Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer? Your Questions Answered
Personal injury cases can be complex and confusing. The Ferguson Law Group answers commonly-asked questions to help educate people about their rights in a personal injury case.
When should I hire a lawyer? You may be wondering this after being in an accident and are not sure what to do next. The answer is simple: as soon as possible!
Hiring a personal injury attorney will help ensure that your case has the best chance of being resolved quickly and efficiently, which will save you time and stress. In this article, we’ll discuss common questions about personal injury cases so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not it’s time to start looking for legal representation. And if you want to learn more, Ferguson Law Group is here for any legal question 24/7.
How Serious Are the Injuries You Sustained?
Ordinary instances like a slip-and-fall or a minor fender-bender can happen frequently, and most of us are equipped to handle them on our own. However, in some cases, these accidents can break bones or cause concussions. These injuries are serious and require the assistance of a personal injury attorney.
If you sustained an injury that is classified as severe, then it’s time to hire a lawyer so they can help recover your losses in court or negotiate with insurance providers for better settlement terms.
Who (or What) Caused Your Accident?
When filing a personal injury claim, you need to establish that another party caused your injuries. The person who caused the accident can be a driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist. They could also be an employer that you filed a workplace injury lawsuit against for injuries sustained on their property.
In many cases, more than one party is responsible for your personal injury, and it’s important to hire legal representation so they can clearly establish liability in court following a trial.
What Kind of Injuries Do You Have?
Some personal injury accidents entail physical trauma, while others cause damage to our mental health (such as post-traumatic stress disorder). When facing personal injury claims involving mental damages, hiring legal counsel is especially crucial because these types of cases are complex and typically require additional expertise due to how different they are from typical lawsuits.
Have You Spoken With the Liable Party or their Insurance Company?
If you choose to, without legal representation, it is highly possible that the liable party or their insurance company will offer a settlement amount below what they should be held accountable for. This often occurs because the claimant does not know how personal injury law works and may end up settling for an unfair share of financial responsibility.
Before accepting any settlement offer from the liable party in your accident or their insurance company, contact a personal injury attorney.
Injured parties are legally entitled by law to compensation against defendants who have been found responsible for damages due to accident-related injuries as well as pain and suffering.
Personal injury settlements are typically calculated by taking into account:
- medical expenses (including future costs)
- lost earnings from work due to time off from recovery following your accident
- damage compensation for pain and suffering after being involved in an accident where another person was at fault
- punitive damages if there is evidence of malicious intent/bad faith on behalf of the defendant.
Do You Know Your Rights?
Many people know little about their rights following a serious injury. You may not know how much personal injury compensation you deserve, who bears liability for your accident, or how long it will take to settle your claim.
Ferguson Law Group is here for any legal question 24/7. Your personal injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process as well as other practical aspects, including helping with your medical bills and getting appropriate care for any injuries that are serious enough to warrant it. Visit their website now or call to book an appointment.