Our West Palm Beach personal injury firm is nationally recognized as a Best Law Firm in America, and several of our Florida personal injury lawyers have been recognized for their success as Super Lawyers. Check out our extensive list of successful case results to find out how we’ve helped victims like you recover damages in full after a catastrophic accident. Whether you or a loved one has been hurt, injured, or even killed in an accident such as a truck accident, car accident, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, premises liability, or products liability, we have a winning West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer ready to meet with you to help you plan out your best path forward and get the compensation you deserve for your suffering and losses. Schedule a free consultation to get your case analyzed by a top personal injury lawyer at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath. You don’t pay until we win justice on your behalf. Call 561-655-1990 or send us a message to get in touch today!
Our personal injury practice areas
Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath’s renowned personal injury attorney team takes on a wide range of cases with help from 14 paralegals, two seasoned accident investigators, and one registered nurse paralegal. We have helped recover billions of dollars for our West Palm Beach clients who have experienced serious injury or death as a result of another party’s wrongful action or negligence.
No matter what case type you are involved in, we can help you win the compensation you are entitled to by law.
The most common types of personal injury claims:
Burn Injury
Few injuries are as damaging and painful as severe burn injuries. Treatment can be challenging, and victims may need expensive skin grafts to heal from the burn. If you or a loved one suffered a severe burn in an accident caused by someone else’s recklessness or negligence, speak with a burn injury lawyer with Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath. Contact West Palm Beach burn injury lawyer.
Car Accidents
When you’ve been involved in a serious car accident that leaves you with damages that aren’t covered outside of court, take legal action against the other driver. Whether you’re claiming damages for lost wages, medical expenses, or even wrongful death, one of our recognized West Palm Beach car accident attorneys will guide you on the path to getting the compensation you deserve.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can have devastating results, including serious injuries, lasting damage, or death. We have a top West Palm Beach truck accident attorney ready to help you every step of the process, including on-scene investigations, evidence gathering, claim filing, settlement negotiations, and even going to trial if necessary.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists have the right to be on the road, but they’re often treated unfairly by drivers of passenger vehicles. If you were hit by another driver, know that you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. Our West Palm Beach motorcycle accident lawyers will work hard for a full recovery on your behalf.
Medical Malpractice
When a person is injured or even killed by medical malpractice, justice should be pursued on their behalf. You may be greatly affected by a late diagnosis, lack of diagnosis, surgical error, birth injury, or something else. A leading West Palm Beach medical malpractice attorney at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath will help you recover maximum compensation for your damages, no matter how small or severe.
Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home neglect or abuse is unfortunately common in the United States and West Palm Beach, leaving victims traumatized, ill, injured, or worse. When you or a family member has become a victim of nursing home abuse, such as verbal abuse, abandonment, physical abuse, or financial exploitation, a West Palm Beach nursing home abuse attorney at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath will aggressively fight for justice on your behalf.
Premises Liability
Property owners must maintain a safe environment for social guests and invitees, such as customers at a retail store or patients in a medical facility. When you or a loved one is injured on another party’s property as a social guest or invitee, you can hold them responsible for the injuries, suffering, and/or death. When unsafe conditions cause serious harm, get compensation for damages with the help of a West Palm Beach premises liability attorney at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath.
Product Liability
When a defective product causes harm, the victim or the victim’s family members can pursue a product liability claim to hold the at-fault party accountable. Defective or faulty products can cause disfigurement, serious injuries, and in the worst cases, death. Don’t wait to hire a top West Palm Beach product liability attorney at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath – you don’t pay until we win.
Brain Injury
Brain injury is more than just a bump on the head – it’s a life-changing condition with the potential to affect your personality, interests, and abilities. Prognosis is positive when the injury is identified and treated promptly, so if you were in an accident or believe you may have suffered a brain injury, seek legal and medical help immediately. Our West Palm Beach brain injury attorneys are here to help.
Slip and Falls
A slip-and-fall is much more than a standalone event – usually, these incidents point to egregious negligence by a property or business owner. Property owners may try to cut corners with safety, but their failure can cost people greatly. Thankfully, our firm’s West Palm Beach slip and fall lawyers are experienced with these cases, and we’ll hold the responsible party liable for their actions or inactions.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one is hard enough, but what if they died from someone else’s reckless mistake? If you find yourself in this situation, hiring a West Palm Beach wrongful death lawyer can make a difference in suffering with no answers and healing with peace of mind that your loved one has received justice. Our attorneys can help you and your family recover from your loss.
