Legally Reviewed by Frank P. Marsalisi on July 31, 2026
When a car accident, a fall, or another person’s carelessness leaves you injured, the days that follow are often filled with medical appointments, missed paychecks, and mounting bills. Many injured residents of Palm Harbor find that a single moment of someone else’s negligence can alter finances, family routines, and long term health for months or years. Florida law allows injured people to pursue monetary compensation from the party responsible, but the process involves strict filing deadlines, insurance company tactics, and evidence requirements that are difficult to navigate without guidance.
Frank P. Marsalisi founded Marsalisi Law in 2014 and has spent more than 18 years representing injured people throughout Florida as a bilingual, English and Spanish speaking trial lawyer. Admitted to the Florida Bar on October 6, 2008, Frank P. Marsalisi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. The firm has earned more than 300 five star Google reviews and has recovered millions of dollars in monetary compensation for injured clients, and Palm Harbor residents can review those client reviews directly.
Florida Gives You Only Two Years To File A Personal Injury Claim
No fee unless we win; more than 18 years of experience; 300+ five star Google reviews; free, 24/7 case evaluations.
How Florida Personal Injury Law Works
Florida personal injury law allows an injured person to pursue monetary compensation when another person’s negligence causes harm. To recover, the injured party generally must show that the at fault party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused injuries as a direct result of that breach. Two rules shape nearly every personal injury claim filed in Pinellas County, and understanding both early can protect your ability to recover monetary compensation.
Statute Of Limitations For Personal Injury Claims In Florida
Florida law gives injured people a limited window to file a personal injury lawsuit. Under Section 95.11 of the Florida Statutes, the deadline to file most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. This two year deadline replaced the previous four year deadline after Florida’s 2023 tort reform, House Bill 837, took effect on March 24, 2023. Wrongful death claims carry the same two year deadline, measured from the date of death rather than the date of the underlying incident. Missing this deadline in most cases permanently bars recovery of monetary compensation, regardless of how strong the underlying claim may be.
Personal Injury Claims
Two years from the date of the accident.
Wrongful Death Claims
Two years from the date of death.
Comparative Negligence And Shared Fault In Florida
Florida uses a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50 percent bar. An injured person may recover monetary compensation only when their own share of fault is 50 percent or less; a person found more than 50 percent at fault cannot recover monetary compensation at all. Insurance companies frequently attempt to shift fault onto the injured party to reduce or eliminate a payout, which is why documenting the accident thoroughly matters from the first day forward.
0 To 50 Percent At Fault
Monetary compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
More Than 50 Percent At Fault
Florida law bars recovery of monetary compensation entirely.
Insurance Company Tactics
Adjusters often inflate your share of fault to reduce payouts.
Why Evidence Matters
Strong evidence can lower your assigned percentage of fault.
Types Of Personal Injury Cases We Handle In Palm Harbor
Palm Harbor draws residents and visitors to its parks, waterways, and small county roads throughout the year, and that steady mix of traffic increases the chances of a serious accident. Whether an injury results from a distracted driver, a reckless boater, or a property owner who failed to fix a known hazard, an injured person may have grounds to pursue monetary compensation. Marsalisi Law represents clients across the following personal injury case types.
- Car Accidents;
- Motorcycle Accidents;
- Pedestrian And Bicycle Accidents;
- Truck Accidents;
- Boating Accidents;
- Slip And Fall And Premises Liability Claims;
- Traumatic Brain Injuries And Catastrophic Injuries;
- Wrongful Death Claims.
Every case type above carries its own evidence requirements and insurance company tactics. For example, our Palm Harbor car accident case results reflect the same investigative approach Marsalisi Law brings to every personal injury claim, regardless of how the underlying accident occurred.
How Frank P. Marsalisi Approaches Your Case
Frank P. Marsalisi begins every personal injury case by gathering the evidence that establishes fault, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and, where needed, opinions from accident reconstruction professionals. From there, Frank P. Marsalisi handles all communication with insurance adjusters so that a client is not pressured into accepting a settlement that fails to cover current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If an insurance company refuses to offer fair monetary compensation, Marsalisi Law prepares each case as though it is headed to trial.
In one recent case, Frank P. Marsalisi recovered $150,000 dollars in monetary compensation for a car accident victim in nearby Largo, Florida, in July 2023. That result reflects the same level of preparation and advocacy that Palm Harbor clients can expect when retaining Marsalisi Law for a personal injury claim. Additional background on Frank P. Marsalisi and the firm’s history in the community is available on the About Us page.
What To Do After An Accident In Palm Harbor
The steps taken in the hours and days following an accident can significantly affect the outcome of a personal injury claim. The following sequence can help protect both your health and your right to pursue monetary compensation.
1. Seek Medical Attention
Have every injury evaluated immediately, even when symptoms seem minor.
2. Call The Police
A police report provides an unbiased record of how the accident occurred.
3. Document The Scene
Photograph the vehicles, injuries, and surrounding conditions before evidence disappears.
4. Exchange Information
Collect contact and insurance details from every party involved.
5. Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer
Speak with an attorney before giving a recorded statement to any insurance company.
Feeling overwhelmed after a serious accident is normal, and reaching out for guidance early can help you avoid mistakes that insurance adjusters look for when minimizing a payout.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims In Palm Harbor
Do I have a valid personal injury case in Palm Harbor?
A case is generally valid when another party’s negligence caused your injury and you have experienced measurable harm, such as medical bills, lost wages, or lasting physical limitations. A consultation with Marsalisi Law can help determine whether your specific accident supports a personal injury claim.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Florida?
Florida law generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Section 95.11 of the Florida Statutes. Waiting to speak with an attorney can reduce the time available to investigate and preserve evidence.
How much does hiring a personal injury lawyer cost?
Marsalisi Law handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means a client pays no upfront fee and Marsalisi Law only collects a fee when monetary compensation is recovered on the client’s behalf.
What happens if a family member dies because of someone else’s negligence?
Florida allows certain family members to file a wrongful death claim within two years of the date of death under Section 95.11 of the Florida Statutes. A wrongful death claim may pursue monetary compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
What if I am partially at fault for my Palm Harbor accident?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, so you may still recover monetary compensation as long as your share of fault is 50 percent or less. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, which is why strong evidence matters.
Does Marsalisi Law only handle Palm Harbor accidents that happen on Alt 19 or US 19?
No. Marsalisi Law represents Palm Harbor residents and visitors injured anywhere in Pinellas County, including accidents near John Chestnut Park, Wall Springs Park, and the Pinellas Trail, in addition to accidents that occur on major roadways.
Frank P. Marsalisi has spent more than 18 years representing injured people throughout Florida, earning more than 300 five star Google reviews and recovering millions of dollars in monetary compensation for clients along the way. As a dedicated member of the Florida Bar, Frank P. Marsalisi keeps clients informed at every stage of a personal injury claim, from the first consultation through settlement negotiations or trial.
If you or a family member has experienced an injury because of someone else’s negligence in Palm Harbor, call (727) 800-5052 or complete our contact form for a free consultation. Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal!