Personal Injury law
Personal injury law is unfortunately somewhat of a prevalent need in the United States. In a sue-happy culture is it easy to find yourself on the wrong side of the law? Personal injury law is not just for the presumed guilty, it is also there to protect the interests of the innocent. For those not aware of what personal injury is, let’s break the topic down.
What is a personal injury?
A catastrophic injury is an injury suffered usually because of malpractice or malfeasance, but it also includes slips and falls, car wrecks, etc. When one thinks of personal injury images conjure of doctors under the influence or negligent surgeons. If you suffer a loss of a limb or other injury because of someone else’s incompetence then you have a personal injury.
Most professionals have professional liability insurance to cover them in the event they make a dire mistake that causes injury or death. Sometimes the policy will cover legal aid, other times it does not. If it doesn’t, then you need a personal injury lawyer to help you fight for your rights and prove your innocence, as the case may be. There are other factors to consider in getting a personal injury lawyer if you are the accused. Most malpractice insurance doesn’t cover you if you were drunk, accused of sexual assault, or had no coverage under your employer’s policy.
Personal injury law isn’t just for the defending party, it is for you too!
If you lost a loved one due to malpractice, or you someone injured you in a car wreck, or whatever the case may be, you too can get the services of a personal injury lawyer.
What is the process of hiring a personal injury lawyer?
The first step is to book a consultation with a personal injury lawyer. It is important to compile a list of the events leading up to and after the injury and all the facts surrounding the case. Your time with the lawyer at the first consult is precious as such you need to be prepared.
If after the consult the lawyer feels there is a case, you will move forward with a formal notification of intent to sue and the process will begin.
What are the costs?
The costs of hiring an attorney vary, but if the lawyer thinks the case is a strong enough one to win, then he or she may offer you a no-win, no-fee deal. The average cost of legal fees for a personal injury case is approximately between 33 and 40% if they (the lawyer) take the case on contingency. That fee may not include court costs which are $300-$400 and that doesn’t include court transcripts, if requested by the client/injured party.
What is the percentage of cases won by injured parties?
The answer to that question would depend on whether the trial saw the inside of a courtroom. Most personal injury cases (95% of them) negotiate settlement pre-trial and the cases that make it to the inside of a courtroom win their cases at a rate of 10%. Your personal injury lawyer and the team will work with you on a plan of attack for the best outcome based on your personal circumstances.
Remember the other party can counter-sue
In the case of personal injury, or any other lawsuit for that matter, the other party innocent or guilty, can sue you as well. When you open the door to a lawsuit, it is open season on you too, but with a good lawyer you can rest assured things will maintain a sense of control.
I need a personal injury lawyer, where should I start?
We are glad you are taking the next step in your case. We want to hear from you and help you build your personal injury case. Reach out to us if you have been injured, you may need an experienced car accident lawyer today!
