When Matters Escalate to Trial: 7 Facts About Personal Injury Cases
If you or someone you love has been hurt through no fault of your own, there are some facts you should be aware of before you file your personal injury case. Most people have misconceptions about personal injury cases and the process involved in holding the responsible party to account.
Making decisions based on false or inaccurate information could harm your case and lead to you receiving a severely diminished payout. These are the 7 facts you need to know about personal injury cases to ensure you receive the full financial compensation you are entitled to.
Hiring an Attorney Typically Means a Larger Settlement
The Insurance Research Council concluded that personal injury cases in which the plaintiff hired a personal injury lawyer were typically settled for around three times more than those in which the plaintiff represented themselves.
This is because professional personal injury attorneys understand the law and how it applies to your case. Nursing home abuse lawyers in Florida are top rated experts in this field. Which is one of the main reasons why you should hire an attorney based on the form of injury or accident which has occurred. The injury attorney will advise what to do after a PA car accident. If you have a workplace injury, then contacting a workplace attorney is important or if you have been in a motorcycle related injury, then you can simply visit this website to get the justice you deserve. They are also far more experienced in negotiations and know the tricks insurance companies use to mitigate responsibility and reduce the settlement size.
Most Cases are Settled Outside the Courtroom
One common misconception with personal injury cases is that they usually go to court. In fact, the opposite is true. Less than 3% of personal injury claims go to court. Most are settled outside the courtroom once both parties agree on a settlement figure.
You Can Still Have a Case Even if You are Partially Responsible
Often, many plaintiffs are deterred from filing a personal injury claim because they feel partly responsible. This means they receive no financial compensation, even in cases where their injuries were extensive and severe.
Even if you are partially responsible, you can file a claim. Providing you shoulder less of the blame than the defendant, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact a personal injury lawyer to find out if you have a case.
It Will Take Time
Personal injury cases take time. Being in a rush to settle can actually harm your case and lead to you accepting a settlement lower than your case deserves. If your case doesn’t go to court, it will take a matter of months. But if your personal injury claim sees the inside of a courtroom, it could take a year or more before your case is settled.
Not All Attorneys Are Equal
Just as no two cases are the same, no two attorneys are the same either. You want to find an attorney that has the most experience and knowledge about your specific area of personal injury.
If you were injured in a car accident, find a lawyer with extensive experience in dealing with automobile accident cases. If your case refers to medical malpractice, you need a lawyer with ample experience in litigating medical malpractice cases. Find a personal injury attorney that fits your case.
Time is of the Essence
In personal injury cases, time is crucial. Not only are personal injury cases bound by a statute of limitations, but when it comes to collecting evidence and building a case, the earlier you start after an accident, the stronger the case will be.
Your attorney can help you in the evidence collection stage and help you navigate the legal minefield of filing a claim. This is why it is imperative that accident victims contact a personal injury lawyer at the earliest possible opportunity to begin building a strong case.
Most Personal Injury Attorneys Have no Up-Front Fees
Most lawyers who take on personal injury claims work on a contingency basis. This means that you don’t pay a cent until your case is concluded and you have won your case. Then, the attorney simply takes a percentage of the settlement to cover the legal costs.
This means your lawyer has just as much of an incentive as you to win the case and secure the largest possible settlement. This is why it is in your interests to hire the best and most experienced personal injury attorney you can find.