5 Questions to Ask Your Local Personal Injury Attorney

May 25, 2023

If you're the victim of an injury, you may be dealing with a great deal of trauma. Unfortunately, many injuries can happen no matter how careful you are. You may get injured on the job, on the road, or as a customer at a business. According to the CDC, the top three causes of work-related injuries treated in an emergency department were contact with objects and equipment, overexertion and bodily reaction, and falls, slips, or trips. If you've suffered an injury, you should contact your local personal injury attorney. During your consultation, there are many questions you should ask to ensure you have the right legal representation for you. Read on for some questions you can start with.

1. What Experience Do You Have?

Regardless of what type of injury you suffered, you want a lawyer who knows what they're doing. While a young lawyer may be sharp, the more experience a lawyer has, the better, especially when it comes to personal injury cases. Sometimes these cases can be harder to prove, especially in a workplace and with insurance claims. Insurance claims hesitate to pay out large amounts, so you need a legal team on deck that knows how to handle the many layers of the situation. Having a new lawyer versus one with many years of experience handling these types of cases can be a deal breaker between whether you have enough compensation to cover the expenses from missing work and needing rehab versus getting the minimal amount possible.

2. Will the Case Go to Trial?

Just because you pursued legal representation doesn't mean you have to go to court. Your lawyer will do what they can to mediate between the opposing party so that you can settle. That's always the best way to go when possible. However, both sides must agree to the settlement for that to happen. If one side rejects a settlement or settlement offer, you must prepare for a court trial.

3. Do You Offer Free Consultations?

Normally the answer will be yes. Most legal offices do provide free consultations for prospective clients. The consultation may usually last about an hour. The consultation may be over the phone or in person. During this initial consultation meeting, you can ask these related questions listed here. You can also discuss any fees or payment plans that are available. You can go over the logistics of your case, what happened, how the defendant handled the situation, and so on. It's during this consultation that both you and your lawyer can agree on whether you can work together.

4. What Is Your Success Rate?

Personal injury cases can be tricky to win. That's why you want a good local personal injury attorney with a stellar track record. Don't waste your time with legal representation that doesn't know how to benefit the client. You'll end up wasting time, money, and resources on a lawyer. If you lose the case, you won't get your money back. Find the right professional and spend your money wisely.

5. How Often Can I Expect Updates?

When you hire a legal team, you want to ensure they know how to communicate well. Your local personal injury attorney may have different communication methods with their clients. Find out if your attorney prefers to use e-mails, text messages, phone calls, or in-person meetings. You both should agree on the best communication methods for you and how often you should be updated. The last thing you want is to be left in the dark about your case.

 

 Suffering an injury can be hard for anyone. You may be in physical pain and need surgery or physical therapy. In worse cases, a permanent disability may happen. If you have to miss work or become permanently disabled, that can become a major source of financial pressure on you and your household. That's why, regardless of the source of your injury, you need to get the compensation you deserve. Hiring a good local personal injury attorney will ensure you know your rights and don't get taken advantage of. Don't suffer from these injuries alone. Call your local legal team at Wilson & Novak Law Offices today for assistance. We'd be happy to help.

 

Understanding Personal Injury Law Basics

April 9, 2025
Navigating the complexities of personal injury law can be daunting. This area of law encompasses a variety of scenarios where individuals suffer harm due to the negligence or intentional actions of others. From automobile accidents to medical malpractice, understanding the fundamentals of filing a claim is crucial for obtaining the compensation you deserve. What Constitutes a Personal Injury Case? A personal injury case arises when a person suffers harm from an accident or injury, and someone else might be legally responsible for that harm. The responsible party could be an individual, a business, or even a government entity. Common examples of personal injury cases include automobile accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, and product liability. Key Elements of a Personal Injury Claim To successfully file a personal injury claim, certain elements must be proven: Duty of Care: The defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff. Breach of Duty: The defendant breached that duty through negligence or intentional misconduct. Causation: The defendant’s actions directly caused the plaintiff’s injury. Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual damages, such as medical bills or lost wages. Types of Damages in Personal Injury Cases Damages in personal injury cases are typically categorized into two types: economic and non-economic damages. Economic Damages Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses incurred as a result of an injury. These include: Medical Bills: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, and rehabilitation. Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work. Lost Earnings Capacity: Future income lost as a result of long-term disability. Property Damage: Costs for repair or replacement of damaged property, such as a vehicle in car accidents. Non-Economic Damages Non-economic damages are more subjective and may include: Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress. Loss of Consortium: Damages for loss of companionship or spousal support. Diminished Quality of Life: Compensation for a reduced ability to enjoy life’s pleasures. Steps to Filing a Personal Injury Claim Filing a personal injury claim involves several steps, each requiring careful attention to detail. 1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention Prompt medical evaluation is crucial not only for your health but also for establishing a clear link between the accident and your injuries. Medical records will serve as vital evidence in your personal injury case. 2. Gather Evidence Collecting evidence is essential for substantiating your claim. This includes: Photographs of the accident scene and injuries. Police or accident reports. Witness statements. Medical records and bills. 3. Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer Engaging with a qualified injury attorney is advisable to navigate the legal intricacies. A personal injury lawyer can offer expert guidance, negotiate with the insurance company, and advocate on your behalf, ensuring you receive fair compensation. 4. File the Claim A formal claim must be filed with the responsible party's insurance company. This claim should detail the extent of your injuries and damages. An experienced attorney can assist in articulating the intricacies of your case. 5. Negotiate a Settlement Most personal injury claims are resolved through negotiation rather than going to trial. Your attorney will work to secure a settlement that adequately compensates for your losses. If negotiations fail, litigation may be necessary. Statute of Limitations The statute of limitations dictates the time frame within which you must file a personal injury lawsuit. Typically, this period ranges from one to six years from the date of the injury, varying by jurisdiction and case type. Consulting with an attorney promptly ensures compliance with these legal deadlines. The Role of Insurance Companies Insurance companies play a pivotal role in personal injury cases. They are responsible for compensating the injured party, but their primary aim is often to minimize payouts. Therefore, it is crucial to approach negotiations with caution and the support of legal representation. Common Tactics Used by Insurance Companies Delaying the Process: Prolonging the claims process in hopes of wearing down the claimant. Denying Liability: Asserting that their policyholder was not at fault. Underestimating Damages: Offering settlements that do not fully cover the claimant’s losses. Conclusion Understanding the basics of personal injury law empowers you to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Whether dealing with car accidents, medical malpractice, or other injuries, comprehensive knowledge of the legal process and the assistance of an adept personal injury lawyer are invaluable. By recognizing the various facets of filing a claim, the types of damages you can recover, and the tactics employed by insurance companies, you are better equipped to navigate your personal injury case effectively. Always prioritize your health and consult with a professional to guide you through this challenging process. To schedule a case evaluation with Wilson & Novak Law Offices, reach out online or give us a call at 219-757-0225 .
What does a personal injury attorney do

What does a personal injury attorney do?

September 18, 2024
A personal injury lawyer plays a vital role in helping victims of accidents and negligence get the compensation they deserve. From gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, they handle all aspects of your case.