What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A Personal injury lawyer handles the legal and financial aspects of your case while you concentrate on recovery. Their job is to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive all the compensation you’re entitled to under the law. Depending on the case, this may include money for your medical expenses, lost wages and future earnings, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, funeral costs in wrongful death cases, and other damages.
A qualified personal injury attorney will work tirelessly to get your life back on track after an accident. They can guide you through complex legal procedures, confusing medical terms and mounds of paperwork. They will also work to collect evidence such as police reports, witness statements, CCTV footage and medical and insurance records.
They will prepare interrogatories, depositions and other discovery tools to obtain all the information they need to build a strong case for you. They will negotiate with the negligent party and their insurance carrier on your behalf. If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, they will file a lawsuit against them.
While you recover, the attorney will make sure that your medical bills are paid and that you have access to all available treatment options. They will also help you file for Social Security disability benefits if necessary. The process is time-consuming and frustrating. The attorney can improve your chances of approval by preparing the proper documents and filing them on time.
Once they have a complete understanding of your case from a medical perspective, the attorneys will put together an estimate of what you’re entitled to in terms of damages. They will take into account your medical expenses, any future expenses for specialized equipment or services, and any other losses that you’ve suffered because of the accident. This may include lost wages, loss of consortium, and emotional distress such as anxiety and depression.
If your case goes to trial, the attorney will represent you in front of a judge and jury or in front of a single judge if you request a bench trial. The attorney will present your case using evidence and arguments based on the facts of the case, and the judge or jury will decide whether you’re entitled to any damages.
Many states place limits on how much you can receive in a settlement or award from a court decision. A personal injury attorney can help you determine what your case is worth and fight for the maximum amount.
When you settle with the insurance company or win your case in court, the lawyer will receive their agreed-upon percentage of the gross settlement or judgment. They will then pass the rest of the award on to you or your heirs. They will also make sure that all your outstanding medical bills have been paid and that you’ve received any other compensation that you’re entitled to, such as funeral costs in wrongful death cases. They will also hire expert witnesses if necessary to support your claims.