I just emptied my trash and I deleted important files HELP!

I accidentally deleted files from "all my files" emptied my trash and realized what I did was not what I meant to do. Can I get these files back?

Easiest recovery method: Copy the file off a backup drive.
File recovery software: I'ts been a while since I did this.  It is pretty involved and may require a complete file recovery attempt, not just on a single file.  Try using an application such as Data Rescue 3 - http://www.prosofteng.com/products/data_rescue.php or FileSalvage - http://subrosasoft.com, or one of the ones listed in the somewhat old link below. Some have free trial versions that let you see if the software will help before you decide to buy. You will also need a second hard drive equal to or larger in size than your first drive as a destination drive for recovered files.
http://data-recovery-software-review.toptenreviews.com/mac-recovery-software
It is critical that you do not use the computer or even turn it on until you have rescued your files. Files only have the directory reference to them removed when you empty the trash or otherwise delete them from a computer (unless you use secure erase, in which case they are gone forever or can only be potentially be recovered by very expensive means) and are still present on the computer. However, their space is marked as available to any other file creation done on the computer (even done by you booting the computer) and there is risk that your files will be overwritten by the computer.

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    If you use Apple Mail app, Apple Mail also has its own trash area that needs to be emptied, too!
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    Delete any old or no longer needed emails and/or archive to disc, flash drives or external hard drive, older emails you want to save.
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