Even minor accidents can lead to significant medical bills. This may cause financial uncertainty for those who rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court. This saves both parties money and time. It also provides more control over the outcome of the case.
Insurance Companies are on Your Side
An injury resulting from an accident can be mentally taxing and financially overwhelming. Even a minor injury can leave victims with medical bills that accumulate quickly and prevent them from working and supporting their families.
The media often portrays people who file personal injury lawsuits as greedy and uncaring, causing many injured victims to hesitate in taking legal action. Although filing a lawsuit may appear daunting, personal injury victims can obtain fair compensation with the help of an experienced attorney.
The major insurance companies are highly profitable, and their goal is to maximize profits by either denying claims or underpaying those who file them. Dealing with these corporate giants alone can backfire and ultimately cost you the settlement you deserve.
Only Greedy People File Lawsuits
The media often portrays personal injury lawsuits as a form of greed. The perception is that victims who file claims are merely seeking easy money and that those who oppose these cases attempt to protect their families’ business interests and financial security.
The truth is that every case is unique. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to assess the details of your case and provide an honest assessment of what you might expect to receive in compensation for your injuries. You can go to their website to learn more.
Many people are also under the impression that a lawsuit will drag on for years. However, most personal injury cases are settled outside of court. This allows both parties to control the outcome of their case and provides more flexibility in negotiating the right amount of compensation for their injuries.
Every Claim Goes to Trial
Despite what you may see in the news or hear from personal injury lawyers, very few cases go to trial. Most are settled out of court through negotiations between a plaintiff’s lawyer and the insurance company.
However, some cases must be taken to a jury trial for the courts to determine if the defendant is liable and how much compensation is fair for the victim’s economic and noneconomic damages. This is most often the case for injury victims with disfiguring injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or other damages that will be permanent and lifelong. Taking your claim to trial could mean years of additional litigation that would delay your ability to receive the compensation you deserve. That’s why it’s so important to work with a qualified attorney.
You’ll Have to Pay Attorney’s Fees
You may have heard stories on the news about people who suffered severe injuries that changed their lives forever. In these cases, the injured person may require 24-hour specialty care for the rest of their life and can never work again. These are extreme examples, but it’s important to remember that no money can replace your health or the ability to perform essential functions without pain.
Personal injury lawsuits allow accident victims to receive compensation for these financial losses that can’t be easily measured in dollars and cents. Lawyers specializing in these types of claims offer a variety of fee structures, including contingency fees, that allow clients to obtain quality legal help without having to pay upfront. These arrangements are typically written into your agreement with the attorney.
You’ll Have to Make Court Appearances
You may be required to make court appearances if your case goes to trial. However, most cases settle before trial, and many lawyers are only paid if they win their clients’ cases.
During a deposition, the defendant’s attorney will ask you questions under oath about your accident and injuries. A court reporter will transcribe each question and answer. These transcripts can be used to impeach a witness later at trial.
Whether your case is resolved by mediation, settlement, or jury verdict, the statute of limitations will expire at some point. Learn more about the legal time limits for personal injury claims. Also, learn about the initial stages of a personal injury case, including Complaints and Answers, Motions to Dismiss, and Discovery.