How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Florence, AL?

In Alabama, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you miss that deadline, the court may prevent you from recovering anything at all. There are a few exceptions, but most people fall under the two-year rule. Because every case has unique circumstances, it’s smart to talk with a lawyer early so nothing slips through the cracks. Acting quickly also helps preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor injury claim?

Even small injuries can turn into bigger problems once medical bills, follow-up visits, or lingering pain come into play. Alabama’s contributory negligence rule makes things even tougher — if you’re found even slightly at fault, you may not be compensated. A lawyer can help protect you from unfair blame and keep the insurance company from minimizing your claim. Many people are surprised to learn they have more rights than they thought. A quick conversation with an attorney can help you understand the best path forward.

What is my case worth?

Every case is different, and the value depends on your medical costs, the severity of your injuries, missed work, and how the accident has changed your daily life. Alabama law also considers pain, emotional distress, and the need for future treatment. Because these factors vary so widely, no honest lawyer can give a one-size-fits-all estimate up front. The best way to understand value is to review your injuries and evidence with an attorney. Once the facts are clear, you’ll have a much better idea of what your case may be worth.

Can I still file if I was partially at fault in Alabama?

Possibly, but Alabama is strict. Under contributory negligence, if you’re found even 1% at fault, you may be blocked from receiving compensation. Insurance companies know this and often try to shift blame to protect themselves. Many people assume they can’t file, but an attorney may see the situation differently once all the facts are gathered. If fault is unclear, talk with a lawyer before giving any statements or accepting any offers.

How do I know if I have a valid personal injury case?

A strong case usually involves three things: someone else acted carelessly, that carelessness caused your injuries, and you suffered damages such as medical bills or lost income. Many people underestimate their claim because they think their injury isn’t serious enough, but the law does not set a minimum threshold. If an accident disrupted your health, finances, or daily life, it’s worth having it reviewed. A simple consultation can help you understand whether your situation qualifies. The earlier you ask, the more options you typically have.

How long does a personal injury case take in Alabama?

Some cases resolve in a few months, while others take a year or more depending on the complexity of the injuries and whether the insurance company fights liability. It also depends on how long it takes for your doctors to understand the full extent of your injuries. Settling too early can leave you with unpaid bills or no compensation for future care. A lawyer will guide you on timing so you don’t settle before you know the full picture. The goal is to secure a fair result — not a fast one.

What should I do immediately after an accident?

Your health comes first: get medical care, even if the injury feels minor at the moment. Next, gather what evidence you can — photos, witness names, and any documents from the scene. Avoid giving detailed statements to the insurance company until you understand your rights. In Alabama, something as simple as how you describe the accident can affect fault. Once you’re safe and treated, contact a lawyer who can help protect your claim from the start.

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?

Most personal injury attorneys in Alabama work on a contingency fee, meaning you don’t pay anything up front and the lawyer only gets paid if they recover money for you. This allows anyone, regardless of income, to get legal help after an accident. Your consultation should be free, and the terms will be clearly explained before you sign anything. This structure is designed to reduce stress, not add to it. With no out-of-pocket cost, there’s no risk in reaching out to get answers.

Personal Injury Law, Florence, AL

If You've Been Hurt Through No Fault of Your Own, We Can Help

At the Florence, Alabama law office of John C. Saylor, LLC, we serve clients throughout Alabama in personal injury and wrongful death litigation arising from serious accidents; including construction, medical malpractice, automative, 18-wheeler, motorcylcle, and various other types of serious accidents. Our practice has been at the forefront of personal injury litigation, always implementing innovative and compelling trial strategies, and ulitmately, achieving excellent results or our clients.

What is a Personal Injury Claim?

A personal injury cliam exists when a person has suffered harm due to negligence, recklessness, or wrongful acts of another. Victims may recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages generally include medical expenses for hospital stays and doctors appointments, past and future lost wages, and any other monetary expenses the person incurred as a result of the injury. Non-economic damages generally include compensation for pain and suffering, disability, and emotional distress.

