What are personal injury lawsuits?

Personal injury lawsuits are those cases where some type of personal injury resulted from the negligence of another person or entity. The personal injury could be caused by a car accident, airplane crash, train accident, slip and fall, defective product, medical malpractice, wrongful death, etc.

When should I contact a personal injury attorney?

You should talk to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible, especially if the injuries are severe or a death has resulted. Valuable evidence may disappear, witnesses may move, recollections of events may be forgotten, and the ability to prove your case may diminish.

How much does it cost to have a personal injury lawyer represent me?

Personal injury lawsuits typically involve a contingency fee agreement meaning the client agrees to pay a specified percent of the damages recovered. If there are no damages recovered then there is no fee.

What types of damages are available in personal injury cases?

States vary, but typically damages are available for the nature and extent of the injury, medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, mental and emotional anguish, disfigurement, loss of companionship for an injured spouse, and other similar expenses may be available to you.

What is my case worth?

The value of any case involves a variety of factors, which include the amount of medical expense, wage loss, damages that may occur in the future, scarring and disfigurement, degree of fault, where the accident took place, etc.

What is a wrongful death lawsuit?

Wrongful death lawsuits are personal injury cases which result in death. State law specifies the relationship that would entitle a person to make a claim for damages such as a spouse, children, parents, etc. The wrongful death family members may be entitled to be compensation for any economic loss and damages and the mental anguish suffered as a result of the death of a loved one.

Is a personal injury lawsuit always needed?

Most cases actually settle without filing a personal injury lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit may be necessary if fault is disputed.

How long does it take for a personal injury case to go to trial once it has been filed?

When someone files a personal injury lawsuit they get in line with everyone else who has a lawsuit pending. Typically the courts schedule the oldest cases first, but any scheduling has to take into account the trial schedules of all of the attorneys who are involved. The complexity of the personal injury case may also have an effect on how soon a trial date can be obtained.

What should I look for in a Personal Injury Attorney?

You need a personal injury attorney with experience in this particular area of the law. You should inquire as to whether the attorney and law firm, in their practice, emphasize personal injury law.