What Happens If I’m Sued for a Personal Injury in Florida?
Being served with a personal injury lawsuit in Florida can feel overwhelming—especially if you’ve never been involved in a legal dispute before. Whether the claim involves a dog bite, a car accident, or a slip-and-fall on your property, knowing what to expect can ease the stress and help you make smart decisions.
At Morey Law Firm, P.A., we defend individuals, landlords, drivers, and pet owners across the state. While we’re based in Orlando, we represent clients throughout Florida—from Miami to Tampa, Jacksonville to Pensacola, and everywhere in between.
In this blog, we’ll break down the personal injury defense process, common scenarios like dog bite and car accident claims, key deadlines, and how an experienced Florida attorney can help you protect your rights and financial future.
Understanding Personal Injury Lawsuits in Florida
A personal injury lawsuit is typically filed by someone (the plaintiff) who claims you (the defendant) caused their injury through negligence.
Florida law allows injured parties to seek compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But just because someone is suing doesn’t mean they’ll win—or that you were legally at fault. In fact, many personal injury lawsuits can be defended successfully, especially with early legal guidance.
You might be sued if:
- Someone says your dog bit or injured them
- You were involved in a car accident they claim was your fault
- A guest slipped and fell on your property
- A child was hurt while playing near your home or pool
Each type of case follows similar legal procedures but may involve different defense strategies depending on the facts.
Step-by-Step: What Happens After You’re Sued
Once a lawsuit is filed against you in Florida, there’s a formal legal process you need to follow.
You’ll Be Served Legal Documents
You’ll typically receive a summons and complaint, which outline the claims being made against you. From this point, the clock starts ticking.
You Have 20 Days to Respond
Under Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.140, you have just 20 days from the date you were served to file a written response, called an Answer. Missing this deadline could result in a default judgment, meaning the court could automatically side with the plaintiff.
Insurance May Get Involved
If the claim involves a dog bite or car accident, your homeowners, renters, or auto insurance may provide legal defense or coverage. However, insurance companies don’t always act in your best interest—especially if they believe the claim could be excluded.
Learn more in our blog: Responding to a Lawyer’s Letter After an Injury Claim in Florida
Your Attorney Investigates and Builds a Defense
Your Florida personal injury defense attorney will:
- Analyze the complaint and evidence
- Identify legal defenses (such as comparative fault or assumption of risk)
- Handle communications with the plaintiff’s attorney and insurance companies
- Represent you in court or negotiate for dismissal
Our civil lawsuit defense attorneys are experienced in defending claims from the start of a case through trial or settlement.
Common Types of Personal Injury Defense Cases
Some lawsuits are more common than others. At Morey Law Firm, P.A., we frequently defend against dog bite, car accident, and premises liability claims.
Florida Dog Bite Defense
If your dog injured someone—even if it didn’t bite—they may still sue you. Florida has a strict liability dog bite law under Florida Statute § 767.04, meaning you can be held responsible even if the dog never showed aggression before.
However, there are several strong defenses:
- The alleged victim was trespassing
- A “Bad Dog” sign was posted
- The injured person provoked the dog
- The dog was under someone else’s care
Explore more in:
We defend clients across the state, including:
Car Accident Defense in Florida
If you’re blamed for causing a car crash, you can be sued even if the accident was minor. Plaintiffs may claim you were texting, speeding, or careless—and they might demand more than what insurance will pay.
You may be personally liable if:
- Insurance doesn’t cover the full amount
- You didn’t have coverage at the time
- Someone sues for serious injury or wrongful death
Helpful resources:
What You Can Lose If You Don’t Defend the Lawsuit
The stakes can be high in personal injury lawsuits, especially if a large judgment is awarded against you.
If the plaintiff wins, the court can issue a money judgment that may be collected by:
- Garnishing your wages
- Placing a lien on your property
- Freezing bank accounts
- Seizing non-exempt assets
See more: What Can Be Taken Away If a Car Accident Judgment Is Awarded Against You in Florida
How a Florida Personal Injury Defense Attorney Can Help
Whether you’ve received a lawsuit or just a threatening letter, getting legal help early can make a difference.
At Morey Law Firm, P.A., we help clients throughout Florida navigate:
- Pre-suit investigations and insurance disputes
- Formal legal responses and document filings
- Discovery and evidence gathering
- Court appearances and settlement negotiations
We handle pre-suit injury defense and litigation defense, depending on your case.
Morey Law Firm, P.A.: Florida Civil Defense Attorneys
If you’ve been sued—or think you might be—don’t wait. Time is critical in personal injury defense cases. At Morey Law Firm, P.A., we offer statewide legal defense services to individuals, homeowners, landlords, and drivers facing serious legal claims. Whether you’re in Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, or anywhere else in Florida, we’re ready to protect your rights.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward defending your case with confidence.