Car Accidents	Wrongful Death	Workplace Accidents
Premises Liability	Products Liability	Medical Malpractice

Wrongful Death

We handle wrongful death claims on behalf of grieving families throughtout Alabama, including those who have lost a loved one in an auto accident, trucking accident, construction accident, or other tragic event. We understand that the death of a loved one takes a great toll on survivors, especially when the loss occurs suddently. The Alabama Wrongful Death Act and similar laws in many other states provide families a means to seek restitution when a loved one's death was caused by the negligence, wrongful act, or carelessness of another party. Rcoverable damages in wrongfull death suits can include:

Medical and funeral expenses
Lost wages and benefits
Compensation for pain, suffering, and mental anguish
Loss of companionship, support, care

Punitive Damages

In Alabama, wrongful death cases can encompass both state and federal law, making these lawsuits especially complex and compounding an already difficult situation. When assiting clients with wrongful death claims, we strive to let families focus on their emotional recovery while we handle all aspcts of the case, from investigating the accident to easing the stress of trial. Please contact the Law Office of John C. Saylor, LLC for more information about personal injury and wrongful death litigation.

Other Catastrophic Injuries

Victims of accidents may suffer injuries that are catastrophic, life changing, or debilitating. Common types of catastrophic injuries include:

Spinal cord injury (SCI)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Burn injuries
Loss of limbs

It is essential that victims suffering catastrophic injuries are represented by lawyers who have a comprehensive understanding of the nature, causes, and characteristics of their injuries, which can require detailed understanding of technical medical terms and concepts. We understand Alabama's laws with respect to victim's rights and how our clients can recoup and recover for their injuries and damages.

Car Accidents If you’ve been injured in a car accident through no fault of your own, we work to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Car crashes often lead to medical bills, lost wages, and long-term pain. We gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and build a strong claim that reflects the full impact of your injuries. Whether the accident occurred in Florence or the surrounding Shoals area, we’re here to advocate for you.	Wrongful Death Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is overwhelming and life-altering. We help families pursue justice and fair compensation for funeral costs, medical bills, lost income, and the emotional loss they’ve suffered. Our goal is to guide you through each step of the legal process with clarity and compassion. Families throughout the Shoals area trust us to hold negligent parties accountable and help secure the stability their loved one would have wanted for them.	Workplace Accidents If you’ve been injured at work, you may face medical expenses, lost wages, and pressure from employers or insurers. We help protect your rights by documenting your injuries, coordinating with healthcare providers, and negotiating fair compensation. Workplace accidents often require quick action to preserve evidence and strengthen your claim. We work to ensure you receive the support you need while you focus on recovery.
Premises Liability If you were injured on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions—such as wet floors, broken steps, or poor lighting—you may be entitled to compensation. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe environments for visitors. We investigate the cause of your injury, gather necessary evidence, and work with insurers on your behalf. Our goal is to help victims in Florence and the Shoals recover fair compensation for medical expenses, pain, and other related losses.	Products Liability If a defective or dangerous product has injured you, we hold manufacturers, distributors, and sellers accountable. Product defects can stem from faulty design, poor manufacturing, or inadequate warnings. These injuries may result in medical bills, lost income, and ongoing pain. We help determine how the product failed, consult experts when needed, and pursue compensation from responsible parties. Victims throughout North Alabama rely on us to advocate for their rights against large companies.	Medical Malpractice If you’ve been harmed due to a healthcare provider’s negligence—such as a misdiagnosis, surgical mistake, or medication error—you may have a valid malpractice claim. These cases often involve significant medical costs, physical pain, and long-term consequences. We help patients understand their rights, obtain expert evaluations, and build strong claims that reflect the full extent of their injuries. Our mission is to hold negligent providers accountable and seek justice for victims throughout the Shoals area.

If You've Been Hurt Through No Fault of Your Own, We Can Help

What is a Personal Injury Claim?

Wrongful Death

Punitive Damages

Other Catastrophic Injuries

Personal Injury Lawyer Serving The Shoals

John Saylor is Your Local Personal Injury Lawyer of the Shoals.

Types of Injuries We Handle

Car Accidents

Wrongful Death

Workplace Accidents

Premises Liability

Products Liability

Medical Malpractice

Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions

What Clients Say...

You Don't Pay Unless We Win.

Areas

Business We Help

Business Law

Estate Law

Injury Law