https://youtu.be/KEvJUPhR7jg In the attached video, Stephanie Fenstersheib of Fenstersheib Law Group explains what really happens when you refuse an insurance company’s first settlement offer — and why doing so is often the smartest move you can make after an accident. After a crash, it’s common for insurance companies to reach out quickly with what seems like a helpful offer. In reality, these early settlement offers are usually lowball payouts designed to close your claim fast and protect the insurer’s bottom line — not your recovery. At that point, you may still be in pain, unsure of the full extent of your injuries, and completely unaware of how much coverage is available. Accepting too early could leave you with unpaid medical bills and no way to seek additional compensation later. As Fenstersheib explains in the video, this is when you need an experienced personal injury attorney by your side. Once you tell the insurance company that you’re represented, the game changes. Your lawyer can demand access to the company’s insurance policy limits, evaluate the full value of your damages, and negotiate from a position of strength.…Read More
https://youtu.be/ExYPiO-HSX0 In the attached video, David Fenstersheib of Fenstersheib Law Group answers a common question many accident victims ask: “Do I really need a lawyer for my personal injury case?” Technically, you don’t — but as he explains, trying to handle your own case is like pulling your own tooth instead of going to a dentist. It might be possible, but it’s rarely a good idea. Insurance companies know when you’re unrepresented, and that’s exactly when they strike. They’ll contact you right after an accident, offering what seems like a quick and easy settlement — often before you even understand the full extent of your injuries. Because adrenaline can mask pain immediately after a crash, you might not realize how serious your injuries are until days or weeks later. Once you’ve accepted an early settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more, no matter how bad things get. That’s why hiring a skilled personal injury attorney is one of the smartest decisions you can make. As Fenstersheib explains in the video, an attorney protects your rights, uncovers all available insurance coverage, and makes sure…Read More
https://youtu.be/1WdTzcVX1YM In the attached video, David Fenstersheib of Fenstersheib Law Group discusses one of the most common questions injury victims ask: “What is a fair settlement for pain and suffering?” The short answer — as he explains — is that it depends. Every case is different, and the value of your pain and suffering is determined by several key factors, including the severity of your injuries, your age, occupation, and how your injuries impact your daily life and future earning potential. Unlike medical bills or lost wages, pain and suffering damages are subjective — and insurance companies often exploit that to minimize payouts. They may argue that your injuries were pre-existing, that your pain isn’t as severe as you claim, or that your lifestyle hasn’t been significantly affected. That’s why it’s so important to seek immediate medical care, document every symptom, and ensure there’s a clear connection between the accident and your injuries. As Fenstersheib points out in the video, the difference between cases can be drastic. For instance, someone nearing retirement with minor restrictions might receive far less than a young professional whose injuries…Read More
It is important to be prepared when facing an upcoming settlement negotiation after a personal injury. To seek maximum insurance settlement payouts, work with a personal injury attorney who can assist in preparing the claim and has experience representing victims in negotiations. After hiring an attorney, there are a few insurance claim tips to keep in mind that may make it easier to achieve a fair settlement. Go Into Negotiations With a Settlement Amount While there is no guarantee that the insurance company's initial offer will meet the injured party's expectations, it is essential to have a reasonable amount in mind when presenting the organized demand letter. The insurance adjuster will assess the demand and all supporting documents and make an offer lower than the demanded sum. Therefore, it is essential to have a bottom line in mind for negotiations. An attorney can help injured parties determine a fair and reasonable amount to expect before entering into settlement negotiations or submitting a claim. Do Not Feel Pressured Into Accepting the First Offer Because insurance company tactics often include lowball first offers to reduce the payout,…Read More
If you are like many plaintiffs in personal injury cases, you have virtually no legal experience. You may not know which actions could help or hurt your case, and you fear making a mistake that hurts your payout. Our Florida personal injury lawyers have been representing accident victims for over 40 years and have witnessed a few common mistakes among clients. Avoid these errors as you navigate your personal injury claim. 1. Leaving the Accident Scene Without Gathering Crucial Evidence Whether you were involved in a vehicle crash, premises liability event, or any other type of personal injury accident, evidence is critical to your case. And some of the strongest evidence only exists at the scene of the accident. Once you leave, it will become lost forever. That’s why it is so important to gather evidence immediately after the accident before you leave the scene. Take photos and videos of the hazard that caused your injury. Call the police to request a police report and ask for the contact information of any witnesses. Your Florida personal injury lawyer will be very thankful that you collected…Read More
