Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer

Your Dedicated Personal Injury Attorney

Our Tampa, FL personal injury lawyer understands the profound impact that personal injuries can have on individuals and their families. We are dedicated to providing legal representation to those who have suffered harm due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. With a commitment to securing just compensation for our clients, we employ a comprehensive approach to each case, meticulously investigating the circumstances, and advocating vigorously on behalf of those we represent.

Our attorneys at Jeff Murphy Law have roots in the Tampa area, and we take pride in serving our community with integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication. With over 30 years of personal injury law experience, we have successfully helped numerous individuals obtain the compensation they rightfully deserve for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Based on the recommendations of other attorneys and judges, Attorney Jeff Murphy has been awarded an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating available for both legal ability and ethics. Fewer than 10% of attorneys have achieved this rating.

Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall incident, or any other type of personal injury case, you can trust our firm to provide you with the skilled legal representation you need to pursue justice and rebuild your life. Contact us now to get set up with your free initial consultation.

How Our Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You

Personal injury compensation is an important aspect of the legal system that provides relief to individuals who have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions. This compensation aims to cover various damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. It is designed to restore the injured party to the financial position they were in before the injury occurred. Find out more about things you should know about your personal injury case.

Our Tampa personal injury lawyer possesses an in-depth understanding of the laws and regulations governing these cases. We are adept at negotiating with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and, if necessary, representing clients in court to secure a favorable outcome.

Our personal injury and bicycle accident lawyer represents individuals who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or wrongdoing. Personal injury cases can include car accidents, slip and falls, workplace injuries, wrongful death claims, and more. Our goal is to recover compensation for your losses so you can focus on healing. Our key areas of practice include:

• Personal injury incidents
• Sport bike and motorcycle accidents
• Bike and bicycle accidents
• Auto and car accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Big rig and truck accidents

At Jeff Murphy Law, we handle all aspects of your case, including investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies. If necessary, we take your case to court to fight for the best possible outcome. We help you seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses, both current and future
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Damages related to long-term disabilities or permanent injuries

Our job is to take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on getting better. We believe that no one should suffer financially because of someone else’s negligence.

Recovering Compensation After an Injury

Personal injury compensation is designed to restore the injured party to the financial position they were in before the injury occurred. 

Our Tampa personal injury lawyer possesses an in-depth understanding of the laws and regulations governing these cases. We are adept at negotiating with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and, if necessary, representing clients in court to secure a favorable outcome.

ECONOMIC DAMAGES

Economic damages are the foundation of any personal injury claim. These are quantifiable financial losses that you have incurred as a result of your injury. Economic damages include:

• Medical Expenses. This includes all costs related to your medical treatment, from emergency room visits to rehabilitation and any future medical care you may require.
• Lost Wages. If your injury has prevented you from working, you can claim compensation for the wages you’ve lost during your recovery period. Additionally, if your injury affects your ability to earn in the future, those potential earnings can also be factored into your claim.
• Property Damage. If any of your property was damaged as a result of the incident that caused your injury, the cost of repairing or replacing this property can be included in your claim.

NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES

Non-economic damages are intended to compensate for the intangible losses you’ve suffered due to your injury. These damages are not as straightforward to calculate as economic damages but are equally important. They include:

• Pain and Suffering. This compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life. If your injuries prevent you from enjoying your usual hobbies and activities, you can claim compensation for this loss.
• Emotional Distress. This covers the psychological impact of your injury, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

From the moment we take your case, we:

• Listen to your story and understand the impact the injury has had on your life
• Investigate the details of the accident to determine fault and liability
• Work with medical professionals to document the extent of your injuries
• Handle all communication with insurance companies to protect your rights
• Calculate the full cost of your damages, including future medical and financial needs

We know every personal injury case is unique, and we treat each client with care and respect. Whether you’re recovering from a car accident, dealing with a slip and fall, or facing the loss of a loved one due to wrongful death, we’re here to provide the support you need.

