A Guide by Houson R. Lafrance, P.A.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in South Florida, one of the first questions on your mind is likely: “How much is my case worth?”
The truth is, no two personal injury cases are the same, and settlement amounts can vary widely. At Houson R. Lafrance, P.A., we believe in educating our clients about the process—so they’re not just hopeful, but empowered. Here’s a breakdown of how personal injury settlements are determined in Florida and what really goes into calculating the value of your case.
- The Severity of Your Injuries
Injury severity is the foundation of any personal injury settlement. The more serious the injury, the higher the compensation tends to be—especially when long-term recovery, surgery, or permanent disability is involved.
From broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, proper documentation is key. Medical records, diagnostic reports, and ongoing treatment notes help tell the story of how your life has been affected.
At our firm, we work with doctors and specialists to make sure your injury is thoroughly evaluated and backed by solid medical evidence.
- Your Economic Damages: What You’ve Lost
These are the concrete financial losses you’ve suffered due to the accident, including:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Out-of-pocket expenses
We help you gather every receipt, bill, and employer statement to ensure your economic damages are fully calculated and accounted for. You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for someone else’s negligence.
- Non-Economic Damages: What You’ve Endured
Some losses can’t be measured by receipts—but they’re just as real.
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Impact on relationships (loss of consortium)
In Florida, you can recover for these intangible losses. We work with mental health professionals, counselors, and your loved ones to paint a full picture of how your injury has affected your life beyond the physical.
- Liability: Who’s at Fault Matters
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule—which means your compensation can be reduced if you’re partially responsible for the accident. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, your total compensation is reduced by 20%.
That’s why building a solid case around liability is critical. We gather:
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Expert testimony
- Surveillance footage and accident reconstructions
Our job is to show why the other party is responsible—and to defend your share of the blame from being unfairly exaggerated.
- Insurance Policy Limits
Sometimes, the biggest limit on your settlement isn’t your injury—it’s the insurance policy. If the at-fault party has minimal coverage, that can put a cap on what you’re able to recover from them directly.
But don’t worry—at Houson R. Lafrance, P.A., we always explore:
- Stacking uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Business or umbrella policies
- Other liable third parties (e.g., vehicle owners, employers)
Our job is to find every available source of recovery—and go after it.
- Your Legal Representation Makes a Difference
Let’s be real: insurance companies don’t treat people the same when they’re unrepresented. Having a strong personal injury attorney levels the playing field.
With Houson R. Lafrance, P.A. in your corner:
- You get powerful negotiations backed by real courtroom experience
- You stay focused on healing, while we handle the paperwork, calls, and pressure
- You never pay unless we win—because we believe in results first
Final Word: Your Case Is Unique—Let’s Build It Together
There’s no magic formula for a personal injury settlement—but there is a strategy. And when you understand the key factors that go into determining value, you’re one step closer to a just outcome.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact Houson R. Lafrance, P.A. today at (954) 998-4567 or visit us at 300 S. Pine Island Rd., Suite 201, Plantation, FL 33324. Your consultation is free, and there’s never a fee unless we win your case.
Let us fight for the compensation you deserve—because your recovery deserves nothing less than our full commitment.