You shouldn’t have to deal with financial distress as a result of getting hurt by someone else. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for many people who sustain an injury and are faced with costly medical bills following an accident.
Fortunately, working with a personal injury lawyer can help.
Here are some frequently asked questions about personal injury cases and lawyers.
What do Personal Injury Lawyers do?
Personal injury lawyers are skilled attorneys who provide legal representation for individuals who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. Their goal is to help their clients get compensation to cover medical expenses, support for emotional duress and mental health, loss of income, and other costs resulting from the injury.
In some cases, a personal injury lawyer will work to negotiate a settlement with an insurance company. They may also take the case to trial to ensure their client gets the best possible results if negotiations with the insurance agency aren’t viable or productive.
When Should I File a Personal Injury Case?
If you’ve sustained an injury because of someone else’s actions or negligence, it’s worth contacting a personal injury lawyer for a consultation. Common injuries include:
- A slip and fall accident
- Car accidents
- Dog attacks
- Plane accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Assault and battery
- Workplace accidents
- Product liability
Personal injury covers a broad range of injuries and accidents, beyond what’s listed here. The key takeaway is that you’ve experienced bodily harm because of someone else, you should contact an attorney to discuss your options.
What if I’m Partially at Fault?
The core component of a personal injury lawsuit is that someone else is to blame. However, there are situations when the fault is shared. Car accidents are a prime example of shared fault circumstances. Sometimes the fault can’t be determined, or local laws are skewed to default to shared blame.
If you are partially at fault, it’s still worth exploring your options. Attorneys are experienced in exploring the details of a case and determining if there are other paths to take when seeking compensation. Remember to work with a trustworthy and reputable attorney who will be truthful and realistic about your case.
How Likely am I to Win a Personal Injury Case?
There are a lot of factors that impact the likelihood of winning a personal injury case. It’s important to remember that there are many variables to be considered in legal situations. Sometimes cases that appear straightforward at the outset yield unexpected results— there are no guarantees.
You can improve your chances of success by capturing as many details as possible about the incident. If you were involved in a car accident, for example, you should try to collect photos, witness statements, and notes about the accident as soon as possible. The extent of your injuries will also impact the outcome if the details have been properly documented. Finally, working with a reputable lawyer who specializes in your type of incident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Should I Take an Insurance Settlement Instead?
Depending on the nature of the accident, you may be able to file an insurance claim. Keep in mind that insurance companies are businesses and will try to cut their expenses as much as possible. If you feel that the claim they’ve offered is insufficient, reach out to a personal injury lawyer to review your case and explore your options.
The money you receive through insurance is meant to cover your medical bills, income loss, and other financial impacts you’ve felt as a result of the accident. Some people have ongoing health or financial issues that are not properly accounted for in an insurance settlement. Working with an attorney to negotiate the settlement and take it to trial, if needed, can get you the money you are entitled to now and in the future.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to a personal injury lawyer to discuss your situation. Many firms offer free consultations to review your case, so it’s worth the time to find out what you may be entitled to.
