Hiring a lawyer is crucial if you have a serious personal injury claim. Don't overlook the value an experienced lawyer can give your case. When can you do without a lawyer? Only if your injury does not result in a claim. If you slip on some ice and get a minor sprain, you likely would not sue, just as you would not for most minor injuries. There is a big difference, however, if you have a severe injury and if the injury is long-term. These are examples of cases where you should hire a personal injury lawyer. Let's go over these in more detail.
Long-Term Injury Claims
If you cannot walk for six months because of an injury, that is a long-term injury and you definitely need an experienced personal injury lawyer. If, on the other hand, you are incapable of walking for the rest of your life, this is another example where legal help is needed. It all depends on the seriousness of the injury and its long term effects.
Major Injuries
If you have a severe injury, you have a right to a claim. Say for example you are hit while parked on the street, and suffer both mental and physical problems. The more severe your injury caused the the accident, the more compensation you deserve. What is needed is to prove the fault of the other person or entity and to get a value of the claim. You won't know how much you can really get without an experienced lawyer.
Medical Mistakes
You put trust in a hospital, doctor, and nursing staff when you enter to get help. If they make critical mistakes, this is called medical malpractice and deserves compensation. In order to prove fault, you need to understand how the mistakes were made. If it can be proven through unprofessional mistakes - mistakes a competent person would not have made - you deserve compensation. Without a lawyer, you have no real chance of winning, because by nature medical mistakes are quite complicated. A lawyer experienced in medical malpractice is essential.
The Insurance Offer (Or Lack of Offer)
Finally, most personal injury lawsuits end before a court battle. You will likely get a settlement offer, sometimes before you even hire a lawyer and file the lawsuit. This saves the insurer money, but what also saves them money is giving a low initial offer in the hopes you will take it. While this doesn't always occur, it's common for them to make an offer and you to make a counter offer. On the other hand, they may refuse to pay anything. If they do not make an offer, you will have to go to court. In court, a professional lawyer is essential.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is not a process to be rushed. If you're patient, if you choose to go with experience, and if you make your case, you will be properly compensated for your injury.
The Author is a personal injury attorney specializing in accident claims in Boca, Boynton Beach, Jupiter & West Palm Beach.
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