Life can veer off into difficulties when we are least prepared. One minute you are full of life; the next, you are struggling with catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and the daunting prospect of seeking justice. It can be discouraging to carry on with life afterward. Determining the best time to call a personal injury attorney becomes critical in safeguarding your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Various facets of personal injury cases exist that you need to understand, including the role of a personal injury attorney, the types of cases they handle, and when to seek legal counsel. Read on for more on this.
Who Are Personal Injury Attorneys?
Personal injury attorneys are legal professionals who represent individuals who suffered physical or psychological harm due to the negligent actions of someone else or an entity. They specialize in a branch of law known as tort law, which encompasses various types of wrongdoing, ranging from intentional harm to unintended negligence. Personal injury attorneys wear many hats, and you will be glad they do if you ever need to pursue compensation for an injury.
These lawyers begin their work by evaluating the details of the potential case to determine its strength. They assess whether or not the negligence of another entity has caused harm and if legal action can be pursued. Should a case be deemed viable, they will gather evidence to back the client’s claim. It may include obtaining medical records, police reports, eyewitness testimony, or hiring experts to provide more detailed information.
Personal injury lawyers know every tactic insurance companies use to reduce the compensation amount. They will negotiate with insurance companies to get the most advantageous outcome for their clients. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, attorneys prepare and present the case in court, advocating for the client throughout the process. They handle all litigation aspects, including filing the lawsuit, discovery, motions, and trial. The main objective of a personal injury lawyer is to secure fair compensation for their client to cover treatment costs, income loss, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
Types of Personal Injury Cases They Handle
When someone suffers harm as a result of another party’s irresponsible or deliberate actions, they have the right to seek restitution. This is known as personal injury law, which encompasses a wide range of situations, such as:
- Car accidents: These are among the most common personal injury cases involving motorists who violate traffic laws or are otherwise negligent.
- Medical malpractice: When healthcare professionals fail to provide a standard level of care to their patients, it can culminate in serious harm and subsequent litigation.
- Slip-and-falls: Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe. These cases often revolve around proving that the premise owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition.
- Workplace mishaps: If an employee suffers a construction, industrial, or office-related injury, workers’ compensation laws protect their rights to compensation.
- Product liability: Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are expected to provide safe products to consumers. These cases may be due to design flaws, manufacturing errors, or a failure to caution buyers of possible risks. If a defective product harms the user, it can bring about a product liability case.
- Wrongful death: When a person’s death is caused by the negligent or intentional actions of another, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Compensation may be awarded to help with medical bills, funeral costs, the loss of a future source of income, and emotional suffering.
Personal injury law also covers assault and battery cases, which fall under the intentional tort category. In all these situations, including dog bite accidents, the victim or their family must demonstrate that the other party was at fault or liable in some way. If you believe you have a valid personal injury claim, do not attempt self-representation, as doing so may do more harm than good. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the sometimes complicated process and give you a better fighting chance.
When Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney?
While not all personal injury claims require an attorney, their involvement can be critical, especially for cases involving medical malpractice. Lawyers have years of experience dealing with the complexities of tort law and can help you understand the technical legal terminologies involved in your case. Also, the compensation amount you may be entitled to is determined by the type of injury and the duration it takes to get better, including current and future medical expenses incurred.
When injuries are severe, the potential compensation can skyrocket and potentially make the legal process much more intricate. A personal injury attorney can consult with medical professionals to estimate future costs and build a strong case for your compensation claim. Insurance adjusters often refuse to make a fair settlement offer or decline to make any altogether. Lawyers are well-versed in dealing with insurance companies. They can negotiate a fair deal or help you file a lawsuit if necessary.
In cases where liability is shared or unclear, a lawyer can protect you against counterclaims and cross-claims. For instance, determining who or what is at fault can be confusing if a slip-and-fall accident occurs in a public place and the cause is hard to pinpoint. A personal injury attorney can help discern liability and ensure the proper claims are made. Their presence can make a significant difference in making the post-injury period less stressful for you.
Retain a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney from RGSG Today
Dealing with a personal injury can be overwhelming and, often, financially challenging. Should you find yourself in need of legal representation for your personal injury case in Pennsylvania, look no further than Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. RGSG is committed to providing exceptional legal services to its clients, thanks to a team of dedicated attorneys and a stellar track record that sets us apart from the rest.
Our extensive experience handling personal injury cases across various practice areas has yielded countless successful outcomes. If you are an accident victim looking for compassionate advocates who will protect your rights and interests, call us at (215) 822-7575 or fill out our contact form today to arrange a free consultation.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
September 13, 2023
