If someone is injured due to the negligence or intentional acts of others, they may have a legal claim for damages. A personal injury lawyer, also referred to as a PI lawyer, is a legal professional who specializes in this area of law and can help victims pursue compensation. This broad category of legal practice covers everything from car accidents and slip-and-fall incidents to medical malpractice, product liability, and more.
A skilled injury attorney will thoroughly investigate the details of your case and establish that another party owed you a duty of care. They will review police reports, interview witnesses, examine medical records, and consult with experts to build a strong case on your behalf. This will allow them to show how the other party violated their duty of care and caused your injuries.
While no two cases are exactly the same, most personal injury claims follow a similar path from start to finish. Once your attorney has a thorough understanding of the nature and extent of your injuries, they will begin negotiations with the liable party’s insurance company to obtain a fair settlement offer. However, if a settlement cannot be reached outside of court, your lawyer will be prepared to litigate your case in front of a jury and demand a proper award for you.
The most common type of personal injury claim involves injuries sustained in an accident that was caused by the negligence of another person or entity. In most states, the victim can recover a dollar amount for their medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering from the person or entity who wrongfully caused the damage. The amount of money a victim receives for their losses typically depends on how severe their injuries are and how permanent or disfiguring they are, as well as the loss of enjoyment of life and other non-economic damages.
In most cases, the defendant’s insurance company will make an initial offer to settle your case for a sum of money in exchange for agreeing to drop any future claims. Your attorney will review this initial offer and recommend whether to accept it or not. They will also ensure that they have a full understanding of the scope of your injuries, including any future treatment you might require and the impact of your injuries on your quality of life, before making this decision.
Insurance companies have a large legal department that works to minimize the amount they pay out on your behalf, so it is important for you to have an experienced and knowledgeable injury lawyer on your side. An attorney can spot tactics like illegal loopholes or questionable interpretations of the event that led to your injury and will fight them to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. They can also stay on top of the insurance company to ensure that they are remitting payments as required by law. This can save you a lot of time and stress as you deal with the aftermath of your injury.