Equip yourself with the knowledge necessary to recover full compensation for your losses. Injuries often happen unexpectedly. One moment, you’re driving to the grocery store, and the next, you’re in a hospital bed, facing mounting medical bills. No one plans for these unfortunate situations, but when they arise, establishing a clear path forward is essential. Doing so not only safeguards you from financial instability but also ensures you receive the ongoing medical care needed for a healthy recovery. In the state of Florida, victims of negligence are often entitled to some sort of compensation for their losses. The most effective way to pursue financial resources is with a personal injury claim. These legal cases enable you to obtain restitution for lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and more. However, understanding how to approach the claims process the right way is critical to your success. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you work alongside a legal professional who specializes in these matters. Personal injury lawyers are very well-versed in the legal procedures associated with personal injury claims, including gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies,…Read More
How do serious injuries impact your payout? Dive in to learn more about how permanent disabilities influence settlement amounts.When an injury leaves you with a permanent condition, the future may seem bleak and unclear. From medical expenses and lost wages to ongoing care, the financial considerations can feel endless. What’s more, serious injuries often result in lingering pain and discomfort that just won’t seem to go away. What options do you have in such an unfortunate situation? How can you prepare for the future ahead? With the proper legal guidance, many of these uncertainties become clearer – and so does the opportunity to regain financial stability… Permanent disabilities can manifest in a variety of ways, but one factor remains the same: they fundamentally alter the victim’s life, often limiting their ability to work, perform daily tasks, and engage in the activities they once enjoyed. This profound impact, referred to as pain and suffering, is crucial to the accurate calculation of personal injury compensation. Extending beyond immediate medical expenses, these pain and suffering injuries must also account for long-term care, employment restrictions, and the emotional suffering that…Read More
There is a wide range of misconceptions about personal injury settlements. Many victims are unsure what to expect, which can lead to disappointment and confusion. Unrealistic expectations about the settlement process and an inaccurate understanding of compensation often lead to frustration and doubt. Whether you suffered an injury in Sarasota or Hallandale Beach, uncovering the truth behind these myths can help you manage your expectations and create a smoother legal process. In this article, we’ll debunk some of the most common misconceptions surrounding personal injury settlements – helping you navigate your claim with clarity and confidence. Myth #1: All Personal Injury Claims Yield Large Settlements One of the most common myths is that all personal injury claims lead to large settlements. Many victims expect the simple act of filing a claim to result in a payout that covers all their expenses and more. In reality, the compensation process is far more complex. Personal injury settlements depend on a range of factors, such as the severity of the injury, the available insurance coverage, the negotiation process, and the clarity of liability. While some cases do result…Read More
The field of personal injury law is constantly changing. With new legislation being enacted regularly, it is crucial to be up-to-date on the latest developments to ensure your success. However, simply being informed is not always enough – you should also have access to the legal tools necessary to navigate the world of personal injury law effectively. How is this achieved? By working alongside a trusted professional who puts your best interests first… As of March 2023, Florida instituted tort reform that transformed foundational aspects of personal injury law. These changes affect the statute of limitations, damages calculation, and even how negligence is determined. Whether you are a seasoned lawyer or an injured individual, understanding these important updates is critical for approaching personal injury claims with confidence and precision. Here’s what you need to know about the recent changes to Florida’s personal injury laws… The Statute Of Limitations Has Been Shortened Among the most significant alterations to Florida’s personal injury law in 2023 was the shortening of the statute of limitations for general negligence claims. In previous years, victims had four years to file a…Read More
Walking and jogging are the most common forms of exercise as a means to better fitness and health, but it is important to ensure that proper safety measures are followed. Wearing reflective gear and having the proper walking or running shoes can make a big difference. In addition, looking out for traffic and being aware of your surroundings, by looking for uneven pavement, cracks in the sidewalk or debris on jogging paths can prove to help in keeping you safe. Unfortunately, pedestrians are often at fault, quite often distracted by texting, talking on their cell phone, listening to music while walking, or simply not paying enough attention. Accidents, however, can occur even when walkers and joggers are following all the rules, such as staying attentive at all times, and crossing the road only at the designated crosswalks. Many factors (such as motorist negligence, poor road design and inadequate signage) often lead to serious or even fatal pedestrian accidents. Motorists must also do their part to help keep pedestrians safe by following some simple rules, such as driving slowly through neighborhoods and showing extra caution when…Read More
