A personal injury lawyer is a legal professional specializing in representing individuals who have suffered injuries due to accidents. They operate within tort law, which encompasses both negligent and intentional acts, aiming to secure compensation for those affected by such incidents.
Personal injury cases cover various scenarios involving the negligence of others. These include automotive accidents (such as motorcycle and truck accidents), transportation mishaps (like aviation, bike, mass transit, boating, and pedestrian accidents), premises liability cases (involving negligent security, slips, falls, and animal attacks), nursing home abuse, neglect, construction accidents, and medical malpractice.
Compensation sought by personal injury plaintiffs covers diverse damages, including medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, emotional distress, loss of consortium, companionship, enjoyment of life, mental anguish, and pain and suffering.
Personal injury lawyers operate based on a contingency fee, charging fees only after securing settlements or jury verdicts. They meticulously screen potential cases and evaluate their merits, avoiding those they believe may not result in a favorable outcome for the client.
Their activities vary based on the case type, specialization, and case stage. These include:
- Investigating Claims: Carefully assessing the case’s potential and viability to ensure the best outcome for the client.
- Gathering Evidence: Procuring reports, witness statements, photographic evidence, and necessary documentation to establish liability and the extent of damages suffered by the plaintiff.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Skilled in navigating insurance policies, they negotiate on behalf of clients, ensuring maximum compensation without jeopardizing the case.
- Sending Demand Letters: After a thorough investigation, a demand letter is sent to the insurance company, outlining the accident’s facts and requesting a specific amount of damages.
- Preparing Pleadings: Drafting legal complaints against defendants and specifying the damages sought if fair settlements are not reached.
- Conducting Discovery: Initiating the discovery process, which involves gathering information, sending inquiries, and deposing parties, witnesses, and experts.
- Representing Clients at Trial: Providing representation in court, ensuring adherence to legal procedures and customs.
It’s crucial to engage a personal injury lawyer if you’ve suffered injuries due to someone else’s actions. They help balance the legal scales, leveraging resources like expert witnesses and investigators, especially when the opposing party is also represented by legal counsel.