When you or a loved one sustains an injury due to another person’s negligence, the need for a personal injury attorney becomes imminent. These legal professionals stand by your side, helping you pursue accountability and fair compensation.
As personal injury attorney Frank Tomeny III of Tomeny Best explains, “Personal injury attorneys level the playing field. They carefully assess your situation, navigate complex legal options, and shoulder the legal weight so you can focus on healing. In a system that doesn’t always feel fair, their role is to guide you toward the justice and compensation you deserve.”
This article explores what a personal injury attorney does and their importance to your case.
Table of Contents
Defining Personal Injury Attorneys
A personal injury attorney is a legal professional who represents you when you sustain an injury or loss due to another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. Personal injury law focuses on private rights and obligations, as it falls into the realm of civil law.
A personal injury attorney may pitch their tent with a personal injury law firm or stand on their own. Their ultimate goal is to protect injured individuals’ rights and help them obtain fair and adequate compensation.
Personal Injury Attorneys’ Specialties
Personal injury attorneys are versatile and can handle a wide range of cases. However, typical cases they handle include car crashes, workplace injuries, dog bites, slips and falls, product liability, nursing home abuse, truck accidents, medical malpractice, motorcycle accidents, and wrongful deaths.
They analyze their clients’ cases to develop workable strategies for recovering fair compensation. Compensation includes medical costs, lost earnings, out-of-pocket expenses, pain, emotional distress, and suffering.
Therefore, when you suffer an injury, it’s crucial to consult an attorney who specializes in your specific accident type. For instance, you may not get the best outcome if you engage a medical malpractice attorney for a motorcycle injury case.
What Personal Injury Attorneys Do
Personal injury attorneys serve as your advocates. They prioritize your best interests in any case. They investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident. They want to know how the defendant violated their duty of care and the extent of the damages or injuries you have suffered.
They also meticulously build a solid case by visiting the accident scene, reviewing medical records and police reports, and speaking with witnesses. When the case is complex, experts are consulted to clarify issues. Their ultimate goal is to ensure the claim does not rest on assumptions.
Furthermore, you need a personal injury attorney to negotiate with insurance companies. If you do not want the at-fault party’s insurer to cheat on you, let your lawyer represent you during settlement negotiations. They will deploy their skills to help you get what you deserve for your injuries and losses.
You’ll also learn what personal injury law requires. Your personal injury attorney helps you break down the complex laws and file paperwork. They help with documentation so you can relax and heal.
You also depend on them to meet the statute of limitations. They know the legal deadlines for filing your case in your jurisdiction. So, they work round the clock to help you file your case on time.
Factors to Consider When Engaging a Personal Injury Attorney
You need a personal injury attorney after being injured by someone else’s unfair behavior. However, you must carefully select an attorney that satisfies your requirements.
First, engage an attorney who has handled similar cases in the past with a proven track record of impressive outcomes. You don’t need someone who will play around with your case without a clear plan.
Your ideal attorney should also be a skilled communicator and responsive to your needs. They must constantly keep you informed about the progress of your case and be prepared to go the extra mile for you. They should be sociable and relate easily to you.
Use the initial free consultation to assess the attorney’s body language and determine if they are the right fit for your case. Check if they are enthusiastic and optimistic about your case. Also check online to see what past clients say about them.
Finally, ask them about their fee structure. While most personal injury attorneys charge on a contingency basis, the percentage varies. Seek clarity on this issue to avoid confusion or needless arguments after recovering compensation.
Final Words: Why You Should Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
The complexity of personal injury cases makes it crucial to engage a legal professional when you have a case. Personal injury claims are high-stake cases, and you cannot afford to take them lightly. You’ll need a professional who will help you understand your rights, know how to approach the case and focus on maximizing compensation.
It’s also crucial to have a personal injury attorney because insurance adjusters aren’t always on your side. Without legal representation, you’re more vulnerable to tactics designed to minimize your payout and protect the insurance company’s bottom line.
Therefore, you must engage a responsive local personal injury attorney who can help you achieve the best result in your case.
