If you are injured in a disaster caused by someone else’s negligence, you must seek legal representation. A personal injury attorney typically evaluates your injury case, represents you in court, and negotiates with insurance companies on your behalf. You will be compensated for your damages, medical expenses, lost wages, and agony and suffering.
However, you will need an experienced lawyer who can take injury cases on contingency and is well-versed in criminal law. We’ll look at who needs a personal injury lawyer Valley Stream, NY below.
Who is a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Personal injury lawyers assist people who have been injured in an accident in obtaining monetary compensation. This money is frequently needed to cover medical expenses, compensate for lost wages, agony, and suffering, and compensate for injuries sustained. Furthermore, they specialize in tort law, which deals with litigation involving injuries or malpractice caused by negligence.
Car accidents, workplace injuries, medical negligence or malpractice, defective products, and slip and fall incidents are all areas of personal injury attorney practice.
However, you should be aware that simply hiring an injury attorney to represent you does not guarantee that the case will go to trial. Insurance companies may prefer to reach a settlement that is usually within their means.
Furthermore, personal injury attorneys will assist you in obtaining all the necessary documents related to your injury claim and reaching a settlement with the representation of other parties.
Categories of Personal Injuries
The following are some of the common types of personal injuries.
Medical negligence
Medical negligence typically refers to malpractice committed by a healthcare professional or doctor that results in the patient’s injury. The key point in this claim is that the physician failed to provide the patient with the necessary care.
However, because medical care varies from state to state, it is critical for your lawyer to have the necessary skills to fight for your claim.
Product Liability
When a defective product causes you harm, product liability laws hold the seller or producer liable. Furthermore, product liability law states that any product should comply with standard consumer safety regulations.
Wrongful death claims
This type of claim is typically filed when someone dies as a result of another person’s negligence or intentional actions. This suit is typically brought on behalf of surviving family members, such as children, spouses, and beneficiaries of the decedent’s properties or estate.
Automobile accidents
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of personal injury claims in many states. It frequently occurs when drivers fail to follow traffic laws or drive in an unsafe manner, which is sometimes caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
When a loved one is killed or injured in a car accident, you have the right to sue the other driver to hold them accountable for their actions. However, the plaintiff will need medical documentation as proof of injuries sustained as well as police reports detailing the details of the accident.
Premises liability
This type of claim usually involves determining whether the homeowner or tenant of the property, as well as the injured person, is to blame for the injury. This is a challenging case in which the individual filing the claim must prove that they were authorized, invited, or entered the premises without permission.
When to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
If you find yourself in any of the following severe situations, you must seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney.
If you sustain severe injuries
When you suffer severe injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should immediately hire a competent lawyer to hold the person accountable. This is due to the fact that the claim will be difficult, and the more severe the injury, the greater the monetary damages.
A great attorney will assist you in carefully documenting the cracks to ensure you receive compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and other financial losses caused by medical negligence, automobile accidents, and construction accidents.
Furthermore, serious injuries, such as brain damage, amputations, or severe brain issues, can result in permanent damage. You will need a lawyer who is willing to fight for permanent damages, including future difficulties caused by the deformities.
Furthermore, personal injury lawyers will assist you in obtaining expert witnesses to prove the accident caused permanent damage as well as evaluating the damages and future expenses.
If the insurance provider is acting in bad faith
In most cases, the liable party’s insurance provider will act in good faith to settle the personal injury case. Some insurance companies, however, will act in bad faith in order to avoid liability for the claim. Some of the ways they work in bad faith are as follows.
- Refusing to investigate a valid claim
- Creating intentional delays
- Giving out deceptive information
- Asking for unnecessary and inconvenient documents
- Refusing to pay or cover a valid claim
- Constant reviewing of the terms and conditions of an insurance policy
- Use of aggressive techniques to persuade victims to agree to an unfair and unjust settlement offer
If an insurance company acts in bad faith, you can file a separate claim against the company in addition to your claim. However, before negotiating the injury with the insurance provider, it is critical to consult with a personal injury attorney.
When the insurance provider or the liable party accuses you of contributing to the cause of the accident
This is one of the most common methods used by insurance companies and plaintiff attorneys to blame you for the injury. For example, the insurance company may claim you were on the phone while crossing the street, which contributed to the accident.
If you are partially responsible for an accident in some states, the settlement will be reduced in accordance with the state’s comparative fault procedures or laws. For example, if the jury determines that you were thirty percent to blame for the accident, the insurance company will only be responsible for seventy percent of the settlement.
When an insurance company begins to act in bad faith and claims you were responsible for some of the injuries, you must immediately contact your injury lawyer.
Furthermore, you should not discuss the claim with another party or do anything related to your claim without the presence of your lawyer. This is because they may use your statements against you in court to blame you for the injuries.
When you lack awareness of the value of your personal injury claim
When you are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should be compensated for your losses. Damages frequently include monetary losses, agony, and pain. However, the difficulty usually arises when performing calculations for your injury claim, especially if you are unfamiliar with personal injury laws.
Economic damage refers to monetary losses caused by the injuries. Medical expenses, lost wages, travel bills, help with housework, personal care, and in-house health care are all examples of financial losses.
Economic damage is the total of all expenses and monetary losses. However, you should be aware of the insurance companies’ tricks because they will try to avoid covering the costs by denying full liability for the injuries.
Several factors influence the value of agony and suffering damage. There are numerous methods for calculating the cost of suffering and pain. Furthermore, you must retain the services of a lawyer who understands how to use facts to maximize the value of your agony and suffering damages.
