Clearwater Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’re looking for the best personal injury lawyer in Clearwater, you’d be well-served to entrust your case to Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys. Our Clearwater office is located in the heart of Pinellas County, making it easy to access the legal support you need.

Why Choose Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Clearwater? 

Whether you need help understanding the costs of a Florida car accident, or seeking compensation following a premises liability incident, Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, is here to help.

Our firm has 40-plus years of experience and a strong local presence. We’ll match you with a Clearwater personal injury attorney who takes a client-first approach. We truly care about your story and what you’ve endured.

Our personal injury law firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients over the years. These winnings include over a dozen $1 million-plus settlements or verdicts, as well as dozens more cases that involve hundreds of thousands of dollars in recovery.

When you put your trust in us, you’ll work directly with an experienced attorney with a track record of delivering real results. Our Clearwater personal injury lawyers are led by Jack G. Bernstein, a highly experienced attorney who has successfully recovered tens of millions of dollars for injury victims during his career.

So, what makes us stand out? First and foremost, personal injury law is all we do. Our firm focuses exclusively on accident and injury cases, which means we know the nuances of Florida law and the local courts in Clearwater.

We’re also proud to be part of the Clearwater community. We support local charities and treat every client like a neighbor. When you work with our firm, you become part of our extended family.

What Sets Us Apart From Other Law Firms? 

When you need an injury attorney in Clearwater, the law offices of Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, should be your first call.

In a city full of law firms, we strive to be among the best personal injury lawyers in Clearwater. Our lawyers strive to provide compassionate representation, and will aggressively pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Our entire team has a winning mentality. We don’t want to simply recover damages for you; our goal is to hold the negligent party accountable and ensure that you have the resources you need to focus on your recovery. 

Our Clearwater personal injury law firm boasts both local knowledge and the negotiation skills to deliver results. We approach every case as if we’re preparing for trial.

Unlike big, impersonal firms, we know Clearwater and Pinellas County inside and out. Our attorneys are familiar with local accident hotspots, insurance adjusters, and courts. We’ll tailor our strategy to your unique needs.

Lastly, when you hire us, you get the strength of our whole legal team. Our law offices collaborate on each case, bringing together attorneys, paralegals, and subject matter experts for real results.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle 

When you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer in Clearwater, Florida, you need to make sure the professional representing you has the necessary experience to handle your case effectively.

Our Clearwater personal injury attorneys have won a wide range of cases, including:

• Car accidents: From fender-benders on Gulf to Bay Boulevard to serious collisions on US-19, we help crash victims recover fair compensation.
• Truck accidents: Our team understands the complexities of crashes involving semis, delivery trucks, and commercial vehicles.
• Motorcycle accidents: We advocate for motorcyclists who have been hit by careless drivers, helping them recover from serious injuries.
• Medical malpractice claims: When doctors or hospitals make grave mistakes, our firm steps in to seek justice.
• Catastrophic injuries: Life-altering injuries require specialized advocacy from an experienced team like ours.
• Wrongful death claims: If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, our compassionate team will handle your case with the empathy it deserves. 
• Personal injury accidents: Our capable attorneys handle all manner of personal injury claims.
• Bicycle and pedestrian accidents: Cyclists and walkers are particularly vulnerable, which is why we’re proud to advocate for those in need. 
• Slip-and-fall cases: Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe — when they fail to do so, we hold them accountable.
• Dog bite cases: Florida law holds dog owners responsible if their animals injure someone.
• Nursing home abuse cases: Seniors deserve proper care and dignity, which is why our lawyers stand ready to step in when your elderly loved ones need help.
• Construction accidents: We represent injured construction workers and others hurt on the job due to carelessness or unsafe conditions.

This is not an exhaustive list of the personal injury cases we handle. If you or a loved one has been injured due to another party’s negligent actions, Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, can assist you in taking legal action.

Notable Results and Settlements 

We strive to obtain maximum compensation when pursuing financial recovery for our clients. Our track record includes numerous high-dollar verdicts and settlements, including:

• $3M settlement for a wrongful death claim stemming from a motor vehicle accident.
• $3M settlement for neck injuries following a truck accident.
• $2.76M settlement for an industrial accident resulting in blindness.
• $2M medical malpractice verdict where our client suffered paralysis.
• $2M medical malpractice settlement due to a client’s brain injury.

Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, has surpassed the $1 million threshold in more than a dozen cases, and has recovered hundreds of thousands more for other clients. 

How Our Clearwater Injury Attorneys Can Help 

Is it worth hiring a personal injury attorney? Absolutely. Our dauntless injury lawyers will go toe-to-toe with the insurance companies to recover compensation on your behalf. The entire legal team at Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, possesses fierce negotiating skills and a willingness to step up when you need us most.

