If you have suffered a personal injury, frustration and stress will begin to loom over you. Once your injury has been assessed to determine the extent, you might pass over the idea of retaining the services of an attorney, particularly if the injury does not seem serious.
After all, the slip and fall, or other accident, might not seem like a big deal. Although you know the business owner, or individual, is technically at fault, you believe it would be a waste of your time to consult with an attorney.
One thing most people do not realize is personal injuries take time. In most cases there is no such thing as dealing with quick lawsuits when it comes to personal injury claims. The sooner you speak to an attorney the better. They can pair up with forensic animation experts and help you win your case.
Of course, if there are no injuries, there could be no need for a lawyer. However, it might be wise to consider an attorney in some cases, and there are several reasons why.
You Incur Medical Bills Due to the Injury
If you are in a place of business, and the floors have been mopped or waxed, yet, the employees failed to put out some type of warning to indicate to the customers that caution must be in order, and you end up slipping and falling on to the concrete floors, you will, most likely, suffer some type of injury.
At first, you seem fine. You might have a few scrapes and bruises, but you do not believe you are seriously injured. What happens if, several hours later, you develop neck pain or the type of headache pain you have never experienced?
Although you want no trouble, you should go to a doctor and get a medical opinion. If the doctor confirms that you are injured, speaking with an attorney should be the next step. You can read about the average payout for a slip and fall to see why it may be worth your while to pursue this process and seek compensation.
There is a good chance that your medical insurance will refuse to pay your expenses once aware of the situation. If doctor visits continue, your medical expenses will accumulate quickly.
When you hire an attorney, he can contact your medical care providers and inform them that you now have representation by an attorney. Your medical records will be requested by the attorney’s office.
Your medical care providers realize that your case is in the process of being legally settled so they have the assurance that expenses will be paid. Therefore, they will not be harassing you with collection calls.
Loss of Wages after Personal Injury
If you are losing wages because you are unable to report to work, or, you’ve missed time at work because you have left early, or came in late, to receive treatment for injuries, you should consider hiring a lawyer. You can learn more here.
Loss of wages can have a negative impact on your budget. This can eventually lead to impacting your credit score. Loss of wages can put a burden on your entire family.
Everyone in the household is affected by the financial strain of missing income. Hiring an attorney will increase the likelihood that you will be compensated for your pain and suffering.
Liability is in Dispute
An attorney, who specializes in personal injuries, is needed if the insurance company of the other party is claiming that they are not responsible for your injuries and damages.
Often, insurance companies will claim they have no actual proof of liability. An attorney can obtain accident reports that have been filed and interview any witnesses to prove liability.
Unfortunately, insurance companies will make an effort to avoid paying what they should. Their policyholders can be less than honest about the events of an accident.
Without an attorney, you could end up with medical expenses such as copays and deductibles, if not the entire sum of the medical bills, should your injury require long-term treatment.
It would be better to consult with a firm like https://www.keatingfirmlaw.com/ and know your position, even if you discover do not need their services, than to fail to seek one and discover you made the wrong decision. Better to be safe than sorry, so to speak.
Insurance Refuses to Pay for Your Personal Injury
Insurance companies love to play the delay game because they can afford it. Often, insurance companies will delay, deny, or minimize a settlement. They intend to pay as little as possible and make you wait indefinitely.
Attorneys know how to deal with insurance companies. They know what steps to take to convince insurance companies and other parties that your injuries are legitimate. Lawyers who specialize in personal injury cases can cut to the chase and save time.
Expert Opinion Concerning Settlements
Insurance companies will attempt to settle quickly with an amount that is far from what you need to truly be compensated for pain and suffering as well as expense. They make the initial offer quickly. This is because they know you are tired, frustrated, and stressed. They believe you will settle soon for any amount offered.
Because you just want to be finished with anything concerning your fall, or other injuries, you might be tempted to settle for an inadequate offer. Your attorney will know what you need. Not only to cover all expenses but also for the pain and suffering you and your family have endured.
You might not be in a state of mind to think objectively. Your attorney will be prepared due to settlement experience. This will prevent you from making a rash decision only to regret it later.
Contingency Fees for Personal Injury Cases
As with any type of personal injury case, expenses add up quickly. It is important to know that attorneys usually work on a contingency fee basis.
This means the law firm bears the burden of costs until a settlement is obtained. If the settlement is not successful, they collect nothing from you; however, you still are responsible for medical bills. You are provided some peace of mind with this process.
Is It Time to Settle or Not?
Most people involved in a personal injury case have no desire to go to court. They prefer to settle before a trial might take place. Even attorneys prefer an out-of-court settlement when possible. Insurance companies know this.
Truthfully, most insurance companies do not wish to go to court either. But they will manipulate you and use tactics of intimidation to avoid both settlement and court dates. Having an attorney will ensure that proper steps are taken to arrive at adequate compensation. Also, if necessary, take the matter to trial to get that to which you are entitled.
Once the case has been settled, it is impossible to obtain any further settlement. You need an attorney to guide you as to the dollar amounts for which you should settle. The end is worth the means.
To Court You Go
It is perfectly legal to represent oneself in court. But it is not a wise decision when it comes to a personal injury case. The opposing party’s attorneys will be ready to make you appear unreliable and not trustworthy in front of a judge and jury.
These attorneys are experienced at courtroom games. You, most likely, are not. To come out on top, you will need an attorney who can fight back on your behalf. This is so your time is not wasted in court.
How tragic it would be to go through the process of a trial only to lose the case and be liable for your own expenses! Unnecessary court costs can be avoided with attorney representation. Hopefully, you will never find yourself in a situation to need an attorney for a personal injury case. However, you never know when any type of accident may happen.
It would be assuring to know that someone was in your corner in the event of the unexpected. Making a wise decision concerning an attorney can save you money and heartache in the long run.