A personal injury lawyer can help a person pursue a claim for compensation after an accident. The goal is to recoup costs related to the accident, such as medical bills and lost wages. A good injury lawyer Hillsboro can also help navigate the legal system and insurance company hurdles.
It’s important to find a qualified attorney with a proven track record and an empathetic approach. It’s also vital to find an injury lawyer who has staff and resources to support a case. Most attorneys work on contingency, meaning they get a third of the settlement or verdict plus office expenses. Before hiring an attorney, make sure you understand this fee arrangement from the start.
During an initial consultation, ask about the lawyer’s experience handling your type of injury. For example, if you were injured in a car accident, you want an attorney who has extensive experience with auto accident claims. In addition, find out if the attorney has handled other types of injury cases, such as workers’ compensation claims or product liability suits.
A knowledgeable injury lawyer should be able to answer all of your questions during the initial consultation. They should also give you a clear idea of what the expected time frame is for the case to be completed. In addition, a good injury lawyer will provide honest feedback on whether the case is likely to be settled or go to trial.
While most personal injury lawsuits are settled out of court, there are instances where a fair settlement cannot be reached. If this happens, the lawyer should be willing to take the case all the way through trial if necessary. A good lawyer should be comfortable taking a case to trial, which is rare in the personal injury field.
Besides the standard damages awarded in personal injury lawsuits (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage), an injured party can seek compensatory damages for emotional distress. However, proving emotional distress can be much more difficult than proving physical harm. For this reason, the law sets forth a higher burden of proof for emotional distress claims.
In some states, including New York, an injured party can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver for their injuries if they sustain a serious injury. Serious injuries include permanent disfigurement, bone fractures, significant limitation of a body part or function or loss of a limb.
While many lawyers advertise that they have “a proven track record of success,” don’t be fooled. Some of these lawyers may only have dollar signs in their eyes and will push you to accept a low-ball settlement that will leave you far from a full recovery. Other lawyers have the financial and staffing resources to fight for every penny of your claim. Make sure you’re hiring an injury lawyer who is committed to your long-term success. Choose a firm that has extensive experience, transparent fee structures, a comprehensive portfolio of case successes and an empathetic approach.