Here are some of the advantages we can offer you:

• Free consultation and case evaluation
• Thorough investigation
• Handling communication with insurance companies
• Documentation of damages
• Negotiation and settlement efforts
• Litigation and trial (if needed)
• Recovering lost wages and other forms of support

As your dedicated legal advocates, our injury attorneys in Clearwater will handle every aspect of your case from start to finish so you can focus on healing and moving forward. 

What To Do After an Unexpected Injury in Clearwater

If you suffer an unexpected injury, it’s vital to exercise your legal rights. However, getting medical treatment should always be your first priority. Here’s a closer look at how to respond after facing a serious injury:

• Seeking medical treatment: Even if you don’t think you’re hurt, it’s best to get medical attention right away.
• Documenting the scene: If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and anything else that might help. 
• Gathering evidence and witness information: Talk to witnesses and get their names and contact details.
• Staying off social media: Avoid making any public statements or posts on social media, as they could be used against you.
• Contacting a qualified personal injury attorney: Talk to our team as soon as possible so we can get to work on your case.

Be careful about what you say to law enforcement or anyone else as well — don’t admit fault or feel like you need to elaborate on every detail. Stick to the basics, such as what direction you were traveling before a crash, and leave it at that. 

Understanding Personal Injury Claims in Florida

If you’re considering pursuing a legal claim, it’s important to understand the basics of personal injury law in Florida. In simple terms, a personal injury claim is a demand for compensation after you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence. 

The first step is generally to file an insurance claim. For instance, you might file a claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurer.

Our team will negotiate with the insurer on your behalf in an effort to obtain full compensation. However, if the insurance company won’t pay a fair amount, your case may proceed to a personal injury lawsuit, which is a formal legal action filed in civil court.

Under Florida Law, you’re subject to a two-year statute of limitations. That means you have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim and initiate the legal process with the courts.

While there are exceptions in some circumstances, it’s best not to wait. You don’t want to rely on civil trial law loopholes when your health and financial well-being are at stake. 

When filing a claim, negligence is the key element you must prove. According to Florida State Statute 768.81(1)(c), “negligence action” means a civil action for damages “based upon a theory of negligence, strict liability, products liability, professional malpractice, […] or breach of warranty and like theories.”

To prove negligence, our team will need to demonstrate that the other party failed to exercise reasonable care, and that that failure caused your injury. 

Damages You Can Recover

Some of the potential damages available in a personal injury case in Clearwater include:

• Medical bills: This includes all expenses for treatment related to your injury, such as surgery, ambulance transport, and follow-up visits. 
• Lost wages: If your injuries force you to miss work, you can recover the income you’ve lost.
• Pain and suffering: This category of damages repays you for the physical pain and discomfort your injuries have caused.
• Property damage: You can claim the cost to repair or replace your vehicle, as well as any damaged personal property.
• Emotional distress: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are forms of emotional distress for which you can be compensated for.

Our attorneys will pursue the maximum compensation available in your case. When calculating financial compensation, our team considers all of the factors outlined above. 

Some forms of financial recovery, such as medical bills and lost wages, can easily be calculated. For instance, when you attempt to recover lost wages after a personal injury, our legal team will tally up the amount you’ve lost from missed work since the accident. We’ll also consider future missed time at work for ongoing treatment and recovery. 

However, it’s difficult to tie a number to the pain, suffering, and emotional trauma you’ve suffered in the aftermath of your accident. That’s why we’ll focus on telling your story, taking the insurance company, or jury if need be, back to the day of the accident. 

Catastrophic Injuries and Wrongful Death 

Catastrophic injuries are those that result in severe and long-term impacts on the victim’s life, such as permanent disability or other significant life changes. Examples include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, amputations, and organ damage.

Our legal team knows how to handle catastrophic injury cases. We work with medical experts, life-care planners, and economists to calculate the full extent of our clients’ future needs. We also recognize the emotional toll injuries can take on victims and their families.

A wrongful death occurs when a family member dies due to another party’s negligence or carelessness. If you’ve lost a loved one under these circumstances, you may be able to seek compensation for the emotional and financial impacts of the loss.

Florida laws allow certain surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim, such as the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. 

At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, we focus on providing compassionate representation to injury victims and their families. Our team will take the time to learn about your experience and share what you’ve endured so we can effectively represent you.

FAQs

The Contingency Fee Model – What Will I Pay? 

One of the biggest concerns many accident victims have is whether they can afford a lawyer. When you entrust your case to Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, the answer is a resounding yes.