Answering Your Questions

Personalized Support for Injury Victims

Life can change in an instant when you suffer an injury caused by someone else’s negligence. Whether it’s a car accident, a slip and fall, or another unexpected event, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. Medical bills start piling up, work may be missed, and everyday life becomes a challenge. Our firm understands what you’re going through and we are here to fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

We Handle the Legal Process So You Can Focus on Healing

After an injury, you may be faced with mounting stress. Insurance companies may try to minimize or deny your claim, making the situation even harder. That’s where we step in to help. Our attorney takes the burden off your shoulders by managing every step of the legal process.

We begin by investigating your case in detail. Whether you were injured in a car crash, a workplace accident, or on someone else’s property, we gather the facts to prove negligence. This includes collecting:

• Police and incident reports
• Witness statements and accident photos
• Medical records that document your injuries
• Evidence of lost wages and other financial impacts

Once we understand the full extent of your case, we fight to hold the responsible parties accountable. By building a strong foundation, we position you to recover compensation that reflects the true impact of your injuries.

Helping You Recover the Compensation You Deserve

Injuries often bring more than just physical pain. Financial strain can make recovery even more difficult, especially when you’re unable to work. That’s why we focus on pursuing the compensation you need to cover:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Long-term care or rehabilitation costs

We know the importance of fighting for every dollar you’re owed. Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to court, we are prepared to stand by you every step of the way.

Why Our Approach Makes a Difference

Our legal team won’t treat you like just another case. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your challenges, and tailor our approach to meet your needs. 

ESTABLISHING NEGLIGENCE

The cornerstone of most personal injury cases is establishing negligence. This requires proving four key elements:

• Duty of Care. Demonstrating that the defendant owed you a duty of care is the first step. This could mean a driver’s responsibility to follow traffic laws or a property owner’s duty to keep their premises safe.
• Breach of Duty. Next, you must show that the defendant breached this duty through action or inaction.
• Causation. It’s critical to link the breach of duty directly to your injuries, showing that your harm was a foreseeable result of the defendant’s negligence.
• Damages. Finally, documenting the injuries and losses you suffered as a result of the incident is essential. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

COLLECTING EVIDENCE

Gathering robust evidence is vital for substantiating your claim. This may include:

• Photographs and Video Footage. Visual evidence of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage can be powerful in proving your case.
• Medical Records. Comprehensive documentation of your injuries, treatments, and prognosis establishes the extent of your physical suffering and financial losses.
• Witness Statements. Eyewitness accounts can corroborate your version of events and strengthen your claim.
• Specialist Testimony. In some cases, input from medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, or economists is vital for demonstrating the cause of your injuries and quantifying your damages.

Our clients often tell us how overwhelmed they felt before reaching out for help. Whether it was confusion about their legal rights or frustration with an uncooperative insurance company, they find relief knowing we are there to fight for them. We pride ourselves on being both compassionate and relentless in our pursuit of justice for the people we serve.

The Importance of Timely Action

Various factors can impact the value of your personal injury case. It is essential for victims of personal injury to take timely action. Each state has its own statute of limitations, which dictates the timeframe within which a claim must be filed. In Florida, for example, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is four years from the date of the incident. Failure to file within this period can result in the loss of the right to seek compensation.

If you or a loved one has been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face this alone. Our personal injury attorney is ready to help you take control of your situation. We’ll handle the legal work so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward getting the justice and compensation you deserve. We’re here to stand with you and fight for your future.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases

Our seasoned personal injury attorney has handled a wide array of cases involving injuries caused by the negligence or recklessness of others. Personal injury cases encompass various scenarios, each presenting its own set of challenges and legal considerations and types of personal injuries you may sustain.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury cases we encounter. Whether it’s a rear-end collision, intersection accident, or a more complicated multi-vehicle crash, these incidents can result in severe injuries such as whiplash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or even fatalities.

Our personal injury attorney has extensive experience investigating the causes of car accidents, including distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence. We hold negligent parties accountable and secure compensation for our clients’ medical expenses, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents occur when individuals are injured on someone else’s property due to hazardous conditions such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting. Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises and warn visitors of potential dangers. When they fail to do so, resulting in injuries, victims may have grounds for a premises liability claim.

