If you have suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may have a personal injury claim. Hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you can greatly increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation. Here are five key ways legal representation supports personal injury claims.
Understand Liability Laws
With over 9,000 personal injury attorneys in Florida alone, lawyers specialize in liability laws. They understand what constitutes negligence in your particular situation and whether you have grounds to sue. For example, in premises liability cases involving injuries on someone’s property, lawyers determine if the owner failed to maintain safe conditions. With their expertise, attorneys establish if a duty of care was owed, breached, and directly caused your injury.
Estimate Damages
By looking at medical records and bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, lawyers calculate estimated damages. They determine both economic and non-economic losses stemming from the injury. Economic damages cover quantifiable monetary losses like medical expenses and lost wages. In 2022 in Florida, there were 21,425 unintentional non-fatal injury emergency department visits, many potentially leading to claims. Non-economic damages compensate for more intangible effects on your life, such as pain and reduced quality of life. Lawyers use your specific situation to estimate full compensation.
Negotiate Settlements
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, only 4% to 5% of personal injury cases go all the way to trial. Most cases settle out of court. Lawyers initiate settlement talks with insurance companies and negotiate fair compensation. With experience negotiating numerous claims, they determine suitable settlement amounts and refuse lowball offers. If reasonable settlement talks fail, lawyers take cases to trial. Either way, legal expertise produces higher claim payouts.
Navigate Legal Process
The personal injury legal process involves many complex steps like filing a lawsuit, collecting evidence, deposing witnesses, and more. Each step requires adhering to strict procedural rules. Personal injury attorneys handle each detail, from submitting paperwork to meeting deadlines. Their expertise ensures your case proceeds smoothly toward the best resolution. You can focus on healing while your attorney navigates the legal complexities.
Represent You in Court
While under 5% of personal injury cases go to trial, but legal representation is essential if yours does. Lawyers adeptly argue cases before judges and juries. At trial, they present convincing evidence, question witnesses, and advocate powerfully for your right to damages. Their courtroom experience and negotiation skills maximize the potential jury award. According to the Destin personal injury attorneys at Brannon & Brannon, even if the case settles beforehand, having representation ready to take your case to trial gives you leverage in settlement talks. The median award in premises liability cases is $90,000.
Strengthen Your Claim with Legal Expertise
Suffering an injury can derail your life, but holding the responsible parties accountable helps regain control. With legal expertise guiding your personal injury claim, you improve your chances of obtaining full and fair compensation. Consider consulting with an attorney to discuss your situation and options. An experienced personal injury lawyer can aggressively seek justice on your behalf.
