If you suffered an injury or the loss of a family member due to the negligence or intentional acts of another party, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. These claims are brought against liable parties and/or their insurance companies to recover damages resulting from a tort.
In this scenario, the smartest step you can take is to hire a personal injury lawyer who has the experience and a track record of success in cases like yours. Such an attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes and guide you through the legal system to ensure your claim has the best chance of resulting in the highest possible compensation.
Below we have outlined some of the key advantages to hiring a personal injury lawyer:
Avoids Delays
Lawyers know the common mistakes that can lead to a delay in the proceedings. Examples include failing to file the proper paperwork, ignoring important evidence, and failing to manage correspondence with the opposing party in such a way that would lead to a satisfactory settlement. As the website of one experienced personal injury law firm explains, people who represent themselves often make critical errors that delay the proceedings or reduce their financial recovery.
Reduce Stress
Accidents can be devastating both physically and emotionally. In addition to facing unexpected costs and time off work, you may have to cope with the possibility of never living the same active lifestyle that you once enjoyed. All of this can be a tremendous personal burden, and adding the stress of navigating through legal proceedings alone certainly will not help.
Researching relevant statutes and case law, gathering evidence, filing the necessary paperwork, negotiating with the opposing party, and other tasks are complex and time-consuming. Having an attorney by your side can greatly reduce the stress on you and your family.
Maximize Your Financial Recovery
No lawyer can promise to secure a specific outcome, but multiple studies show that claimants who hire a personal injury lawyer tend to have greater recoveries than those who don’t. There are many reasons for this. Personal injury lawyers know the kinds of damages that could be recoverable given the facts of your case. They also know how to prove the value of future damages such as anticipated medical costs and loss of future earnings. Furthermore, they may be able to help you recover non-economic and punitive damages, which can make up a considerable portion of a final settlement or verdict.
Helping You Negotiate
Insurance companies have incentive to pay out as little as possible. Your lawyer can level the playing field and help you avoid mistakes that would work in the opposing party’s favor. For instance, your attorney can assess whether a settlement offer is fair and can coach you regarding what to do–and not to–to strengthen your case. One mistake could be enough to lead to a dispute that reduces your financial recovery or sends your case to litigation when a quick and fair settlement may have otherwise been possible.
Litigates Your Case
Just because you have strong evidence and you’re being honest doesn’t mean the opposing party will settle. Having a skilled trial lawyer demonstrates that you have the means to enter litigation. If this becomes necessary, a seasoned lawyer can help you get the most out of the various stages of litigation and may be able to help you obtain a satisfactory settlement without going all the way to trial.
