If you’re one of the 155 million people who visited the ER in 2022, and your injuries were caused in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, hiring a lawyer can make a big difference in your ability to recover damages. Experienced personal injury attorneys have the skills and resources to build the strongest case possible and fight for the compensation you deserve, and there are around 164,559 to choose from in the US. Here are 6 different ways in which having legal representation can help with your injury claim.
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Investigate Your Case Thoroughly
One of the most important things a lawyer will do is conduct a thorough investigation of your injury claim. This includes gathering police reports, medical records, bills, employment records, and other evidence. A good lawyer will leave no stone unturned in building the strongest case possible to prove liability and damages. Having an experienced attorney on your side ensures your case gets the attention it deserves.
Determine Liability
Figuring out who is at fault and to what extent can be tricky after an accident. An attorney will look at the evidence, examine the scene, consult experts if needed, and use legal standards to establish liability. For instance, they can determine if another party acted negligently and caused your injuries. Having a lawyer establish liability is crucial to getting maximum compensation – the success rate for premises liability claims is around 39%, but it would be a lot less if you didn’t hire a lawyer to manage your personal injury claim.
Calculate Damages
The value of an injury claim depends largely on the economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, lost income, property damage, etc. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering. An attorney has the resources and knowledge to fully calculate short-term and long-term costs you’ve incurred from the accident. They will seek full compensation for all your losses. Settlements for TBIs, for example, can range from $100k to more than $1 million.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters represent the interests of their companies, not yours. They will try to lowball offers and get claims settled quickly. A lawyer levels the playing field by aggressively negotiating for a fair settlement that covers the full value of your losses. Their legal expertise and negotiations skills can often maximize your financial recovery.
Pursue Legal Action if Needed
If an insurance company refuses to offer reasonable compensation, a lawyer can take legal action by filing a personal injury lawsuit. This legal pressure often motivates negligent parties to settle out of court. However, if a fair settlement isn’t reached, an attorney has the litigation experience to build a compelling court case to fight for your rights. Having legal representation significantly improves your chances of a favorable verdict. Less than 5% of cases go to trial, but if yours does, you need an experienced lawyer on your side.
Handle Complex Paperwork
Pursuing compensation often involves overwhelming paperwork – lengthy claim forms, complex legal documents, stacks of bills. A lawyer has the resources to efficiently handle all documentation and filings for your case. This allows you to focus on recovering from your injuries while your attorney navigates the legal complexities. Their expertise ensures no deadlines or details are missed that could negatively impact your claim.
Whether investigating your case, negotiating settlements, or taking legal action, an attorney can provide invaluable help at every phase of your claim.
