Questions and Answers

We encourage you to browse some of the most asked questions about personal injury cases in Southwest Florida and throughout Florida. Our team at Parvey & Cavenago have included answers for each of them. 

Will I have to go to trial for my case?

All cases are different. Most likely you will not have to go to trial, in fact only about 25% of all personal injury cases make it to trial. It depends on several things such as the severity of your injuries, the insurance company you are dealing with and the certainty of evidence. Usually, the parties are able to come to an agreement before trial becomes necessary.

What is the statute of limitations for injury claims in Florida?

Under Florida law, you have four years to file your personal injury claim before the statute of limitations runs out and it is forever barred. If it is a wrongful death, nursing home abuse or medical malpractice claim you have 2 years to file your claim or it is forever barred. There are exceptions to this rule so make sure you speak with your attorney to find out the exact statute of limitations for your specific case.

How much is my case worth?

All cases are different, and there is no exact answer for how much a personal injury case is worth. It is often possible to determine a reasonable settlement range for a claim after a client’s medical condition has been evaluated. Some things that we take into consideration at Parvey & Cavenago is the severity of the injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and/or the loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life. These factors help us determine how much compensation you are likely to be awarded for your injuries.

Why do I need an attorney?

If you have sustained an injury due to someone else’s fault, negligence, or mistake, whether it be a car, motorcycle, truck, or bike accident, or any other type of accident, you are well advised to seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney. At Parvey & Cavenago we provide free, no risk case consultations to injured persons and their families.

What is board certification?

Board certification is the highest level of recognition given by the Florida Bar for competency and experience within an area of law. A lawyer must pass a rigorous written test, peer review and establish substantial currency in the area of practice.

What do I do after an accident?

If you have been injured in a car crash in Florida, there are several steps you must take. Number one: report the accident to law enforcement, even if you don’t think it’s a big deal. Number two: see a doctor right away and be sure to describe every injury or symptom you’ve experienced, even if you think you were not badly hurt. Number three: don’t make any statements about what happened or how you feel until you have talked to your attorney — even if you’re sure you don’t need one.

Why is it important to call the Parvey & Cavenago Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. immediately after my accident?

What we have to offer is more than 70 years of combined legal experience, the resources that come with longevity and a track record of outstanding results in car accident cases statewide dating back more than 30 years. The personal injury lawyers at Parvey & Cavenago understand that to each person or family we represent, their case is the only one that matters.

Do I need a personal Injury attorney?

If you have sustained an injury due to someone else’s fault, negligence, or mistake, YES! Contact our personal injury attorney’s at Parvey & Cavenago for your free consultation today.

What is negligence?

Negligence is the failure to use reasonable care, resulting in damage or injury to another.

What type of personal injury claims do Parvey and Cavenago handle?

Our practice is dedicated to pursuing personal injury and wrongful death compensation for people throughout Florida. We handle claims involving car, motorcycle and truck accidents. Along with boating accidents, medical and nursing home negligence, accidents involving property owner negligence, injuries caused by defective or dangerous products, and accidents resulting in catastrophic spinal cord or brain injuries

What type of compensation can I receive for my personal injury?

Every case is different. If you are the victim of negligence, depending on your case, you may be entitled to receive money for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and/or the loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life. Call our experienced personal injury attorney’s today for your no risk, no money down consultation today.

Will I need to pay upfront?

No! At Parvey & Cavenago we have a “no recovery, no fee” policy. Contact us at (239) 334-0300 today for a free consultation. Appointments may also be scheduled in homes, at a hospital or other location for disabled and injured people. We will strive to speak to you in person at another mutually convenient location. The attorneys at our law firm have been recovering compensation for victims of personal injury and wrongful death throughout Florida since 1974. Today, we are prepared to start helping you. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, on a cruise ship or by a doctor’s negligence, call our lawyers in Fort Myers for a free consultation.

How long will my case take?

This varies greatly from case to case. Some of the deciding factors are based on the severity of your injuries, the amount of medical treatment you will need, and so on. The best way to determine the expected length of your case is to talk to your attorney.

How soon after an accident should I contact my insurance company? Do I even need to contact them, if I wasn’t at fault?

Yes, you will need to contact them to inform them of the incident. It is important that you do not discuss your injuries with them.

If I feel fine after an automobile accident, should I still go to see a doctor?

Yes. You have 14 days after the accident to seek medical attention for injuries incurred in the said incident.

Should I contact the other driver’s insurance company?

No, never. Contact your attorney and they will handle all correspondence with the other driver’s insurance company.

How soon after an accident should I contact an attorney?

Contact your attorney after you seek the medical attention needed.

If I file a personal injury claim, will we settle out of court or go to trial?

There are several ways to resolve personal injury claims. When you meet with your personal injury attorney at Parvey and Cavenago, we will go over the different options that best fit your situation.

My air bags didn’t deploy during my car accident. Can I sue the car manufacturer?

This depends on the nature and extent of your injuries. The vehicle must be preserved in order to examine the possibility of a law suit against the car manufacturer for the air bags failing to deploy.

How soon must I file a personal injury lawsuit before I lose the right to do so?

Under Florida law, you have four years to file your personal injury claim before the statute of limitations runs out and it is forever barred. If it is a wrongful death, nursing home abuse or medical malpractice claim you have 2 years to file your claim or it is forever barred. There are exceptions to this rule so make sure you speak with your attorney to find out the exact statute of limitations for your specific case.

Can a case be reopened once it has been settled?

This depends on the circumstances of the original settlement. The original documents would have to be reviewed to determine whether or not your case could be reopened.

If the other driver has no insurance am I out of luck?

Not necessarily. In the case that you are in an accident with an uninsured motorist, we would evaluate your policy for under insured/uninsured coverage.

I think my loved one is being neglected in a nursing home, what can I do?

If you think that a loved one is being neglected or abused in a nursing home or assisted living facility the first thing you need to do is contact an attorney as soon as possible! It is important to take photos, keep a journal, and if at all possible move your loved one to a different facility. The next thing you need to do is file a complaint against the AHCA facility. In order to do so you can call the Abuse & Neglect Hot Line at 800-962-2873 or online at http://apps.ahca.myflorida.com/hcfc/.