Unintentional injuries are the fourth leading cause of death in the US, with 958 serious injuries in the construction industry alone in 2021, and the preventable injury rate sitting at 3.2 per 100,000 workers. Personal injury cases can be complex and stressful to deal with on your own. An experienced personal injury lawyer can provide valuable legal expertise and guidance that may be worth the cost. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if hiring a personal injury lawyer is right for you.
Legal Expertise
As of 2024, there are 51,230 registered personal injury law firms and attorneys in the US. Personal injury lawyers have an in-depth understanding of personal injury law and experience handling cases like yours. They know what evidence is needed, the strategies for negotiating a fair settlement, and the litigation process if a trial is necessary. Their legal skills can make the difference in getting full and fair compensation.
Assessing Case Value
Determining what your injury claim is realistically worth requires specialized knowledge. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters looking to minimize payouts. An attorney knows how to accurately calculate lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of future income capacity. Their assessment can determine if an insurer's settlement offer is adequate. The average personal injury settlement is between $3,000 and $75,000.
Negotiation Skills
Insurance adjusters negotiate daily. They have tricks to try to get injury victims to accept less than they deserve. Personal injury lawyers level the playing field with their own negotiation skills aimed at maximizing your settlement or court award. Their capability of handling the back-and-forth talks removes this burden from you.
Court Experience
If an equitable settlement can't be reached through negotiation, a lawsuit may be needed. An attorney who has courtroom experience has strategic advantages, even if less than 95% of personal injury cases go to court. They know how to present evidence and argue before a judge and jury in the most persuasive ways. Their litigation capabilities can lead to a more favorable outcome.
Objectivity
Emotions often run high following a serious accident causing injuries. An attorney provides an objective view of your case. This can be invaluable when you are reeling physically and psychologically from the incident. They advise you based on facts and experience.
Saving Time
Pursuing compensation for injuries takes considerable time and effort. You need to rest and focus on healing. Hiring a lawyer saves you time dealing with insurance companies, gathering records, investigating the accident, researching legal issues, preparing documents, and negotiating a settlement.
Peace of Mind
With an attorney guiding you and fighting for your best interests, you gain confidence knowing you have an advocate on your side. Their expertise can relieve you of managing complex legal, medical, and insurance issues during a stressful time.
Overall, a personal injury lawyer's specialized knowledge and experience can maximize your compensation. For many injury victims, the enhanced settlement or court award they obtain far exceeds their legal fees and provides peace of mind. Assessing your specific needs and situation is key when weighing the value of legal representation.
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