A personal injury claim is a legal action filed by an individual who has been injured as a result of the negligence or carelessness of another person or organization. In order to have a valid personal injury claim, the individual must have suffered an injury that was caused by the negligence of another. Anyone who may have a personal injury claim will need legal representation if they want to claim any compensation that they might be entitled to. However, many people don’t know much about how personal injury law works or where to find a lawyer. If you want to learn more, keep reading to find out when you should consider hiring a personal injury lawyer.
When should you consider hiring a personal injury lawyer?
The truth is that if you have sustained injuries or incurred costs due to someone else’s actions, or in an accident, it is always best to consult a personal injury lawyer. An experienced personal injury law firm, like Shook & Stone personal injury lawyers, can help you understand your rights and options and can guide you through the legal process. A personal injury lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to get you the best possible settlement. If the opposing party does not settle, then they can take your case to trial if necessary in order to get the compensation you’re owed.
In order to win a personal injury claim, the affected individual and their attorney must prove that the other person or organization that caused their injury was negligent and that the injury resulted in damages. Negligence is determined by looking at the actions or lack thereof of the person or organization who is accused of causing the accident or injury. The individual must demonstrate that the person failed to meet a reasonable standard of care. You will also need to show evidence that the injury would not have occurred if it wasn’t for negligence.
Remember, you need to assist your lawyer as much as you can. The best way to do that is by gathering evidence. Evidence can include photos of the accident scene, medical bills, and police reports. This evidence can strengthen your case and increase the chances of a successful settlement.
Why do you need to hire an attorney right away?
Now that you know when you might need a lawyer, let’s talk more about why time is of the essence. You need to hire a lawyer right away because your personal injury claim may be subject to a statute of limitations. A statute of limitations is a law that sets a time limit on how long a person has to file a lawsuit. The time limit varies depending on the type of lawsuit. If a person files a lawsuit after the time limit has expired, the court will likely dismiss the case. Your lawyer will be able to tell you exactly how long you have to file your claim.
Many people are nervous about looking for legal representation due to concerns over how much it will cost. You should be aware that most personal injury lawyers work on what is known as a contingency fee basis. This is a fee arrangement where a lawyer takes their payment as a percentage of your final settlement or judgment. That means you can get the legal assistance you need without paying an expensive upfront retainer. This arrangement benefits the lawyer too, as they will be able to take cases that may not otherwise be profitable.
As you can see, there are many situations where you may find that you need a personal injury lawyer. Personal injury lawyers can assist you when you’ve been injured or suffered damages due to the result of another individual or organization’s negligence. You may be eligible for compensation to cover expenses like lost wages, property damage, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Just don’t waste time, as there is likely to be a statute of limitations that is applicable to your claim. Follow this advice and you’ll be well on your way to receiving a favorable judgment or settlement.