We help victims of slip and fall accidents pursue compensation for their injuries, including compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, or hospitals, provide substandard care that results in harm to the patient. Examples of medical malpractice include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, or birth injuries.

These cases can be extremely complicated and require thorough investigation and specialist testimony to establish negligence and liability. 

Product Liability

Product liability cases arise when defective or dangerous products cause harm to consumers. Whether it’s a malfunctioning vehicle part, a faulty medical device, or a contaminated food product, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held liable for injuries resulting from their products.

Our firm can help you seek fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other losses.

Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities, impacting the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of workers and their families. Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe work environment and comply with occupational safety regulations. When workplace accidents occur due to negligence or safety violations, injured workers may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits or pursue a personal injury claim against responsible parties. 

5 Reasons to Choose Our Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer

Accidents happen without warning, leaving individuals and families overwhelmed by physical pain, emotional stress, and financial strain. Whether you’re recovering from a car accident, a slip and fall, or a workplace injury, it’s easy to feel uncertain about what to do next. Our lawyer is here to help you regain control of your life. We fight for the compensation you need to recover and rebuild after an injury caused by someone else’s negligence.

• We Investigate the Details of Your Injury

Every personal injury case begins with understanding the facts. Whether you were hurt on the road, at work, or on someone else’s property, identifying the cause and proving fault is critical. We thoroughly investigate by gathering incident reports and police documentation, witness statements and any available video footage, medical records that connect your injuries to the accident, and evidence of property conditions or unsafe environments.

This information helps us build a strong case that shows how your injury occurred. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

• We Handle Communication With Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance adjusters can be one of the most frustrating parts of an injury claim. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. We step in to protect your rights by managing all conversations with insurance representatives, challenging attempts to shift blame for the accident, and negotiating fair personal injury settlements that reflect your medical costs, lost income, and pain. Our team works to make certain that you’re treated fairly and don’t accept less than what you deserve.

• We Calculate the Full Value of Your Damages

Injuries can have long-term effects that go beyond initial medical bills. We take a comprehensive approach to calculating the true cost of your damages, including current and future medical expenses for treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation, lost wages from missed work and reduced earning capacity in the future, pain and suffering that affects your quality of life, costs for ongoing care if you’re dealing with a permanent injury, and more.

Our goal is to secure compensation that allows you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of financial uncertainty.

• We Represent You in Court When Necessary

While many personal injury cases settle outside of court, there are times when litigation is necessary to achieve a fair outcome. We are prepared to represent you in front of a judge and jury, presenting evidence to fight for the compensation you need. Our legal team has successfully fought for countless injury victims and will pursue justice for you with dedication and skill.

Tampa Personal Injury Infographic

Tampa Personal Injury Statistics

According to The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 330,753 motor vehicle accidents reported in the Sunshine State last year.

The report shows that:

• 205k people were injured across the state
• 3k people lost their lives in fatal accidents
• 2k traffic fatalities and over 20k injuries were caused by hit-and-run accidents

If you’ve been injured and believe another party is at fault, we encourage you to reach out to us. By partnering with us, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the details of proving your personal injury case. Let’s work together to get through this challenging journey and seek justice for you and your family.

Tampa Personal Injury FAQs

Life can take an unexpected turn when you suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence. Suddenly, you’re dealing with medical bills, missed work, and emotional stress. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. Our firm is here to provide the support and legal guidance you need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally four years from the date of the accident. This timeframe is pivotal as it dictates how long you have to legally pursue compensation for injuries suffered due to someone else’s negligence. Failing to file within this period typically results in the loss of your right to sue. However, there are exceptions to this rule, depending on the specifics of your case, such as claims against government entities or for medical malpractice, which have different deadlines.

Can I still receive compensation if I was partially at fault for my injury?

