Florida is a diverse tapestry of cultures. People from all over the world call this state home. But when it comes to the legal system, these cultural differences can have unexpected effects. How a...
Florida is a diverse tapestry of cultures. People from all over the world call this state home. But when it comes to the legal system, these cultural differences can have unexpected effects. How a person expresses pain, how they view doctors, and how they interact with authority figures varies wildly between cultures. These subtleties can make or break a personal injury claim if your lawyer doesn't understand them.
Stoicism vs. Expression
In some cultures, it is considered noble to suffer in silence and not complain about pain. In others, being vocal about suffering is the norm. Insurance adjusters and juries often misinterpret stoicism as 'not being hurt,' or expressive behavior as 'exaggerating.' A culturally competent lawyer knows how to explain these behaviors to a jury to prevent bias.
Alternative Medicine
Many cultures rely on traditional healers, herbal remedies, or massage (like 'sobadors') before seeking Western medicine. Insurance companies often refuse to pay for these treatments and argue that the delay in seeing a 'real doctor' means the injury wasn't serious. We fight to validate your cultural choices while ensuring you get the medical documentation the court requires.
Distrust of Authority
For people coming from countries with corrupt legal systems or police forces, there may be a deep distrust of authority. This can make them hesitant to call the police after an accident or to trust the court system. We work to build trust and explain that the US civil justice system, while flawed, is designed to protect their rights.
Family Dynamics
In many Hispanic and Caribbean cultures, the family unit is tight-knit. An injury to one person affects the whole extended family who may rely on them. We use this to our advantage in 'Loss of Consortium' claims, showing the ripple effect of the injury on the family structure.
Contact Emas Law Group Today
Your culture is part of your story. It shouldn't be a barrier to justice. Emas Law Group prides itself on cultural intelligence. We tell your story in a way that respects your background while maximizing your compensation under Florida law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the jury be biased against me?
Jury selection is a critical part of the trial. We work hard to select fair jurors and to identify/remove those with racial or cultural biases.
Can I claim costs for herbal medicine?
It is difficult unless prescribed by a licensed physician. However, we can use it as evidence of your attempt to treat your pain.
Do you understand my background?
Our team reflects the diversity of Florida. We likely share or deeply understand your cultural perspective.