The personal injury case pertains to complex areas of the law
Some cases will involve more than two parties or government institutions and will involve complicated areas of local law. If you find yourself in this situation, you must seek legal counsel from an experienced personal injury attorney.
A product liability claim, for example, typically requires an expert statement as to whether the product was flawed, who was responsible for the defect, and whether the defect caused your injury. This case may involve more than two parties and may be difficult to handle without the assistance of an attorney.
To sue a government entity, you’ll need an experienced lawyer who knows how to handle government-related cases. Furthermore, cases involving government institutions or entities are invariably complicated. This is due to the fact that it necessitates the application of various laws and rules.
Furthermore, multi-party lawsuits, such as commercial automobile accidents, have problematic aspects. Justifying a party’s liability for damages will require a couple of experts and months of investigation.
How will a personal injury attorney help you?
The following are some of the services that a personal injury lawyer can provide.
Handle various distinct types of cases
Each time an individual or institution injures you, you have a right to file a claim. A personal injury attorney usually handles the following cases:
- Medical negligence
- Slip and fall accidents
- Defamation
- Dog bites
Assist in reviewing your rights
Each state has laws that are distinct from those of other states. Your personal injury lawyer will assist you in reviewing any applicable rights in the state where you live.
A personal injury lawyer will evaluate your case
Personal injury lawyers typically actively listen to their clients and ask pertinent questions. It is critical that you fully disclose everything about your claim to your attorney and answer all of their questions. Furthermore, before proceeding with the claims, your lawyer will assess the facts of your case.
They run interference with insurance provider adjusters
After an accident, you will usually be asked to speak with an insurance adjuster. However, before speaking with insurance company adjusters, you should consult with your personal injury attorney.
Assist you in getting the maximum compensation you deserve
When you hire an experienced, skilled, and competent lawyer, you are more likely to receive just and fair settlement amounts from insurers. This is because they are aware of the tricks used by insurers and can work around them to reach the best possible settlement.
Your personal injury attorney conducts an inquiry about the facts of your case
Personal injury lawyers will not only listen to your story, but they will also investigate it. They may hire investigators to dig around for information that will help you with your injury claim.
They will guide you through the legal plan of action
Personal injury claims can be handled in a variety of ways. When you hire a great lawyer, they will evaluate the facts of your case and present you with various strategies to help you obtain a fair and just settlement.
Evaluate settlement offers
Most insurance companies offer unfair and unjust settlement amounts, especially when you represent yourself and are unable to distinguish between the best offer.
An experienced lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies and thoroughly evaluate their settlement offers to ensure you get the best deal possible.
Act on your behalf in legal proceedings
When you are injured as a result of another person’s negligence, it is natural to hold them accountable for their actions. However, you will need to hire a personal injury attorney to represent you.
If you are unable to reach an agreement with insurance providers, you will be forced to file a lawsuit and go to trial. Having a lawyer will make things easier because they have experience with legal proceedings and will ensure you get a fair settlement.
They often handle lawsuits on a contingency basis
Most personal injury cases are difficult and unpredictable, and some can take a long time to resolve. However, you should not be concerned because many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis.
What are the pros of having a personal injury lawyer?
Having a personal injury attorney will be beneficial in the following ways:
They have legal process understanding and competence
Personal injury lawyers typically focus on cases involving injuries caused by the negligence of another person. Because of their legal training and experience in tort law, your attorney understands what it takes to build a strong case.
They assist you in gathering evidence, cross-examining witnesses, evaluating your medical record, and seeking expert assistance to build a strong case in support of your injury claim. Furthermore, they ensure that you meet the deadlines for filing the necessary legal documentation that can aid your case.
Lawyers help you save expenses and time
Personal injury cases can be time-consuming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the procedures and lack experience in navigating them quickly. It will take them a long time to figure out the specifics of the case.
Great, experienced personal injury attorneys know what to do and when to do it. They will free up time that you could have spent dealing with insurers who act in bad faith and dealing with legal issues, allowing you to focus on improving your health.
They maximize the value of your personal injury claim
Personal injury claims typically revolve around two types of settlement damages: economic and non-economic. Given the value of your claim, some insurance companies will act in bad faith in order for you to accept the small settlement they want or propose.
A skilled attorney will be able to evaluate your claim by considering how the injury has affected you or your family and determining the appropriate amount to pursue.
When you have a severe injury that necessitates long-term medical care, your lawyer will factor in future medical costs and lost wages in your claim.
When the value of your claim is higher, the insurance company or defendant will try to reduce it by devaluing it. You will need to hire an attorney who is prepared to defend you and obtain the just settlement you deserve.
They will take your case to trial
Most personal injury lawsuits do not go to trial because insurance companies can settle them early. Insurance companies prefer to pay out early because it is less expensive than going to court, where a jury could award the victim massive damages.
If you are unable to reach an agreement with the insurance companies, you will need to hire an experienced attorney who is willing to represent you in court.
Looking for a personal injury law firm in Valley Stream, Queens, NY? Contact us today!
Personal injury lawyers can help you and your family if you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. They handle every detail and are in charge of negotiations with insurance companies or liable parties. They relieve you of the burden of dealing with this time-consuming process, allowing you to focus on what is important to you.
At Gregory Spektor & Associates, P.C., we take pride in providing exceptional client service. Our firm focuses on automobile accidents, wrongful death claims, medical malpractice, building or construction accidents, slip and fall accidents, and personal injury claims. We know how to build difficult cases in order to get you the fair and maximum amount of compensation you deserve. Call (888) 797-7735 to schedule a free consultation in our law office today.
