When you are hurt in an accident, you need a lawyer who will take the time to learn about your case and how it has affected your life. They can help you understand the complex legal procedures, interpret medical and insurance jargon, and navigate the maze of paperwork. They can also help you get the treatment you need to heal and recover. A good injury lawyer will be a steady presence during what can be an emotional and stressful time.
When evaluating potential injury lawyers, you should ask them questions about their experience and work history. You should also consider their reputation. For example, if a lawyer has been sued for malpractice in the past, you may not want to hire them to represent you in your injury case.
You should also ask the lawyer how they will communicate with you throughout your case. For example, do they return phone calls and emails promptly? Do they have a friendly demeanor when speaking with clients? The way you and your attorney interact during your consultation will give you a feel for how it will be working with them throughout your personal injury case.
If you have a friend or family member who has been injured, ask them for a referral to an injury lawyer. However, you should make sure that the injury lawyer specializes in the type of injury case you need representation for. For instance, if your friend has a case involving a car accident and you have a case involving medical malpractice, you should not hire the same injury lawyer for both cases. The lawyer who specializes in your case will have the most experience and expertise.
An experienced injury lawyer can help you recover damages for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. If you can prove that your injuries have had a long-term impact on your quality of life, you might be entitled to non-economic compensation as well. For example, if you are unable to return to your job after an accident due to your injuries, you can pursue compensation for your loss of income.
In some cases, a lawyer can also seek damages for emotional distress. For example, if someone does something extreme and outrageous that causes you severe emotional trauma, they might be liable for your damages under a legal doctrine called intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Some injury attorneys only work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they will only charge you if they successfully win your case. You should also ask your lawyer what their policy is regarding expenses incurred in the course of preparing and prosecuting the case. Some lawyers expect you to reimburse them for these expenses if they lose your case, while others do not. You should also ask how often the lawyer expects to report on the status of your case. Some injury lawyers will only update you on the status of your case once per month while others will provide regular reports and updates as needed.