Yes, Florida operates under a pure comparative negligence rule, which allows you to receive compensation even if you were partially at fault for your injury. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for an accident and your damages were $10,000, you would still be able to recover $8,000. This system is designed so that even if you contributed to your accident, you could still recoup some of your losses.

Are there caps on damages in personal injury cases?

There are no caps on economic and non-economic damages in most personal injury cases. Economic damages cover tangible losses like medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other intangible losses. However, punitive damages, which are intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior, may be capped depending on the specifics of the case.

What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury lawsuit?

In Tampa, FL, you may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages in a personal injury lawsuit, including economic damages (such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage), non-economic damages (including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life), and in some cases, punitive damages. The specific damages available will depend on the details of your case, including the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.

How long does a personal injury lawsuit take?

The duration of a personal injury lawsuit in Tampa, FL, can vary widely depending on several factors, including the difficulty of the case, the amount of evidence, the willingness of parties to negotiate, and the court’s schedule. Some cases may settle quickly, within a few months, while more complicated cases could take several years to resolve. Working with our experienced personal injury attorney can help streamline the process and avoid any potential delays.

What Counts As A Personal Injury?

A personal injury occurs when someone is harmed due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. This can involve physical injuries, emotional distress, or financial losses. Common examples include injuries from car accidents, slips and falls, or defective products.

For an injury to qualify, it typically needs to be shown that the other party had a duty of care and failed to meet that responsibility, directly causing the injury. Whether the injury is minor or severe, the impact it has on your life can be part of your claim. Our Tampa personal injury attorney can help you determine if an accident warrants legal action.

What If I Had A Pre-Existing Condition Before The Accident?

Having a pre-existing condition doesn’t mean you can’t pursue a claim. If the accident made your condition worse, you may still be eligible for compensation. For example, if you had back pain before an accident and the injury aggravated that condition, the responsible party can still be held accountable for the additional harm caused.

How Do Insurance Companies Handle Injury Claims?

Insurance companies evaluate claims by reviewing evidence such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements. They often look for ways to reduce the amount they have to pay, which is why it’s important to present a strong case. While insurers may initially offer a lower amount, having thorough documentation and a clear understanding of your damages can improve the outcome.

What Are The Most Common Injuries In Personal Injury Cases?

Personal injury cases cover a wide range of physical and emotional injuries. Some of the most common include:

• Broken bones or fractures
• Whiplash and other neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Cuts, bruises, or burns
• Emotional trauma, such as anxiety or PTSD

The severity of the injury can vary, but the key factor is whether it has a significant impact on your life and ability to work or perform daily activities.

What Are Common Types Of Personal Injury Cases?

Personal injury cases arise from a variety of incidents. Some of the most common include:

• Car accidents, including those involving pedestrians or cyclists
• Slip and fall accidents on unsafe property
• Workplace injuries caused by negligence
• Injuries from defective products or equipment
• Medical malpractice claims

Each type of case has its own set of challenges, but the goal is always to hold the responsible party accountable and secure fair compensation for your losses.

Tampa Personal Injury Glossary

At Jeff Murphy Law, we are dedicated to advocating for individuals who have suffered harm due to the actions or inactions of others. With over 30 years of experience as a trial lawyer, Jeff Murphy has built a reputation for providing compassionate and results-driven legal representation. Below, we define and clarify key terms and concepts related to personal injury cases, offering insight into the legal process.

Comparative Fault

Comparative fault addresses scenarios where multiple parties share responsibility for causing an accident or injury. Florida follows a pure comparative fault rule, which allows injured individuals to recover compensation even if they bear some degree of fault. For example, if you were injured in a car accident and found to be 30% at fault, you could still recover 70% of your total damages. This rule ensures that blame is fairly allocated, but it also requires careful documentation and argumentation to minimize the percentage of fault assigned to you.

At our Tampa personal injury law firm, we focus on presenting a clear narrative of events supported by strong evidence, such as accident reports, expert testimony, and photographs. Our goal is to limit any attempts to unfairly shift blame onto our clients, maximizing the compensation they receive.

