7 Signs You Should Hire a Lawyer for Personal Injuries

There are more than 1.3 million licensed attorneys in the United States of America. However, not all of these attorneys specialize in the same branches of the law.

So, how do you know if your case calls for a criminal attorney or a lawyer for personal injuries? If that’s something that confuses you, or you simply don’t know whether you should hire a lawyer, this article is for you.

Here we outline seven signs your case calls for a personal injury attorney.

Let’s get started!

1. You Have Suffered an Injury

Did you or did someone you know suffer an injury? Perhaps you were in a car accident, or maybe something went wrong during your surgery at the hospital. Maybe you were bitten by your neighbor’s dog.

If you have suffered a severe injury that resulted in immense physical pain, or even disability, hiring a qualified personal injury attorney will help. An attorney will be able to hire the right medical professionals to make an assessment of your injuries.

This assessment, paired with the appropriate evidence can help strengthen your personal injury claim and get you the compensation you deserve.

2. The Injury Was Caused Due to Negligence

Are the injuries you or your loved ones have suffered a result of someone else’s careless or negligent behavior? If so, a lawyer for personal injuries can help you pursue a personal injury claim against the party at fault.

An attorney will help you establish negligence on the part of the defendant by talking to witnesses, conducting an investigation, and gathering evidence to strengthen your claim. This includes proving that they owed you a duty of care, and such duty was neglected. Further, they must prove that your injuries are a direct consequence of this breach of duty.

3. The Liability in Your Case Is Unclear

Now, proving that the other party was negligent isn’t always easy. In some cases, you may even share blame for your injuries. Alternatively, it might simply be very difficult to prove that the other party is completely at fault.

So, what do you do when you were partly at fault for your own injuries or when the case isn’t as straightforward as you want it to be? Depending on the state you’re from, you will still be able to claim damages even if you are partly at fault for the injuries.

A qualified personal injury lawyer will be able to navigate these ambiguities and present your case in the best possible light, whether in court or during negotiations with the other party.

4. Your Insurance Claim Was Unsuccessful

Are you unhappy with the settlement offer presented by your insurer, or the insurance company of the party at fault? Does the amount offered reflect a blatant disregard of your monetary loss?

In this case, it is advisable to talk to a legal professional and get a thorough evaluation of your case. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to analyze your situation and outline all your options, giving you the opportunity to make a well-informed decision.

5. You Received an Inadequate Settlement Offer

Similarly, if you are negotiating with the party at fault and find yourself at the receiving end of a grossly unsatisfactory settlement offer, you should definitely seek legal assistance.

This is particularly important if the other party has its own legal advisor. It is not uncommon for the other party to try and misrepresent your position to you, in order to get you to settle for a lower amount.

Having a legal representative to advocate on your behalf will ensure that your interests are protected. It will also discourage the other party from taking advantage of your lack of legal expertise.

6. You Are Unsure of the Legal Process

The legal process of filing a personal injury claim can be tricky. Additionally, you could be up against someone with immense political or social influence which could work against you in court or during negotiations.

Having a qualified personal injury attorney on your side will go a long way in ensuring that your side is well represented, giving you the best chance at getting compensation for your injuries.

Given that personal injury law varies from state to state, finding the right information can be difficult for the average person. Instead, find an attorney near you who is well versed in local laws.

7. You Lost Someone to Wrongful Death

The negligence of others can often be fatal. If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to such negligence, you will be able to claim compensation through a wrongful death claim. This could be through an instance of medical malpractice, a consequence of a slip and fall injury, or even a truck accident.

A wrongful death attorney or any lawyer that specializes in personal injury law can help you file this claim.

Hire a Qualified Lawyer for Personal Injuries

If you have suffered an injury as a consequence of someone else’s negligence and suffered damages as a result, a lawyer for personal injuries can definitely help you.

Do you feel like you need legal assistance with your case? Are you unsure of whether or not you have a valid personal injury claim against someone?

At Sweet Lawyers, we specialize in personal injury law, offering expert legal assistance and representation to clients across California, Washington, and Colorado. Schedule a free consultation with our experienced attorneys for personalized legal advice on your case.