When someone is injured due to another party’s negligence, they may be entitled to compensation.
A personal injury lawyer can represent the victim in filing a claim to recover damages and handle every aspect of the case, from investigation to settlement negotiations or a trial.
These attorneys are steadfast advocates for those seeking fair compensation.
Types of Cases Personal Injury Lawyers Handle
Personal injury lawyers can work on a wide variety of case types, including the following:
- Car accidents: Collisions caused by negligent behaviors, such as distracted driving and road rage
- Slip and fall accidents: When hazardous conditions on someone’s property cause the victim to lose their footing
- Medical malpractice: Healthcare providers may be negligent when they misdiagnose injuries or illnesses or commit errors during surgery
- Workplace accidents: Injuries that occur while on the job, including those that happen because of unsafe working conditions
- Product liability: When dangerous or defective products cause harm to the consumers who use them
- Wrongful death: In the worst-case scenario, negligence or intentional harm can lead to the premature loss of life
No matter the reason for the accident, personal injury lawyers can help guide victims’ claims and advocate for them to ensure that they receive the financial assistance they deserve.
Responsibilities of a Personal Injury Lawyer
The attorneys who work on personal injury cases manage nearly every aspect of these claims, guiding clients through the entire legal process. Some of their primary duties include:
Investigating the Accident
In order to build a strong case, a thorough investigation must be conducted. Lawyers can gather evidence like:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Surveillance footage
- Expert testimony
Gathering these types of evidence helps attorneys establish liability and demonstrate the extent of the losses the victim has incurred.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payments or deny claims outright. A personal injury lawyer can negotiate on behalf of their client to help secure a satisfactory settlement. These professionals are well-versed in insurance tactics and know how to counter lowball offers, ensuring that victims are reimbursed fairly.
Filing Legal Documents
If they’re unable to work out a fair settlement, an attorney can file a lawsuit and take the client’s case to court. This involves:
- Drafting and filing legal complaints
- Preparing depositions for clients
- Gathering and presenting evidence at trial
- Presenting arguments in front of a judge and/or jury
Accident victims can significantly improve their chances of securing the compensation they need by hiring qualified legal representation.
How Personal Injury Lawyers Prove Negligence
Lawyers must be able to establish four key elements in order to successfully pursue most personal injury claims:
- Duty of care: The defendant had a legal responsibility to act with reasonable care
- Breach of duty: The defendant failed to uphold their duty of care
- Causation: The failure was the reason for the plaintiff’s injury
- Damages: The plaintiff suffered compensable losses as a result of the incident
When attorneys are able to prove these four components, they often succeed in securing equitable compensation for their clients.
Types of Compensation Available in Personal Injury Cases
There are several types of compensation personal injury victims may be entitled to. Some of the most common include:
- Medical expenses: Covers bills from hospitals and surgeries, rehabilitation, and any ongoing treatment needed
- Lost wages: Reimbursement for time off work due to injury
- Property damage: Pays for damaged personal belongings, such as vehicles, electronic devices, or clothing
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life: When the victim is unable to enjoy day-to-day activities because of their injury
An experienced attorney will be able to calculate and obtain the maximum compensation needed to cover all the victim’s losses.
Why Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Is Advantageous
While some injury victims may hesitate to seek legal representation, doing so can offer numerous advantages, including the following:
- Legal knowledge: Attorneys understand the law and know how to guide their clients throughout various processes and proceedings
- More effective negotiation: Lawyers can deal directly with insurance companies to counter inadequate offers
- Reduced stress: Clients can focus on their recovery while their attorney manages the legal aspects of their case
- Potentially higher compensation: Those who have legal representation often receive significantly larger settlements than those who handle their cases alone
A qualified lawyer can protect your rights and improve your chances of seeing favorable results in your case.
Contact Our Lafayette Personal Injury Lawyer for Trustworthy Legal Assistance
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury in an accident, don’t face the legal process alone. The legal team at Kenny Habetz Injury Law is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us at (337) 399-9000 for a free consultation with our trusted Lafayette personal injury attorney today to learn more about our services.
