While not every accident requires legal help, there are certain situations where having an attorney on your side is crucial. Here are 8 scenarios where you should hire a personal injury lawyer to help you with your injury claim.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most common reasons people hire personal injury lawyers—in 2019, over 12 million vehicles were involved in an accident. If you’ve been injured in a serious auto accident that was someone else’s fault, a lawyer can help you receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. They will deal with the at-fault driver’s insurance company on your behalf and take legal action if needed.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents, also known as premise liability cases, are another common reason to hire a personal injury attorney – nearly 7 million people were treated for injuries related to falls in 2021. If you fell and were injured on someone else’s unsafe property, you may have a valid legal claim against the property owner. An attorney can help determine who is at fault, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a lawsuit if warranted. They can also bring in expert witnesses to show that the property was hazardous.
Medical Malpractice
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a doctor’s negligence, working with a medical malpractice attorney is highly recommended. These cases can involve complex laws and procedures. A lawyer will review medical records, consult with expert witnesses, demonstrate how the doctor breached the standard of care, and handle negotiations with insurance companies.
Defective Products
Injuries caused by dangerous or defective products often call for a personal injury lawyer’s expertise. This includes cases like car recalls, medical devices that malfunctioned, toys with lead paint, and any other products that caused harm through poor design or manufacturing flaws. In 2021, 218 non-food consumer goods were recalled by various manufacturers due to issues and defects. Product liability cases require investigating when the company knew about the defect and if they took proper measures to fix it or warn consumers. A lawyer can handle these inquiries and complex negotiations.
Workplace Injuries
If you were injured on the job, a personal injury attorney can help you navigate the workers’ compensation system while fighting to get your medical bills covered and securing lost wages. There are strict laws and procedures around reporting injuries and filing claims. An attorney will deal with your employer and the workers’ comp insurance provider to get you the compensation you deserve.
Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries often require legal help, especially if the bite was severe. Dog owners can be held liable if they failed to properly train, restrain or control their dog. A dog bite lawyer will determine liability, gather evidence proving the owner’s negligence, calculate damages for medical expenses, lost income, scarring and trauma, and negotiate a fair settlement.
Assault and Battery
Being the victim of an assault or battery is extremely traumatic. A personal injury attorney can help you take legal action against the perpetrator and obtain compensation. This includes cases of domestic violence, abuse, and attacks by strangers. The lawyer will handle communication with the defendant, build your case proving liability for your injuries and losses, and aggressively fight for full compensation through settlement talks or in court.
Insurance Company Isn’t Cooperating
Insurance companies don’t always have your best interests in mind during accident claims. If you feel an insurer is acting in bad faith by delaying, denying, or underpaying your claim, hire a personal injury lawyer to apply pressure and handle negotiations. The attorney understands the tactics used by insurance companies and won’t back down from getting you fair compensation. They will force the insurer to resolve your claim properly.
The outcomes for personal injury cases heavily rely on proper legal guidance and representation. If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, don’t go it alone against insurance companies and negligent parties. Consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your situation.
