“Should I seek compensation or let the matter slide?” That’s the dilemma facing many people who get injured after slipping and falling, getting involved in an auto accident, or dealing with other circumstances. And truth be told, it’s not always clear cut.
Nonetheless, it’s advisable to talk to an attorney, even if your injury appears minor or there’s no dispute about who’s responsible. Besides, an innocuous injury could become more serious later. For a start, opt for one of the best personal injury attorneys in Orlando by liaising with Bengal Law – a firm with professionals committed to offering a personal touch while aggressively representing their clients.
So, how do you tell whether you need a personal injury lawyer? Here are some indicators or pointers you should consider:
1. Nature of your Injuries
If you’ve suffered severe or permanent injuries, don’t think twice about getting legal assistance. The implications of severe injuries are far-reaching and can be physically and emotionally devastating. For instance, they can lead to loss of mobility, permanent scarring, disfigurement, long-term cognitive disturbances, emotional trauma, and long-term pain.
Moreover, these injuries are expensive to treat, resulting in economic losses – medical costs, lost wages, inability to secure a permanent job, property damage, and more. You may also need ongoing physical therapy and psychological counseling. Plus, you could have difficulty accomplishing everyday tasks.
A personal injury lawyer can value your claim by considering all your damages, including non-economic ones. Unless you have a legal background, you may not understand your rights and the full financial impact of your losses. As such, you can’t go wrong with a personal injury attorney who can crunch the numbers and knows the ins and outs of such cases.
2. Insurance Company Tactics
While getting injured is bad enough, dealing with uncooperative insurance companies can worsen matters. Insurance adjusters have the same goal in mind – to protect their firm’s interests. As such, to them, you’re merely another number, a claimant seeking compensation. Plus, given the vulnerability occasioned by your injury, the adjusters may deploy various strategies to wear you down. These include:
- Delaying your payment
- Making a low-ball offer
- Questioning the severity of your injury
- Denying your claim on grounds such as contributory negligence or failure to observe traffic rules
- Coercing you into signing a release form
Personal injury lawyers are conversant with these and other tactics insurance firms use to sidestep their responsibility. They can review the paperwork and ensure a smooth and fair process.
A lawyer’s negotiation skills are also invaluable. Often, they help clients get up to 300% more than they would if they struck out independently – according to industry observers. And since most claims don’t go to trial, a lawyer is worth their weight in gold.
3. Dealing with Complex Legal Issues
The legal field is like a landscape filled with quicksand. Every inch of progress you make is a step closer to sinking deep, especially regarding personal injury cases. For instance, you need to understand your state’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases. If you file your claim in court late, your case will unlikely see the light of day.
Also, you should be conversant with the principle of comparative negligence and how it affects your claim. In essence, this rule states that fault can be shared among multiple parties in an accident. As such, if you’re partially at fault for an injury, the compensation you get will be less than if you weren’t.
You also need to prove negligence and understand case law related to your case. A personal injury attorney knows every legal aspect affecting such cases, and they can exploit the law to your advantage. By tapping into their vast legal knowledge, you can avoid the pitfalls many claimants experience.
4. Getting Expert Medical Help
Most people don’t know what to do when facing medical issues after injury. Besides, the diagnosis and treatment of such injuries may be complex.
A lawyer can help you access quality medical care in your area. Since personal injury cases usually involve medical treatment, attorneys often rely on their extensive network to recommend medical professionals and facilities.
Plus, they may help you understand the full extent of your injury and how long it will take to recover. This is critical in establishing your future economic losses and the value of your claim.
5. Identifying the Liable Parties
Depending on the type of injury, you might sue multiple parties. For example, you can go after the manufacturer and distributor if a defective product injures you.
Nonetheless, identifying the at-fault party is usually the tricky bit. A knowledgeable attorney can gather and evaluate the evidence to identify each at-fault party. They can also determine the nature of your claim and if you would be better off settling out of court or taking the matter to trial.
We hope you’ve left your perch on the fence and are considering seeking legal assistance. Given the circumstances and complexities of personal injury cases, it’s practical to hire an attorney, no matter the nature of your injury.
