When an injury happens because of someone else’s negligence, the impact can go far beyond the accident itself. Medical treatment, time away from work, and uncertainty about what comes next can quickly become overwhelming.
At Hicks & Motto, we provide legal representation for individuals in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida who have been injured and need guidance on how to move forward. With more than 30 years of experience handling personal injury cases, our focus is on helping clients understand their situation and pursue fair compensation.
Call 561-683-2300 to schedule a free consultation.
A personal injury case begins with understanding what happened and who may be responsible. From there, the process typically involves:
Each case follows its own path, depending on the circumstances involved.
Choosing legal representation is an important decision. Hicks & Motto approaches every case with a focus on clarity, consistency, and attention to detail.
Clients work directly with an attorney throughout their case and receive:
Every case is handled with the understanding that it matters to the person involved—not just the outcome.
Unlike many personal injury law firms, we are not afraid to take cases to trial. Our attorneys have extensive experience in the courtroom and are prepared to fight for your rights every step of the way.
When you choose Hicks & Motto, you will work directly with an attorney who will guide you through every stage of the legal process. We believe in open communication and will always keep you informed about the progress of your case.
Our track record of success speaks for itself. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for every case we handle.
If you’ve been injured in Palm Beach Gardens, you don’t have to handle it alone. Get clear guidance on your next steps and your legal options.
📞 Call 561-683-2300 to schedule your free consultation.
No upfront fees. No obligation.
After an injury, the actions taken early can affect the outcome of a claim.
Consider the following:
You may have a personal injury case if another person, business, or organization acted negligently and caused you to suffer an injury and financial or personal losses. However, every claim depends on its specific facts.
When evaluating a potential personal injury claim, we consider:
Being injured does not automatically mean someone else is legally responsible. A personal injury attorney must examine how the incident occurred, who may be liable, the available evidence, and the extent of your damages before determining whether you have a viable claim.
It is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury.
Some cases are resolved through negotiation, while others may proceed to litigation.
A consultation can help clarify your situation and available options.
The value of a personal injury case usually cannot be determined at the beginning of the claim. A fair evaluation requires information about your injuries, medical treatment, recovery, financial losses, available insurance coverage, and the strength of the evidence.
Factors that may affect the value of a personal injury claim include:
An early settlement offer may not account for future medical treatment or the full effect an injury may have on your work and daily life. We evaluate the complete circumstances rather than relying on an online settlement calculator or an insurer’s initial estimate.
Many Florida negligence lawsuits arising from incidents occurring on or after March 24, 2023, must generally be filed within two years. Before the 2023 change in Florida law, many negligence claims were subject to a four-year filing period. (Florida Legislature)
The correct deadline depends on several factors, including:
The statute of limitations is not the only deadline that may affect a claim. Evidence can disappear, surveillance footage may be erased, and witnesses may become difficult to locate. Contacting an attorney promptly can help preserve evidence and protect your right to seek compensation.
Being partially responsible does not always prevent you from recovering compensation. Florida generally follows a modified comparative negligence system.
In many negligence cases, your compensation is reduced according to your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages are valued at $100,000 but you are found 20% responsible, your recovery may be reduced to $80,000.
However, under Florida law, a person found to be more than 50% at fault generally cannot recover damages in negligence cases governed by the modified comparative negligence statute. Certain exceptions and different rules may apply depending on the type of case. (Florida Legislature)
Insurance companies may attempt to place more blame on an injured person to reduce or avoid payment. Evidence such as photographs, video recordings, witness statements, incident reports, and expert analysis can be important when fault is disputed.
Many Florida personal injury cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis. This generally means the attorney’s fee is paid as a percentage of the compensation recovered through a settlement or verdict.
The exact fee may depend on:
Attorney’s fees and case costs are not necessarily the same. Costs may include filing fees, medical-record charges, deposition expenses, investigators, and expert-witness fees. The written agreement should explain how fees and costs will be calculated and whether the client could be responsible for any costs if there is no recovery.
Florida contingency-fee agreements must be in writing, and the agreement must explain the percentage charged and how case expenses will be handled. There is no universal fee that every Florida attorney must charge. (The Florida Bar)
You should understand the full value and consequences of a settlement before accepting it or signing a release. Insurance companies may make an offer before the complete extent of your injuries and future medical needs are known.
Before accepting an offer, consider:
Signing a release usually ends the claim covered by that document. You generally cannot demand additional compensation later because your condition worsened or you discovered that further treatment was needed.
Speaking with a personal injury attorney before accepting a settlement can help you understand whether the offer reasonably reflects your current and future losses.
There is no standard timeline for every personal injury case. Some claims may resolve within several months, while disputed or litigated cases can take considerably longer.
The timeline may depend on:
Resolving a case too early can be risky if the full medical impact of the injury is not yet known. Our goal is not simply to settle a claim quickly. It is to develop the evidence needed to pursue a result that accounts for the client’s complete losses.
The damages available depend on the type of accident, the nature of the injuries, the evidence, and the applicable law.
A personal injury claim may include compensation for:
Economic damages compensate for measurable financial losses, such as medical bills and lost income. Non-economic damages address personal consequences that do not come with a fixed invoice, such as pain, emotional suffering, and reduced quality of life.
The right to recover certain non-economic damages may depend on the type of case. For example, Florida motor vehicle claims may require proof of an injury meeting a statutory threshold before damages for pain, suffering, mental anguish, and inconvenience can be recovered. (Florida Legislature)
Most personal injury claims are resolved without a trial, but no attorney can guarantee that a case will settle. Whether a case proceeds to trial depends on the facts, the available evidence, the positions taken by the parties, and whether the insurance company makes a reasonable settlement offer.
A case may be more likely to proceed toward trial when:
Even when a case is expected to settle, it should be investigated, documented, and prepared as though it may go to trial. Careful preparation can strengthen settlement negotiations and ensure the case is ready if a fair resolution cannot be reached.
The decision to accept a settlement ultimately belongs to the client. We explain the available options, potential risks, expected costs, and possible outcomes so the client can make an informed decision.
Reach out to connect directly with a trial-tested attorney.
Let’s discuss your legal strategy and protect your interests.
Schedule a Free Consultation, Speak With a Trial Attorney Today
Hicks & Motto is a trusted Florida personal injury law firm helping accident victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain & suffering.
Hicks & Motto
3601 PGA Blvd., Suite 200,
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: (561) 250-8213
Fax: (561) 697-3852
Email Us @ info@hmelawfirm.com