Determining fault in a West Palm Beach personal injury accident
When a case involves multiple people or there are several factors involved in the accident, determining fault in a West Palm Beach personal injury can be tricky.
At Lytal, Reither, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, our experienced lawyers will examine your case from every angle to make sure you are not blamed for an accident that wasn’t your fault. Our lawyers also take into account that even if you were partially responsible for your accident, you are still legally capable of claiming damages against those who shared responsibility.
In West Palm Beach, we pursue cases of all kinds including:
- Chain reaction accidents involving several vehicles
- Careless construction foreman who put subcontractors at risk
- Product defect cases that hurt your family
- Malpractice claims
- Premises liability
- Trucking companies
Reasons to choose Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath as your personal injury attorneys
1. We only get paid if you win.
We work on a contingency fee structure. What that means is that we pay the costs and court fees up front so you don’t have to, and only take our costs and payment out of the amount awarded to our clients. You pay nothing up front and only pay us after we win your case.
2. We treat clients like family.
We understand that our clients are people and not just case numbers. When you choose Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath as your personal injury attorneys, you become part of our family. And we take care of our family. No stone will go unturned in your case and you can rest assured that we will treat you with respect and compassion as we litigate your personal injury case.
3. We prepare every case for trial.
We hope that the insurance company involved in your case will do the honorable thing and pay for your injuries without incident, but we know that this is not the case in many instances. That is why we prepare every personal injury case for trial from the beginning. It saves time and money by doing this, and it allows us to expedite the process by not having to go back and gather evidence months or even years later.
4. We earn maximum compensation for your personal injuries.
When we gain a client, we make sure that every injury, every pain, every emotional turmoil is taken into account when we demand compensation. We know that pain is not quantifiable, but we also know that you deserve compensation for pain and mental anguish caused by the negligent party.
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims
If you are pursuing a personal injury claim, property damage claim, wrongful death claim, or medical malpractice claim, it’s important to know that you must file each claim type within a certain period set forth by the statute of limitations in Florida.
Outside of the designated time period, you will most likely not be able to receive compensation for damages that you’ve incurred through a lawsuit.
For personal injury claims and personal property injury or damage claims, you must file your claim within two years of the date of the accident. For medical malpractice and wrongful death claims, the plaintiff must file a claim within two years of the date of the accident.
Common injuries in personal injury cases
1. Broken bones
When enough force is exerted on a bone, it can crack and break. Broken bones can be simple or very complicated to heal. Some severe fractures may even require a rebreaking of the bone to set it correctly. And broken bones can cause long-term damage requiring lifestyle changes as well.
2. Burns
Burns can come in many different forms. Chemical, friction, cold, thermal, radiation, and electrical are all different forms of burns that can be claimed in a personal injury case. Once again, burns come in different degrees and can require varying amounts of medical care. More serious burns can require skin grafts and extra surgery.
3. Traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can cause severe side effects. Headaches, seizures, loss of speech or communication skills, loss of memory, being left comatose, or even death can result from severe TBIs. Permanent brain damage and changes in quality of life are not uncommon.
4. Neck and back injuries
Neck and back injuries are caused by overextension and stress on the spine and neck. These injuries can easily become much more severe than originally thought once the swelling goes down. If you are experiencing pain in your neck and back after a personal injury, see a doctor. Neck and back injuries may lead to limited mobility and paralysis, so don’t delay.
5. Soft tissue damage
Soft tissue damage happens to ligaments and tendons that have been stretched past their elasticity. This type of injury can cause lasting and linger pain for years that may become permanent. It’s important to see a doctor for any pain you’re experiencing.
6. Dog bites
When dog owners don’t properly restrain or control their animals, it can lead to a dog biting out of fear, aggression, or agitation. A dog bite can lead to torn tissue, infection, and even death if someone does not regain control of the animal. Dog attacks can quickly lead to more serious repercussions, so never approach a dog you don’t know.
Potential damages in a West Palm Beach personal injury lawsuit
Several types of damages can be claimed in a personal injury lawsuit. These vary from case to case, but generally to more severe and lingering a personal injury is, the more damages can be claimed for medical and personal costs and intangible damage like pain and suffering.
Economic damages
Economic damages are quantifiable damages. These types of damages have a price tag, a receipt, or some form of payment or charge record that can be reimbursed. These damages also include damage to personal property as well as any medical costs accrued because of the incident and lost wages that can be proven.