We operate on a contingency fee structure. This arrangement means you won’t owe any fees unless we recover financial compensation for you. Additionally, we offer a free consultation so you can talk to one of our experienced attorneys without obligation.

If we obtain payment on your behalf, our fee is typically one-third of the total award. However, we adhere to contingency fee rules outlined by the Florida Bar, which means our percentage may be higher or lower, depending on how your case resolves and how much we recover.

Schedule a free consultation today to talk to a Clearwater personal injury attorney in greater depth.

Deadlines and Statute of Limitations

One of the most important things to know in any injury case is that you have a limited time to take legal action. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations. Florida law sets the statute of limitations for personal injury cases at two years. 

If your case involves a personal injury claim or wrongful death, the clock starts ticking on the date of the incident. For medical malpractice claims, the two-year deadline may start when the injury or illness is discovered.

While two years may seem like a long time, every day matters. The sooner you connect with our team, the more time we’ll have to gather evidence and build a strong case. 

Avoid delay — contact our team today to set up your free initial consultation. 

Gathering Evidence for Your Case

Strong evidence is the backbone of a successful personal injury claim. To obtain compensation for you, we must prove what happened and how it has affected you. You may not be in a state to begin gathering evidence immediately after your accident. However, you should bring whatever you can to your consultation.

Before this meeting, focus on compiling solid evidence to support your claim. This may include:

• Medical records
• Police documentation
• Photo/video evidence
• Eyewitness statements
• Personal journal entries

Our legal team can help you track down and organize these documents. Make an effort to be as detailed as possible to clearly illustrate the impacts of your accident.

Client Testimonials 

Here are some client testimonials from injury victims our firm has represented:

• “My case was settled fast and efficiently!”
• “It was the very best experience from day one.”
• “I was treated with care, professionalism, and respect.”

These are just a few of the countless accident victims Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, has assisted over the years. When you need someone to stand in your corner, we’re ready to answer the call, just as we have for these individuals. 

Clearwater Personal Injury Practice Areas 

Our attorneys represent clients in personal injury cases arising from many different types of accidents and scenarios. Our primary practice areas include:

• Personal injury
• Wrongful death
• Pedestrian accidents
• Dog bites
• Drowning accidents
• Car accidents
• Accidental death
• Traumatic brain injury
• Premises liability
• Motorcycle injury
• Truck accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Spinal cord injuries
• Slip-and-fall accidents

Our Clearwater personal injury attorneys fiercely advocate for clients injured in these and other events. We have the experience and resources to represent you whether your case involves a straightforward vehicle collision, or a highly complex medical malpractice claim.

Other Locations We Serve 

Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, proudly serves clients in the following areas:

• Bradenton
• Brandon
• Englewood
• Palm Harbor
• Pinellas County
• Sarasota
• St. Petersburg
• Tampa
• Venice

Our Clearwater personal injury team has strong local ties to these key areas. As dedicated Florida attorneys, we understand the Sunshine State’s laws, as well as the risks associated with participating in popular activities throughout the state. 

Speak to a Clearwater Personal Injury Attorney Now

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident, consult a Clearwater personal injury attorney today to better understand your rights and options. During your no-risk case review, one of our lawyers can answer your questions and provide valuable legal guidance so you can take your next steps confidently.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how our tested team can help you assert your legal rights. 

Resources and Blog Highlights 

Our Clearwater personal injury attorneys understand the great responsibility that comes with being part of the legal profession.

With that in mind, we work diligently to stay apprised of the latest injury laws and developments that could impact our ability to handle our clients’ claims. We’re also committed to providing educational material for those with legal questions or concerns.

To learn more, explore some of our previous blogs:

• Bodily Injury Liability Insurance Coverage 
• What Can You Sue Someone For?
• How Insurance Companies Inspect Car Accident Claims

Additionally, here are some authoritative external resources that can provide more valuable information:

• Florida Injury Surveillance System
• Driving Safety
• Dog Bite Prevention

Our goal is to empower our clients with knowledge about the legal system and their individual rights. Feel free to explore these resources, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

About Bernstein Injury Law Offices

The distinguished legal professionals at the law offices of Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, have extensive experience serving clients throughout Clearwater and Pinellas County.

Our legal team is here to help in your time of need. We’ve overseen countless cases, yet we always treat each client as if they’re our only one. When you work with us, you get a team that truly cares.

Citations:

Chapter 4. Rules of Professional Conduct Preamble: A Lawyer’s Responsibilities. (2024).

Florida Insurance Requirements – Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

FSS 768.81(1)(c).

FSS 95.11(5).