In the aftermath of the accident, you’re often left with injuries, a damaged vehicle, and the all too common question, “Do I have a case?” Keep reading as we explore the types of cases that fall under the umbrella of personal injury law and shed some light on the next steps you can take to get the justice you deserve.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
At its most basic form, personal injury law is all about helping people hurt by someone else’s carelessness or deliberate actions. Whether physical, emotional, or psychological injuries, these lawyers fight for the compensation you deserve.
Their primary responsibilities include:
- Investigating the circumstances surrounding the injury.
- Gathering evidence to establish liability and damages.
- Negotiating with insurance companies and opposing parties.
- Representing clients in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
The ultimate goal of personal injury lawyers is to ensure that their clients receive fair compensation for the cost of medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
Just remember: when hiring a personal injury lawyer, ensure they’re a good fit for your case. Not all lawyers are created equal—and some may be more interested in fees than your well-being. Do your research, read reviews, and trust your instincts. The right lawyer should be transparent about your case, easy to reach, and have a track record of success.
What Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Do for You?
The fallout from an accident or injury can be overwhelming. You might face high medical bills, lost income, and the complexities of legal processes, all while trying to recover. That’s where personal injury lawyers come in handy.
5 Ways Personal Injury Lawyers Ease Your Burden
- Build a Strong Case: Personal injury lawyers gather evidence, interview witnesses, consult with experts, and build a compelling case to establish liability and the full extent of your damages.
- Determine Fair Compensation: They’ll calculate the full extent of your damages, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: It’s no secret insurance companies prioritize their financial interests over compensation payouts. Personal injury lawyers go toe-to-toe with insurance adjusters, fighting for your rights and maximizing your settlement.
- Represent You in Court: If a settlement can’t be reached, personal injury lawyers take your case to trial.
- Handle the Paperwork: From filing claims and legal documents to communicating with insurance companies and the defendant, personal injury lawyers handle the behind-the-scenes tasks so you don’t have to.
What Cases Do Personal Injury Lawyers Take?
What kind of cases do personal injury lawyers handle? Well, it depends. Each suit presents its own challenges and considerations, which can influence how your attorneys try the case. Let’s look at some of the most common types of personal injury claims.
Car Accidents
There are a few different types of damages you can claim after a car accident, from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic injuries. In cases involving more severe injuries—like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or permanent disabilities—personal injury lawyers will seek higher compensation to cover ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, lost wages, and other long-term expenses. Factors like the severity of the crash, available insurance coverage, and negligence involved all play a role in determining whether you have a case.
For example, personal injury lawyers will represent individuals who are injured by drunk drivers, as their actions constitute negligence and a breach of duty to operate a vehicle safely. However, they don’t take cases where their client was the drunk driver who caused the accident. Personal injury law is designed to protect victims of negligence—not those who engaged in negligent or unlawful behavior themselves.
Premises Liability
Premises liability is a broader type of personal injury claim. The severity of each case varies based on the property involved, the specific hazard and the injuries sustained.
A slip-and-fall at a grocery store? That usually results in minor injuries. But, let’s say that the same grocery store cut corners on its security measures, which led to an assault. There’s a huge payout difference between these cases.
Personal injury lawyers will investigate the property owner’s duty of care, the foreseeability of the hazard, and the extent of the injuries to determine whether or not you have a compensation case.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death claims are among the most tragic, emotionally charged cases personal injury lawyers handle. They’ll investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, gather evidence of negligence or wrongdoing, and seek just compensation to hold responsible parties accountable—not for the death itself, but for the loss of companionship and emotional distress placed on surviving family members.
Spine, Back, and Brain Injuries
Injuries to the spine, back, and brain can have life-altering consequences, like years of medical expenses, ongoing rehabilitation, permanent disabilities, or cognitive impairments. Personal injury lawyers work with medical experts to better understand the long-term implications of your injuries and calculate the costs of future care, living accommodations, lost earning potential, and your pain and suffering.
Construction Accidents
Construction work is dangerous. Accidents always happen due to safety violations, defective equipment, or negligent supervision. Personal injury lawyers representing those injured on the job site help you identify all responsible parties (e.g., contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers) and work to get you compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Will a Personal Injury Lawyer Take My Case?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you get paid. As a result, they’re selective about what they take to trial and need to evaluate the merits of your claim before agreeing to represent you.
Some factors that personal injury lawyers consider when deciding whether or not to take a case include:
- Liability: Is there clear evidence of negligence or wrongdoing by another party that directly caused your injury?
- Extent of Damages: What’s the value of your claim? Is it worth pursuing?
- Statute of Limitations: Has the statute of limitations passed, making it too late to pursue legal action?
- Availability of Evidence: How strong is the evidence (like medical records, witness statements, and other documentation) for building a solid case?
- Potential for Recovery: Are there viable sources of compensation, like insurance policies or assets owned by the liable party?
Accidents Happen: Get the Compensation You Deserve
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you need a legal team with the experience, resources, and tenacity to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. You need a legal team like Simon Law. Our personal injury lawyers have advocated for your rights for over two decades, securing more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements. Our contingency fee basis means you don’t pay a dime unless we successfully obtain a settlement or verdict in your favor. Don’t let physical, emotional, or financial burdens weigh you down any longer—take the first step and contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
