When you get injured, you need a knowledgeable injury lawyer to help you navigate the legal process. Even insurance companies recognize that people who hire lawyers recover significantly more on average than those who go it alone. But how do you know which lawyer to choose?
Personal injury law covers accidental injuries, car accidents, medical malpractice, and other harmful events. Injury lawyers deal with these cases on a regular basis, representing pedestrians hit by cars, patients who suffer surgical errors, and workers hurt in construction accidents. The goal is to provide the best possible outcome for their clients, which often involves securing substantial settlements from the at-fault parties or winning a jury verdict.
One of the most important tasks injury lawyers take on is preserving and gathering evidence. This can include obtaining witnesses, conducting thorough investigations at the scene of an accident, and securing physical evidence. They also prepare and file pleadings that explain the facts of a case. These pleadings usually explain what happened, what injuries the victim suffered, and how the other party’s negligence caused the accident.
A good injury lawyer knows how to develop strong, convincing arguments that push the insurer to offer a higher settlement. For example, if the insurer reduces a claim because it believes the victim’s back injuries were preexisting, the attorney could submit copies of the victim’s medical records and an opinion letter from a doctor to prove that the accident actually caused the injuries.
When a lawsuit is filed, the lawyer’s next job is to respond to discovery requests from the other party. These can include asking for documents, physical evidence, deposition testimony, and more. During this phase, the lawyer will implement a strategy to gather and evaluate this evidence to prepare for trial.
Some injuries are very complex and require a wide range of experts to testify about their nature and extent. These can include medical specialists, accident reconstruction experts, trucking safety specialists, life care planners, economic and vocational experts, and others. Having the resources to fund these expert witnesses can make or break an injury case.
An injury lawyer will also ensure that the victim’s rights are protected throughout the legal process. This includes ensuring that the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is not missed. In some cases, the statute of limitations may be tolled or paused, such as when an injured child or mentally incapacitated person is involved.
When you’re looking for an injury lawyer, be sure to interview several candidates. Ask questions about their experience, qualifications, and whether they’re a member of any professional organizations that specialize in personal injury law. Having the right lawyer by your side can make all the difference in securing a fair settlement or winning a jury verdict.