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When Does It Make Sense to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
No one wants to deal with an unexpected injury, but you might be surprised at how common they are. The CDC reports that Americans made 24.8 million physician office visits for accidental injuries in its most recent data. Worse, there were almost as many visits to the emergency department!
When you’re dealing with the pain and stress of a sudden injury, finding a personal injury attorney may be the last thing on your mind. However, having a legal expert on your side can make a world of difference if you’re hoping to get fair compensation for your injuries. Here’s how to tell when you should contact one for help.
When to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
First things first: it is true that you always have the right to represent yourself in personal injury cases. Some people choose to do this when they believe they have a straightforward case. They may also choose this option when they’re worried about the cost of a lawyer.
However, there are a few ways to tell when it’s time for legal help:
Your Injuries Weren’t Your Fault
It’s a good idea to reach out for a legal consultation anytime you believe that you were hurt during an accident that wasn’t your fault. Any reputable lawyer will offer a free consultation, with no commitment on your end, to help you decide whether their attorney services are a good match for your needs.
You Have Complex Injuries
Hiring a lawyer can be especially important when you’re facing complex injuries, missed days at work, or extensive medical bills. Don’t forget that injuries can sometimes turn out to be far worse than they first appear! If someone else caused your injuries, a lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
You’re Fighting Your Insurer
When it comes to your insurance company, it’s tempting to think that a personal injury settlement will go your way. However, these companies aren’t on your side, and they’ll often toss out lowball offers to protect their own interests.
Hiring a lawyer shows your insurer that you mean business. Your attorney’s expertise can help you make the most of negotiations and earn more compensation.
Navigating Legal Fees
If the cost of legal fees is a primary reason why you’re hesitating to reach out to a lawyer, keep in mind that most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis.
This means that you won’t have to pay them unless you win your case or settlement. When this happens, your lawyer will take a pre-specified percentage of that amount. If you don’t win your case, you won’t have to pay your lawyer at all.
Types of Personal Injury Accidents
Personal injury attorneys handle cases in a huge range of fields. No matter what you’re dealing with, you can find specialized help for everything from medical malpractice to a lawyer for hotel accident injuries. Here are a few types of accidents that should prompt you to contact an attorney:
- Workplace accidents
- Car accidents
- Wrongful death
- Slips and falls
- Medical malpractice
- Dog bite injuries
- Assault or battery
- Product liability
- Slander and libel
Though these are some of the most common reasons for a personal injury lawsuit, they aren’t the only ones. If you’re not sure that your case warrants an attorney, there’s never any risk in contacting one to see if they can help.
Get the Help You Need
At the end of the day, hiring a personal injury attorney is crucial if you want to get compensation for an injury that wasn’t your fault. The right legal help can make a huge difference in your case or settlement, often resulting in much higher compensation than you could get on your own.
As you work to navigate this decision, don’t forget to check out our other tips and helpful guides for additional insights.
Harper Harrison is a reporter for The Hear UP. Harper got an internship at the NPR and worked as a reporter and producer. harper has also worked as a reporter for the Medium. Harper covers health and science for The Hear UP.