnes Cohen & Sullivan today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

📞 Call us at (904) 396-5181

Let us fight for your justice—so you can focus on healing.