What is a personal injury?
A Personal Injury is any physical or mental injury to a person as a result of someone's negligence or harmful act. Sometimes personal injury may be referred to as bodily injury. Personal injuries can occur in a wide variety of ways. The following are some of the most common accidents resulting in personal injury:
- * Auto accidents
- * Dangerous or Defective Product Injuries (Product Liability)
- * Aviation Disasters
- * Professional Malpractice
- * Workers Compensation
- * Wrongful Death
- * Toxic Exposure
- * Home Accidents
- * Dog Bites
What financial compensations can I get in a personal injury claim?
Personal Injury Victims are entitled to recover money damages for all losses and expenses they incur as a result of an accident. The damages may include the following:
- * Medical Bills
- * Lost Wages, including Overtime
- * Pain & Suffering
- * Physical Disability
- * Disfigurement
- * Permanent Scars
- * Emotional Trauma
- * Mental Anguish
- * Loss of Enjoyment
- * Loss of Love & Affection
- * Embarrassment
- * Mental Disability
- * Property Damage
- * All out of pocket expenses (transportation charges, house cleaning, grass cutting, and others)
How do I know if I have a personal injury claim?
To have a personal injury case, you must be able to show that you have been injured. This may be a physical injury or it may be an emotional injury. In addition, you must be able to show that someone else (the defendant) is at fault for your injury under a negligence, strict liability or intentional misconduct theory. In some cases, it may be necessary for you to show that the other party is more at fault for the injury than you are.
How do I know if I need an attorney?
If you have been seriously injured or are unsure as to the outcome of your injury, then an experienced personal injury attorney should always be consulted before you give any statements or sign any papers of any kind and as soon after your injury as possible.
In a serious injury case, you are better off hiring an attorney as soon as possible. Most firms offer a free consultation with no obligation therefore, you have nothing to lose by consulting an attorney before you accept the insurance company offer.
There is a statute of limitations that requires you to file suit within a specific period of time, depending upon the circumstances of your case, or else you will be prohibited from obtaining any compensation for your injuries. An attorney will be able to help you keep within the statute of limitations.
If I have a personal injury claim, do I have to go to court?
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court between opposing lawyers or by the insurance company. If a case does go to trial you most likely will have to appear so that your testimony can be heard.
How long will it take to settle my claim?
The time it takes to settle a personal injury case depends on the circumstances surrounding the case. The more complex the case the longer it may take to settle. Many cases can take anywhere from 3 to 18 months to settle depending on its complexity.
