Lake City Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawsuits in Columbia County, FL

Were you injured in an accident? Was someone else at fault? You could be entitled to financial compensation—and Schackow & Mercadante can help. Founded in 1965, our firm has earned a reputation amongst our peers and within the community for providing personalized and compassionate legal services to those harmed by the negligence of others. We are known for our tireless client advocacy, as well as our willingness to go to trial whenever necessary. We strive to settle cases quickly and efficiently, but we are always ready to represent you in court if the insurance company refuses to play fair. 

If you were involved in a car crash, injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, or lost a loved one in a tragic and fatal accident, turn to our Lake City personal injury lawyers for the help you need. We are here to guide you through the legal process, answering your questions and addressing your concerns every step of the way. There is no case too complex or challenging for our firm; reach out to us today to learn how we can help you fight for the justice and fair recovery you deserve. 

Contact us online or call (352) 261-6767 to schedule a free initial consultation with our team today.

Determining Whether You Have a Case 

In Florida, there are several things you must prove to have a personal injury case:

• First, you must prove that you were injured and that your injury led to measurable damages for which you can be compensated, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• Next, you must prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care, meaning they had a legal responsibility to take and/or avoid certain actions that could cause foreseeable injury 
• You must also prove that the defendant failed to uphold, or “breached,” the duty of care, most often by acting negligently or wrongfully 
• Lastly, you must prove that the defendant’s negligent or wrongful conduct was the direct or proximate cause of your injury and damages

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may need to prove additional elements of your claim. For example, if you have a premises liability claim, you will likely need to prove that you were not trespassing at the time your injury occurred. 

Additionally, if you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, you may not have to establish fault. Because Florida follows a no-fault car insurance system, you can receive compensation for certain accident-related damages regardless of who was at fault for the crash. However, no-fault insurance—known as personal injury protection, or PIP—does not cover the full cost of your medical bills and lost wages, nor does it cover any non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. To go outside the no-fault system, you will have to prove that your injuries meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold.