Injuries that result from an accident mean that you have spent money on medical expenses, miss work, and more. A personal injury lawyer can help you prove the other party's negligence and get compensation for your accident. More details in the following article.
What qualifies as personal injury?
Personal injury lawsuits generally cover three key issues that can arise as a result of an incident:
- Actual Bodily Injury
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Actual bodily injury is a fairly easy concept to understand. If a person is injured in a car accident by a reckless driver, they would expect to be compensated.
The compensation would cover existing medical bills, and it should also cover anticipated future medical expenses. This includes additional surgeries, home care, physical therapy, and anything else that would help the injured person try to regain some semblance of a normal existence.
The issue of pain and suffering is a little more difficult. Lawyers advise their clients to consult with mental health professionals to identify their pain and suffering. A person making a claim should also be able to document what activities they used to do that they can no longer participate in. As well, how they currently feel on a daily basis.
In some countries, people who were not directly injured parties may also be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering. For example, if a person's domestic partner has been attacked and can no longer participate in a meaningful relationship, he or she may be able to seek damages for loss of companionship.
Emotional distress is one of the most difficult harms to pursue. Emotional distress can be considered negligently or intentionally inflicted. This covers a wide range of injuries from defamation to threats of physical harm.
What does a personal injury lawyer do?
L' personal injury lawyer performs tasks similar to those of most litigators. They review applications and screen potential clients to assess the merits of their cases. They gather evidence, formulate legal theories and research case law. They draft pleadings, motions and discovery requests. They also interview and depose witnesses.
All of these tasks contribute to trial preparation, but the work does not end there. Personal injury lawyers advocate for their clients before and during trial. This may involve advising them or dealing with obstacles in the legal system and those presented by their opponents.
Personal injury attorneys often juggle heavy caseloads and work under tight deadlines with sometimes demanding clients. But many professionals find that the most rewarding aspect of personal injury practice is helping victims and their families obtain justice.
Personal injury lawsuits can be extremely complex, so these attorneys often specialize in certain types of niche cases.
Why use the services of a lawyer?
- Professionalism and objectivity
A personal injury can cause you immense physical pain and emotional trauma. The pain and suffering you endure as a result of your injury may prevent you from being objective. Your personal feelings and opinions may affect your ability to stick to the facts of the case.
An accident lawyer is only interested in the facts. He or she will provide you with an informed perspective so that you can get the settlement you deserve. He or she will fight for you without focusing on things that are not important.
- Good negotiation skills
When it comes to negotiating the amount of compensation you should get, the other party will do their best. You will have to deal with their insurance representative or attorney. These professionals are trained to conduct a difficult negotiation and you are not up to the task.
Even if the other party is responsible for your injuries, their representatives may try to persuade you to accept a settlement that falls short. The damages you have suffered. A lawyer is there to enforce your rights.
- A variety of options
Pursuing a claim for your injuries can take time. There are processes to follow. In general, there are two paths you can take. You can either file a claim for compensation or you can file a personal injury lawsuit.
Legal action should be the last resort, as it may take some time for the court to decide your case. However, it may be the only option for you if the party at fault has refused to admit guilt for your injuries. A personal injury lawyer will advise you on the best course of action for your situation.
