Legal Guidance From A Personal Injury Attorney In Tampa Bay
At Licznerski Law, PLLC, I understand that suffering a personal injury because of someone else’s negligence can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. You may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, physical pain and emotional distress. My name is Alexander Licznerski, and I am committed to providing compassionate yet determined representation to victims of negligence.
Whether your situation involves a car accident, a slip-and-fall or another incident that has caused injury, I am here to fight for your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Call my Tampa Bay law office at 813-934-3519 or set up a consultation through my online contact form.
My Personal Injury Practice Areas
I handle various types of personal injury cases, including those involving the following:
- Automobile/car accidents: I understand the confusion and stress that can occur after a car accident injury. I meticulously investigate each case to determine fault and liability, working to try to ensure that my clients receive maximum compensation for their injuries.
- Trucking wrecks: Trucking accidents often involve complex regulations and significant injuries. I have the skills and knowledge to handle these cases and fight for my clients’ rights against trucking companies and their insurers.
- Motorcycle collisions: Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries because motorcycles don’t provide the same level of protection that cars do. I am committed to advocating for motorcyclists and working to ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve.
- Pedestrian accidents: Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in accidents. I fight on behalf of those injured by negligent drivers to secure the necessary support for their recovery.
- Premises liability/slip-and-falls: Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe premises. When my clients have been injured because of unsafe conditions, I fight for their rights.
- Medical malpractice: I understand the devastating impact of medical errors, so I selectively accept medical malpractice cases, ensuring thorough investigation and aggressive representation.
- Dog bite injuries: Dog owners are responsible for taking measures that will prevent their dogs from biting others. When clients have been bitten and injured by dogs, I help them seek compensation.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)/spinal cord injuries: These injuries can have long-lasting effects. I am dedicated to securing the resources necessary for my clients’ long-term care and recovery.
- Wrongful death: Losing a loved one due to negligence is devastating. I provide compassionate legal support to families seeking justice and compensation.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury Claims
If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, Florida law gives you a limited window to file a lawsuit — and that window is shorter than most people realize. For causes of action accruing on or after March 24, 2023, Florida’s statute of limitations for general negligence claims is two years from the date of the accident or injury. This is a significant change from the previous four-year window, and it catches a lot of injured Floridians off guard.
There are exceptions. Wrongful death claims also carry a two-year limitations period, but it runs from the date of death, not the date of the underlying incident. Claims against government entities — for example, an accident involving a city vehicle or a dangerous condition on public property — come with their own notice requirements and deadlines that are far stricter and far less forgiving than claims against private individuals or companies. And if the injured person is a minor, the clock generally doesn’t start running until they turn 18.
In some cases, Florida’s “discovery rule” may extend the deadline — for instance, when an injury isn’t immediately apparent and only becomes known sometime after the incident. But these are narrow exceptions, not a substitute for acting quickly.
Here’s the bottom line: missing your filing deadline doesn’t just weaken your case — it ends it. Once the statute of limitations runs out, Florida courts will not allow your claim to proceed, no matter how strong the evidence or how serious the injury. And the risks aren’t limited to the deadline itself. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies use every day that passes to their advantage. If you’ve been injured, the smartest move is to talk to an attorney as soon as possible — not when the deadline is approaching.
At Licznerski Law, PLLC, we don’t wait until the last minute, and neither should you. The sooner we’re involved, the more options we have to protect your claim.
Factors That Affect the Value of a Personal Injury Claim in Florida
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: what is my case worth? The honest answer is that no two cases are identical, and the value of a personal injury claim depends on a combination of factors that are unique to your situation. Here is what matters most.
The Severity and Nature of Your Injuries
The more serious your injuries, the higher the potential value of your claim. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, nerve damage, and injuries requiring surgery typically result in significantly higher compensation than soft tissue injuries that resolve quickly. Permanent injuries, scarring, and disfigurement also carry substantial weight in determining value.
Your Medical Treatment and Expenses
The amount you have spent — and will spend in the future — on medical care is one of the most concrete measures of your damages. This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, hospitalizations, physical therapy, chiropractic care, pain management, medication, and any future treatment your doctors anticipate you will need. Gaps in treatment or delays in seeking care can be used by the defense to argue that your injuries were not serious, which is why consistent and documented medical care matters.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries kept you out of work, you are entitled to recover the income you lost during your recovery. If your injuries are severe enough to affect your ability to work in the future — whether by limiting the type of work you can do or reducing the hours you can work — the loss of future earning capacity can represent a significant portion of your claim’s value.
Pain and Suffering
Florida law allows injured victims to seek compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and diminished enjoyment of life that result from their injuries. These are called non-economic damages, and while they are harder to quantify than medical bills, they are often the largest component of a personal injury recovery. The severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, and the impact on your daily life all factor into this calculation.
Liability and Comparative Fault
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you will be barred from recovering altogether. The clearer the liability is against the other party, the stronger your claim. Disputed liability cases carry more risk and can affect settlement value.
The Available Insurance Coverage
Even a strong case is limited by the insurance coverage available to compensate you. If the at-fault driver has minimum policy limits and no significant personal assets, your recovery may be constrained. Identifying all potential sources of insurance coverage — including underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy — is a critical part of maximizing your recovery.