Economic damages can include:
Medical costs
- Follow-up appointments
- Emergency room costs
- Medications and pharmaceuticals
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Cognitive therapy
- Therapy and counseling services
- Ambulance fees
Property damages and costs
- Vehicles
- Animals
- Personal belongings
- Costs of lost property like rental cars or repairs
Lost income
- Missed wages
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages refer to intangible damage to people resulting from personal injuries. This can be a variety of things from PTSD, emotional damage, pain, or loss of consortium. Non-economic damages may be harder to prove in court, but the West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath know what it takes to make sure those who hurt you are held accountable.
Non-economic damages may include:
- Emotional trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain
- Suffering
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Humiliation
- Fear, shock, or anxiety
Examples of non-economic damages
- Persistent lingering fear of dogs after a dog attack that causes panic attacks.
- A father being unable to coach in his child’s sports team after a severe injury.
- A woman who once enjoyed a very active lifestyle being confined to a wheelchair.
- A newlywed spouse coping with the wrongful death of their companion.
Comparative fault in Florida
Florida’s pure comparative negligence law can be a little confusing to understand. This law illustrates that no matter how much responsibility you share in an accident, you can sue for damages subtracting the amount you were responsible for.
So, if a person was 90% responsible for an accident, they can sue for 10% of the damages gained. Just because you can sue, doesn’t mean you should.
How do you choose the best personal injury lawyer for your needs?
The best personal injury lawyer for your needs is the one who prioritizes you as a person and not just a case number. Ask these questions to any personal injury lawyer.
How many cases do you handle at one time?
This question will give you an idea of how much time a personal injury lawyer can devote to your case. You don’t want a lawyer with a very high number of active cases as their attention may be pulled in several directions while trying to work on your case.
How many cases have you won that are similar to mine?
This question lets you know if they are familiar with a case like yours. While each case is different, it’s important your lawyer has experience in the type of personal injury case you need representation in.
Typically, how long does it take to resolve a case like mine?
This question should give you an estimate of how long it may take to earn compensation for your injuries. This is a loose timeline that may take more time or be much shorter depending on the insurance company’s cooperation in your payout.
What is your success rate at trial?
Success rates tell you if your injury lawyer is good at their job. Some cases are hard to win, but if you are looking for a personal injury lawyer to earn you compensation, then you should be finding one with a decent success rate.
Who will I be talking with?
Who you are interacting with and talking to throughout the process is important. Huge law firms use an army of paralegals and assistants to communicate, keep you and the lawyer as distant as possible. You should choose a lawyer that is willing to speak and communicate directly with their clients.
May I speak with any former clients of yours?
Client testimonials will be one of the most important pieces in choosing a lawyer to represent you. If a lawyer refuses to give former clients, be wary of choosing them. This is a serious choice that may change your life. Don’t choose just anyone to represent you.
Personal injury questions and answers
Why do I need a personal injury lawyer?
A personal injury lawyer from Lytal, Reither, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath will protect your rights, ensure you’re receiving the maximum compensation possible, and front the cost of your personal injury so you don’t have to. We only take cases that we believe we can win, so if we take your case, you can rest assured that we believe we will win.
What do I do when an insurance company calls me about my injury?
If an insurance company calls you about your personal injury, be careful what you say. The insurance adjuster for the entity or person responsible for your injury will be trying to do two things.
- Give you the least amount of money possible.
- Attribute some of the blame to you.
By doing the second, the insurance adjuster accomplishes the first much more easily. If they call you, refuse to give a recorded statement and give short answers. Then, contact a West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer to represent you in further discussions and negotiations.
What is a wrongful death in Florida?
The Florida Statute section 768.19 states that when the death of an individual is caused “by the wrongful act, negligence, default, or breach of contract” of another entity or individual, the family of the deceased individual may pursue damages against the at-fault entity. This included medical costs leading up to the death, funeral cost, and non-economic damages that linger after the passing of the loved one.
Only the deceased person’s immediate family or blood relative/adopted sibling who relied on the deceased as a dependent, in that order, may bring a wrongful death civil lawsuit to court.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a personal injury?
A statute of limitations is the length of time that you can bring a certain lawsuit to court. For personal injury claims, the Florida statute of limitations is four years from the date of the injury to file.
If your case isn’t filed within this time frame, the court system most likely will not hear it. In some cases, discovery of an injury can take time to show up or be noticed and in these cases, an extension might be granted to the statute of limitations.
Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath
515 N Flagler Dr, 10th floor
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
1860 SW Fountainview Blvd STE 100
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
150 E Palmetto Park Road Suite 840
Boca Raton, FL 33432
110 SE 6th St Ste 1410
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (561) 655-1990
Fax: (561) 832-2932
Español: (561) 833-1964
