FAQs

If you were harmed because of someone else’s negligence, misconduct, or failure to act responsibly, you may have a case.

Florida law generally requires showing:

• A duty of care existed
• That duty was breached
• The breach caused your injuries
• You suffered damages as a result

Every case is different, especially when dealing with matters like maritime incidents, negligent security, or institutional wrongdoing. The best way to understand your situation is to speak directly with a lawyer who can evaluate the specific facts and guide you accordingly.

Florida law sets strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations. In many personal injury and wrongful death cases, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit.

However, certain cases may involve different timelines:

• Maritime claims may have shorter contractual deadlines
• Claims against government entities may require early notice
• Medical malpractice cases involve pre-suit requirements and specific timeframes

Missing a deadline can prevent you from pursuing your claim, even if it’s entirely valid, so it is important to act promptly and speak to a lawyer for a free case review.

What you do early on can impact your case. If possible, consider the following steps:

• Seek medical care and follow all recommended treatment
• Document what happened and preserve any evidence
• Avoid speaking with insurance companies without guidance
• Keep records of expenses, missed work, and how your life has been affected

Most importantly, give yourself space to process what you have been through. When you are ready, speaking with a lawyer can help you understand your rights and next steps.

Not every case goes to trial, but every case should be prepared as if it might. That level of preparation can make a meaningful difference in how your case is handled and ultimately resolved. When a case is built thoroughly from the beginning, it signals that you are serious about pursuing accountability and that your claim is supported by strong evidence.

At Graham Trial Lawyers PLLC, we approach every case with a trial-focused mindset. That means building the case from the ground up, working with qualified experts, and anticipating challenges before they arise. This level of preparation helps position your case as strongly as possible, whether it resolves before trial or requires presenting your story in court.

Damages depend on the nature of your case and the impact on your life.

In Florida, damages may include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional and psychological harm
• Loss of companionship in wrongful death cases

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your recovery may be reduced if you are found partially at fault. If you are more than 50% responsible, you may not recover damages. This makes careful case preparation especially important.

Yes. Maritime law is a specialized area that often involves federal law, contractual limitations, and unique legal doctrines.

Depending on your situation, your case may involve:

• The Jones Act (for injured maritime workers)
• General maritime law claims
• The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
• Cruise line ticket contract limitations

These cases can be complex and time-sensitive, particularly when injuries occur on cruise ships or offshore. Our lawyers can help you seek compensation even in complex maritime cases.

These cases require a careful, respectful, and trauma-informed approach. The legal process can be stressful, especially when it involves revisiting deeply personal and difficult experiences. You deserve to be heard, supported, and treated with dignity throughout the process.

We take the time to listen without judgment, help you feel prepared for each step, and protect your privacy wherever possible. Our focus is on building a case that reflects your experience truthfully and holds the appropriate parties accountable. In Florida, these matters may involve both civil claims and separate criminal proceedings, with civil cases focused on accountability and helping you secure the compensation you need to move forward and rebuild your life.

Most personal injury and related cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay upfront legal fees. Instead, the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of any recovery obtained in your case. If there is no recovery, you generally do not owe attorney’s fees.

We approach our work differently from high-volume firms by focusing on a select number of complex cases that require real attention and strategy. This allows us to prepare every case as if it will go to trial, rather than simply be processed for quick settlement. We are real trial lawyers who treat this work as a craft. If we take your case, we will work relentlessly to pursue the best possible outcome for you.