The Quality of Your Evidence
Documentation is everything in a personal injury case. Accident reports, photographs, witness statements, surveillance footage, medical records, and expert testimony all strengthen your claim. The stronger your evidence, the more leverage you have in negotiations and at trial.
Whether Your Case Goes to Trial
Insurance companies settle most cases before trial, but the willingness and ability of your attorney to take a case to a jury significantly affects how much an insurer is willing to offer. Insurers track litigation history. They know which attorneys try cases and which ones always settle. Having an attorney with a reputation for courtroom advocacy changes the dynamic of every negotiation.
What to Do After a Personal Injury: Steps to Protect Your Claim
The moments and weeks after an accident are critical — not just for your health, but for your legal claim. What you do (and don’t do) early on can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s what we recommend to every client:
- Call 911 and get a police report.
One of the most critical pieces of evidence in a personal injury case is the police report. The police report will discuss what happened and who may be at fault. If the party who injured you is at fault, then the police report may trigger their insurance company to issue payment faster.
- Get medical attention immediately.
Your health comes first, always. But there’s also a legal reason to act fast: if you were injured in a motor vehicle accident in Florida, your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage requires that you seek initial treatment within 14 days of the accident, or you may lose access to those benefits entirely. Don’t wait to see if the pain “goes away.” - Document everything.
Take photos of the scene, your vehicle or property damage, and your visible injuries. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Request a copy of the police or incident report. The more evidence you gather early, the harder it is for an insurance company to dispute what happened later. - Be careful what you say to insurance adjusters.
Insurance companies are not on your side — even your own. Adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to minimize what they owe you. Avoid giving a recorded statement or signing anything before speaking with an attorney. - Preserve evidence.
Don’t repair your vehicle or discard damaged property until your case has been evaluated. That damage may be important evidence later. - Track your losses.
Keep records of medical bills, lost wages, mileage to appointments, and any other expenses related to your injury. These add up and matter when it’s time to value your claim. - Stay off social media.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys routinely review social media accounts looking for posts that can be used to undercut a claim — even something as simple as a photo from a family event can be twisted to suggest you’re not really injured. - Understand the difference between PIP and bodily injury claims.
In Florida, your initial medical bills after a car accident are typically handled through PIP, regardless of fault. A separate bodily injury claim may be available against the at-fault driver if your injuries are serious enough to exceed Florida’s no-fault threshold. Knowing which type of claim applies — and when — is something an experienced attorney can walk you through. - Don’t accept a settlement offer without legal advice.
Insurance companies often make early settlement offers before the full extent of your injuries is known. Once you accept, you typically give up your right to pursue further compensation — even if your condition worsens. Talk to an attorney before you sign anything.
Why Choose Licznerski Law, PLLC for Your Personal Injury Case
Choosing the right attorney after a serious injury is one of the most important decisions you will make. Here is why injured Floridians trust Licznerski Law, PLLC to fight for them.
We Actually Know the Law
Personal injury law in Florida is complex, constantly evolving, and unforgiving of mistakes. From recent changes to comparative fault rules to the nuances of PIP law and insurance bad faith claims, our firm stays ahead of the legal landscape so our clients don’t pay the price for outdated strategies.
We Take the Insurance Companies Seriously — and They Take Us Seriously
Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys know which firms will go to trial and which will fold under pressure. Licznerski Law, PLLC has built a reputation for aggressive, well-prepared litigation. That reputation translates into better results at the negotiating table, because insurers know we are fully prepared to take the fight to a jury if necessary.
We Handle Every Case Personally
You will not be handed off to a paralegal and forgotten. At Licznerski Law, PLLC, clients work directly with our attorneys. We return calls. We explain what is happening with your case. We make sure you understand your options at every stage. That level of attention matters, especially when you are dealing with injuries, medical appointments, and the stress of recovery.
We Work on Contingency — You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
We know that legal fees are a real concern when you are already dealing with medical bills and lost income. That is why we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our interests are fully aligned with yours.
We Know Florida
We are not a national firm parachuting into Florida cases. We are a Florida firm with deep roots in the communities we serve. We know the local courts, the local judges, and the local landscape of personal injury litigation. That local knowledge is an advantage you cannot get from an out-of-state operation or a law firm that treats Florida like just another market.
We Fight for Full Compensation — Not Just a Quick Settlement
Some firms push for fast settlements because it is easier and more profitable for them. We take the time to fully evaluate every component of your claim — current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more — so you are not leaving money on the table. A quick settlement that undervalues your case is not a win. We make sure you understand what your case is truly worth before you agree to anything.
We Have the Resources to Handle Complex Cases
Serious personal injury cases often require accident reconstruction experts, medical experts, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and economists to fully establish the value of your claim. Licznerski Law, PLLC has the resources and the professional network to build the strongest possible case on your behalf, regardless of how hard the other side fights back.
Retainer Agreement
I work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases. This means that you will not owe my firm any attorney’s fees unless I recover compensation for you. I will discuss the fee agreement with you in detail during your initial consultation.
Contact My Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact Licznerski Law, PLLC, today for a free initial consultation. I am here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve. Call my Tampa Bay law office at 813-934-3519 or fill out this form to set up your consultation.