DO I NEED A LAWYER FOR A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM?
If you or a loved one were injured due to the carelessness or neglect of another person, it is wise to file a personal injury claim. A personal injury claim will not reverse the damage that was done, but it can provide you with compensation to offset the costs of medical care and other related expenses.
Do you need a lawyer to file a personal injury claim? No, there is no legal obligation to work with a lawyer when filing your personal injury claim. Working with a Huntsville personal injury lawyer during this process will, however, increase the likelihood of compensation. Additionally, a lawyer will ensure the process is minimally stressful, allowing you to fully recover from your injuries.
Many people hesitate when filing a personal injury claim. Between not knowing if their situation qualifies and uncertainty over hiring a lawyer, the entire process can become incredibly stressful. In this post, we hope to provide valuable information about filing a personal injury claim. We also will share how working with a lawyer can be beneficial in this process.
What is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is filed when an individual receives injuries due to the neglect or carelessness of another person.
Some of these injuries could include slip and fall accidents, injuries from a faulty product, or illness from a defective medication. In some cases, medical malpractice and even things such as dog bites can be covered under a personal injury claim.
When you file a personal injury claim, you are requesting financial compensation for the injuries you received. This compensation cannot reverse the accident, but it can be highly beneficial in covering medical bills, expenses, and even loss of income as a result of the injury.
Receiving financial compensation through a personal injury claim will allow you to eliminate stress in your life, providing your body with the ability to fully recover. Many people are intimidated by the personal injury claim process, but working with a Huntsville personal injury lawyer ensures the process is straightforward and efficient.
When to File a Personal Injury Claim
After an accident or injury, there are many things to sort through. Still, it is important to contact a Huntsville personal injury lawyer in a timely manner as many states have time limits for filing a claim. In most cases, you must file a personal injury claim within two years of the accident. Your local personal injury lawyer can provide you with more detailed information about the rules and regulations of your state.
Most personal injury law firms provide complimentary legal consultations to discuss the details surrounding your accident. From this meeting, they will advise you as to whether a personal injury claim is the right path to pursue in your situation.
Is a Lawyer Necessary for Filing a Personal Injury Claim?
As discussed above, a lawyer is not necessary for filing a personal injury claim. It is completely possible to submit the appropriate paperwork, file the personal injury claim, and represent yourself in court. Be aware, though, the success rate with self-representation is rather low.
Significant paperwork is necessary when you are filing a personal injury claim. In addition to the paperwork, you will be faced with many legal terms and situations with which you will not be acquainted. This can create unnecessary stress and even prevent an individual from completing their personal injury claim, forfeiting the compensation they are due.
Working with a personal injury lawyer will not only eliminate the stress of filing a personal injury claim but will also provide you with greater chances of earning the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim Without a Lawyer
The only time it may be beneficial to file a personal injury claim without a lawyer is when your accident requires a minimal settlement. Examples of this type of situation would be a minor slip and fall accident. If you have had prior experience with legal cases, you may be able to successfully represent yourself during a personal injury case.
If you do decide to file a personal injury claim without a lawyer, it is crucial to dedicate sufficient time to gathering the evidence. Quickly filing a claim without all the information you need will decrease the likelihood of a fair settlement.
Benefits of Using a Lawyer for a Personal Injury Claim
Besides minimizing the stress surrounding the filing of a personal injury claim, there are many other ways a Huntsville personal injury lawyer will benefit your case. Personal injury lawyers specialize in filing personal injury claims and representing their clients. They have great knowledge of both legal terminology and medical jargon.
With connections in the medical profession, insurance agencies and other legal professionals, a personal injury lawyer will have access to the information you need to file your claim.
The majority of personal injury claims filed reach a settlement before they are forced to meet in court. Settling the claim before going to court will save time, money and frustration if it is at all possible. Without a personal injury lawyer, however, your chances of negotiating a fair settlement are slim to none.
Your Huntsville personal injury lawyer will work tirelessly to negotiate a fair settlement for your claim. If you are unable to reach a settlement in a timely manner, a personal injury lawyer will represent your case in the courtroom.
Duties of a Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer has many duties when working on a personal injury claim. Keep in mind that if you decide to file a claim on your own, these duties will be solely your responsibility.
Upon meeting and learning the details of your accident, a personal injury lawyer will begin to establish the case. This includes gathering any necessary evidence and talking to witnesses if the situation calls for this step.
Your Huntsville personal injury lawyer is also responsible for calculating all your losses and expenses. There are many expenses that are easy to overlook when you are filing a personal injury claim. A trained professional knows how to use proper calculation methods to ensure you get the settlement you deserve.
As discussed above, a personal injury lawyer is also responsible for negotiating a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, your personal injury lawyer will present your case in the courtroom. By working with a personal injury lawyer, you provide yourself with a greater chance of receiving the compensation you are due as a result of your accident.
Qualities to Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer
Before you choose to work with a personal injury lawyer, there are a few qualities you should look for. Many of these qualities will be apparent during your legal consultation. The primary purpose of this appointment is to determine whether your accident deserves compensation. But it can also be helpful for learning the communication style of the law firm.
Clear Communication Style
The primary quality to look for in a personal injury lawyer is a clear communication style. During the filing of your personal injury claim, there are likely to be many things you don’t understand. Working with a lawyer who explains legal terms in a way that is easy to understand will minimize the stress and confusion around your case.
Experience in Personal Injury Law
Many law firms offer personal injury law as one of their services. It is important, however, to work with a firm that specializes in this area. A Huntsville personal injury law firm will have plenty of experience in dealing with cases just like yours. With experience on their side, they will approach the entire process with greater confidence and knowledge.
Working with a firm that specializes in personal injury law will ensure the process goes smoothly and efficiently.
Approach Each Case Individually
Your case may be similar to many others, but it is important to find a personal injury lawyer who approaches each case individually. A personal injury lawyer who treats each case with a unique approach will be much more likely to take your concerns and preferences into account while working on your claim. This will provide you with a better overall personal injury claim experience.
Working with a Huntsville Personal Injury Lawyer
At Hornsby, Watson, Hornsby & Heyward, we realize your personal injury claim is a sensitive matter. Oftentimes, our clients come to us confused and apprehensive about the personal injury process. With our expertise and years of experience, we walk clients through the process in a way that is both effective and efficient.
We are proud to offer complimentary legal consultations with no obligation to anyone in need of legal assistance. During your consultation, we will discuss the details surrounding your personal injury claim. By doing so, we can provide insight into whether pursuing a claim will benefit your situation.
If you or a loved one need legal representation, please contact our Huntsville personal injury lawyer team here.