If you’ve suffered a serious injury due to the negligent actions of another person or company, a personal injury lawyer can help. This broad area of law enables victims to recover damages for physical, mental, reputational and property damage caused by wrongful conduct. It includes accidents, injuries from defective products and medical malpractice. Attorneys who specialize in this field can help you navigate the complexities of these cases, such as working with insurance companies and meeting deadlines set by the statute of limitations.
In order to get a fair settlement or win a judgment in your favor, you must have adequate proof that you have been injured. An experienced Personal injury lawyer can gather evidence for you, including medical records and opinion letters from your doctor or other medical professionals. They can also use financial documents to show you how much your injury has cost you. For example, if your accident left you out of work for an extended period of time, your attorney can help you recover lost wages. They will submit pay stubs and other proof to demonstrate how many paychecks you’ve missed.
Once your lawyer has the necessary documentation, they can begin preparing for trial. They will review all the facts of your case to determine if it has the merits to go to court, and if so, they will file a lawsuit against the responsible party or parties. During this phase, your lawyer will conduct pre-filing investigations and research, including case law, statutes and common law to establish a valid legal rationale for filing the claim.
Your lawyer will prepare interrogatories and depositions to request information from the other parties, or their attorneys. They may also hire expert witnesses to testify on your behalf. Depending on the circumstances, your lawyer may also need to visit the accident site to take photos and collect other evidence such as skid marks or debris from a car crash or a defective product.
The insurers will review the proof and submit a counteroffer. If you’re not satisfied with the offer, your lawyer will negotiate with the insurers to reach a favorable settlement. Most cases settle before reaching a trial verdict.
If the other parties fail to agree on a fair settlement, your personal injury lawyer will schedule a trial date. At the trial, your lawyer will present your evidence to a jury. The jury will then decide if you should receive compensation for your injury. If the jury finds in your favor, the judge will issue a final award. Once you’ve received your award, your lawyer will collect their fee, which is usually a percentage of the total award. They will then ensure that any outstanding medical bills or lost wages are paid. Then they’ll write you a check for the remaining amount. Then you can begin to rebuild your life. Choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. If you have questions about how a personal injury lawyer can help you, call our office.