Are personal injury lawyers worth your time and money?
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A personal injury lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in helping people seek compensation for physical, emotional, or financial losses that resulted from another party’s negligence or wrongdoing. Common causes of personal injuries that lawyers handle include car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall accidents, defective products, medical malpractice, and more.
How much is the personal injury claims industry worth?
The personal industry claim business grew to a whopping $53 billion in 2022, with around 39.5 million people requiring treatment for personal injuries each year. Firearms were a leading cause of death – 45,222 people died due to gunshot injuries – but motor vehicle accidents are the most common type of personal injury lawsuit, closely followed by medical malpractice and product liability.
If you’ve been injured, you might be wondering if it’s worth hiring a personal injury lawyer. After all, you might decide to forget the whole incident and just move on, rather than take steps to file a personal injury lawsuit. But this is not always the best action to take. Handling your own case is risky and far more likely to lose you the money you’re entitled to.
What can a personal injury lawyer do for you?
A personal injury lawyer can pursue compensation on your behalf, including covering medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering damages. They know how to investigate your case, determine what it is worth, negotiate with insurance companies, and take the matter to court if needed. Their experience navigating the legal system is extremely valuable.
Do you need a lawyer to handle your injury claim?
You don’t legally need an attorney in order to file an injury claim or lawsuit in civil court. Anyone can file a lawsuit and represent themselves in court. However, pursuing compensation without experienced legal counsel is difficult. Insurance companies have adjusters and lawyers working hard to minimize payouts. A personal injury lawyer levels the playing field.
What are the pros of hiring a personal injury lawyer?
- Lawyers normally work on contingency fees, meaning you only pay if they secure compensation.
- They have resources like investigators and medical experts to build the strongest case.
- A lawyer handles paperwork and proceedings so you can focus on recovery.
- They have objective insight into fair settlement ranges and when lawsuits are worthwhile.
- Familiarity with local courts may lead to more favorable outcomes.
What are the cons?
- Paying a portion of your settlement as attorney fees reduces total compensation.
- Less flexibility to negotiate or settle early since lawyers usually forbid direct contact.
- If there are no viable defendants with resources or insurance coverage, a lawyer can’t manufacture compensation.
Weighing your options
As you can see, in most cases, it is worth working with an experienced personal injury attorney if you have a case. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer for a free case evaluation allows you to make an informed decision based on your unique situation. If winning maximum compensation is in your best interest, their expertise is likely well worth the investment.
