Have you been injured due to someone else’s negligence? Maybe you were rear-ended by a distracted driver, or maybe you tripped and fell on a broken step at a local store. If you’ve been hurt and are unsure about how to proceed, your next question may be: do I need a personal injury lawyer?
For help with your case, get in touch with the team at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia at (800) 320-HELP or contact us online. We can explain the responsibilities of a personal injury lawyer, what the process of recovering compensation looks like, and how we can help.
What is a Personal Injury?
A personal injury is a legal term used to describe an injury to the body, mind, or emotions caused by the negligence or recklessness of another person or entity.
Examples of personal injury cases include:
- Car accidents: These are some of the most common personal injury cases. Reckless or careless drivers who put others at risk with their behavior can be held responsible for any damage that occurs in a car accident.
- Slip and fall accidents: Property owners have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment. If you slip and fall on someone else’s property due to their negligence, you may have a personal injury claim.
- Medical malpractice: When a medical professional deviates from the accepted standard of care and causes you harm, you may have a medical malpractice case.
- Dog bites: Dog owners are liable for bites inflicted by their animals, but these cases can get complicated. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, a personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for your medical bills and other damages.
- Product liability: If you’re injured by a defective product, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or seller of the product. They all have a responsibility to make sure their products are safe for consumers.
When you’re injured due to somebody else’s recklessness or negligence, they’re legally liable for some or all of the damages you suffer as a result.
When Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer for My Claim?
You’re not required to hire a personal injury attorney, but it’s usually a good idea. Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Severity of injuries: If you have sustained significant medical bills, long-term physical limitations, or emotional trauma as a result of your injury, a personal injury attorney can fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Dispute with the insurance company: Insurance companies are not always on your side. If your insurance company denies coverage, offers a low settlement, or unreasonably delays processing your claim, a personal injury attorney can advocate for your best interests.
- Complex legal issues: Some personal injury cases involve complex legal issues, such as product liability claims, wrongful death lawsuits, or cases with multiple parties involved. An experienced personal injury attorney can navigate these complexities and ensure your rights are protected.
- Lack of experience with personal injury claims: For most victims of personal injury accidents, this is a new and stressful situation that they’ve never dealt with before. You may be unsure of your rights or how to navigate the trial process. A personal injury lawyer can help you handle this with confidence.
If you’re not sure, you can usually discuss your case with an accident injury attorney to learn more about your options. Many personal injury attorneys will also work on contingency, meaning you only pay them once you’ve received compensation.
Personal Injury Accident Victim Compensation
Being injured in an accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. The good news is that personal injury law allows victims to recover compensation for various losses.
Here’s a breakdown of some common types of damages awarded in personal injury cases:
- Medical expenses: This includes all costs associated with your injuries, from ambulance rides and emergency room visits to doctor’s appointments, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes your base salary, commissions, and bonuses. Additionally, this includes other forms of income you would have earned if not for the accident.
- Property damage: If your personal property was damaged in the accident, such as your car in a collision, you can recover compensation for repairs or replacement.
- Pain and suffering: This compensates you for the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured due to your injuries.
- Emotional distress: The trauma of an accident can cause anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues. Compensation for emotional distress acknowledges this suffering.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries significantly impact your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
- And more
Every case is different, and the specific damages you’re owed can vary. A Florida personal injury lawyer can professionally assess your claim. Then, they can give you a clearer sense of the compensation you may be able to pursue.
Working with a personal injury lawyer can also help you maximize compensation after a car accident, workplace injury, motor vehicle accident, medical malpractice incident, or other personal injury accident.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me?
Navigating the legal system is often frustrating and difficult, especially in the aftermath of an accident. If you’re suffering from a painful or traumatizing injury, the last thing you want to worry about is dealing with insurance companies and figuring out how to file a personal injury lawsuit.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can be your guide throughout the legal process. Their role is to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve with minimum stress.
Your accident injury lawyer will:
- Investigate the accident: A thorough investigation is crucial to building a strong case. Your personal injury attorney will gather evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements. They can account for the lesser-known factors that influence car accident claims, as well as the major ones, in their investigation. Then, they will use this information to determine fault and liability.
- Negotiate with the insurance company: Insurance companies are great at negotiating low settlements. Your attorney can handle all communication with the insurance company. Additionally, they will fight for fair compensation and ensure you receive all the damages you’re entitled to.
- Manage your personal injury claim: The legal process can be overwhelming. Your attorney will handle all the paperwork and communicate with all parties involved. Meanwhile, they will keep you informed of the progress of your case.
- Represent you in court: In some cases, it may be necessary to go to court to obtain fair compensation. Your personal injury attorney will represent you in court and present a strong case on your behalf. Additionally, they will use their legal expertise to negotiate a favorable settlement or pursue a jury trial.
If you are unsure where to start looking for legal representation, take a look at our guide on how to find the best personal injury lawyer for your case.
Choose Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia as Your Personal Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Werner, Hoffman, Garcia & Greig. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can be powerful advocates, protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
You can contact us online or call us at (800) 320-HELP to discuss your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?
In most cases, there is no upfront cost to hire a personal injury attorney. Florida personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency basis. That means their fee is a percentage of the settlement you receive if they win your case.
What if I’m unsure whether I have a case?
If you’ve been injured and are unsure if you have a case, it’s best to consult a personal injury attorney. They can review the details of your situation and advise you of your legal options. Most personal injury law firms offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in seeking professional advice.
How long will it take to resolve my personal injury case?
The timeframe for resolving a personal injury case varies depending on the complexity of the case. Additionally, taking a case to trial can increase the time it takes to settle. Some cases can be settled within a few months, while others may take a year or more. Your personal injury attorney can give you a more accurate estimate based on the specifics of your case.