General Damages for Pain and Suffering

General damages compensate for non-monetary losses that don’t have direct financial costs but significantly impact the injured person’s quality of life. These include physical pain, emotional suffering, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of activities you once loved. Unlike medical bills or lost wages, these damages are subjective and require careful presentation to demonstrate their full impact.

To build a compelling case for general damages, we rely on medical documentation, personal testimonies, and evaluations from specialists. We know that no two injuries are alike, and we take the time to understand how an injury has affected every aspect of our clients’ lives. By doing so, we verify that general damages reflect the full extent of your suffering.

Loss of Earning Capacity

Loss of earning capacity refers to the reduction in a person’s ability to earn income in the future due to a long-term or permanent injury. This differs from lost wages, which are limited to income already lost during recovery. Calculating loss of earning capacity requires examining a person’s pre-accident earning potential, current limitations, and future prospects. Factors such as age, skills, career trajectory, and the severity of the injury are taken into account.

We work with vocational experts, medical specialists, and economists to show how an injury will impact our clients’ ability to work in the long term. Our commitment is to secure fair compensation that supports clients and their families, so that they are not left financially vulnerable.

Premises Liability

Premises liability arises when property owners fail to maintain safe conditions, resulting in injuries to visitors. This could involve hazards like slippery floors, broken staircases, or poorly lit walkways. Property owners are legally obligated to ensure their premises are reasonably safe and to address or warn about any known dangers. Visitors injured due to unsafe conditions may be entitled to compensation for their injuries.

Our approach to premises liability cases involves thorough investigations, including reviewing property maintenance logs, interviewing witnesses, and consulting safety experts. Jeff Murphy has represented clients in a wide range of these cases, from slip-and-fall accidents to injuries caused by falling objects. We focus on holding property owners accountable for preventable harm, securing compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other losses.

Insurance Bad Faith in Injury Claims

Insurance bad faith occurs when an insurance company fails to handle a claim in good faith, such as by unfairly delaying payments, denying valid claims, or offering unreasonably low settlements. Insurers have a legal obligation to act fairly toward their policyholders and claimants, and when they violate these duties, they can be held accountable through a bad faith claim.

At Jeff Murphy Law, we have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies that prioritize profits over fairness. Our team identifies tactics used to undervalue claims and leverages the law to protect our clients’ rights. Whether it’s gathering documentation to prove an insurer’s misconduct or escalating a claim to court, we fight to so that insurance companies honor their obligations and provide the compensation our clients deserve.

Jeff Murphy Law, Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer

101 E Kennedy Blvd 39th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602

Contact Our Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer Today

When seeking representation, it’s critical to choose a law firm with a proven track record of success in personal injury cases. Jeff Murphy Law stands out as a reputable firm in Tampa, FL, offering comprehensive legal services to individuals who have suffered personal injuries. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized attention to each case, so that our clients receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we encourage you to reach out to us. We will review your case, explain your rights, and outline the best course of action. We are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. With our knowledge and guidance, we can manage the unique aspects of your personal injury claim together.

Our firm is committed to providing exceptional legal representation to those who have been injured due to the negligence of others. With a thorough understanding of Florida’s personal injury laws, a meticulous approach to case preparation, and a steadfast dedication to our clients’ well-being, we strive to ensure that each individual we represent receives the comprehensive support and vigorous advocacy they deserve. Our goal is not only to secure the compensation our clients are entitled to but also to facilitate their journey towards recovery and justice, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted and compassionate ally in the Tampa community. Attorney Jeff has 33 years of experience as a trial lawyer and is ready to help you.  Speak with our trusted Tampa personal injury lawyer today.

Suggested External Resources:

1. Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
   • Provides crash statistics, licensing information, and safety resources.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
   • Provides national data and safety tips related to injuries and accidents.
3. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
   • Provides national data and safety tips related to motor vehicle accidents.

Client Review

“Jeff Murphy is a great attorney. I have known him for many years and have worked with him on personal injury cases. He is smart, experienced, and knows how to get great results for his clients. I give him the highest recommendation..”
G. Yerrid

Read this and more of our reviews here.