Personal injury lawyers are legal professionals who offer their services to individuals who’ve been injured as a result of the negligence or misconduct of others.
Beyond what is a personal injury lawyer, what do they do? These attorneys specialize in a branch of law known as tort law, which deals with civil wrongs and economic or non-economic damages caused to a person’s property, reputation, or rights.
Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury lawyers, sometimes also referred to as accident lawyers or PI lawyers, play a crucial role in helping their clients navigate the legal landscape after being injured.
Their responsibilities are broad and varied, and they offer invaluable assistance to those who’ve suffered harm due to another person’s or entity’s negligence or intentional misconduct.
Investigation and Assessment
As a primary step, a personal injury lawyer conducts a thorough evaluation of the potential client’s case. This process involves assessing the validity of the claim and determining if it has a reasonable chance of success.
This consideration is critical since most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only charge a fee if they successfully secure a settlement or a jury verdict.
Evidence Collection
Once the lawyer has decided to take on the case, they proceed with gathering evidence to support the claim. This evidence may include police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation.
They might also gather visual evidence, such as photos of the accident scene or surveillance footage. In some cases, they may consult with experts, such as medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists, to provide further support to the claim.
Claim Calculation
A significant aspect of a personal injury lawyer’s work is the calculation of the client’s claim’s value. They strive to recover the maximum possible compensation for the client, considering both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic losses include medical expenses, lost income, and other quantifiable costs, whereas non-economic losses cover pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other subjective damages.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Personal injury lawyers are adept at negotiating with insurance companies. They understand the tactics these entities use to reduce or deny claims and can effectively counter them.
By handling all communication with the insurance company, these lawyers protect their clients from inadvertently making statements that could harm their claim.
Types of Cases Handled by Personal Injury Lawyers
Personal injury law is a broad field, encompassing a wide array of cases. Some of the most common types of cases that personal injury lawyers handle include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Slip and fall incidents
- Medical malpractice
- Product liability
- Premises liability
- Elder abuse and neglect
- Workplace accidents
- Wrongful death
Each of these case types has its own unique set of regulations and complexities, making the expertise of a personal injury lawyer invaluable.
The Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can provide several benefits, especially for individuals dealing with severe injuries and complex legal situations. It also substantially increases your chances of winning a personal injury lawsuit.
Knowledge of the Law
Personal injury lawyers have a deep understanding of the laws and legal procedures related to personal injury cases. They know how to navigate the legal system effectively, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken, and deadlines are met.
Experience in Negotiation
Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, particularly for individuals who are unfamiliar with the negotiation process. Personal injury lawyers have the experience and skills necessary to negotiate effectively with insurance companies, increasing the likelihood of a fair settlement.
Representation in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may need to go to court. In such scenarios, a personal injury lawyer can provide invaluable representation, presenting the case before the judge or jury, calling witnesses, and arguing on behalf of the client.
The Cost of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Most personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only charge a fee if they win the case. This arrangement allows individuals who might not have the resources to pay upfront legal fees to still get the legal assistance they need.
Understanding what is a personal injury lawyer and the benefits they provide is crucial for anyone who has suffered an injury due to another party’s negligence or intentional misconduct.
By offering their expertise in tort law, these professionals can help injured individuals navigate the complex legal landscape, strive for fair compensation, and ultimately, attain justice.