When most people go to work, they don't expect to get hurt. Unfortunately, it's not always up to them.
Personal injury incidents happen all the time. In fact, there's a workplace injury every seven seconds.
As you can expect, you're going to need solid personal injury lawyers if you intend to get the appropriate amount of compensation.
Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we got you covered.
Let's take a look at everything you need to know about why hiring an experienced legal professional is the best course of action after a personal injury.
Negotiation
It's not often that people want to pay for something. This is especially true if someone else is telling them that they have to pay.
When you're seeking compensation after a workplace injury, the responsible party is going to do everything they can to make sure they pay as little as possible. This even means going as far as avoiding paying anything at all.
But, a competent attorney can use their negotiation skills to get as much money from your employer as possible.
Additionally, your attorney will prevent your employer or their legal representatives from trying to convince you that they're not to blame or that your injuries are too insignificant to pursue damages for.
Their Compensation Depends on Yours
Since your lawyer will take a cut of the amount you win from your settlement, it's in their best interest to secure the largest amount possible.
The convenience of avoiding upfront fees will allow you to focus on your recovery after your incident. Additionally, many legal professionals will take the necessary legal fees out of your settlement, as well.
Depending on the case, some attorneys may take a significant chunk out of the money that you win. The alternative, however, is attempting to negotiate yourself, which is never a viable option for most people.
Handling The Discovery Phase
So, you've decided to seek compensation for your workplace injury. As you should, as this amount can occasionally be awarded in millions.
But, what happens when your employer refuses to pay? Or even worse, they claim that they're not at fault for what happened to you?
From here, it'll need to be proven that their negligence is what resulted in your injuries. As you can expect, this isn't the easiest task, and most people will have no idea where to start.
During the discovery phase, it's up to you and your attorney to gather the appropriate information for your claim. The better the supporting evidence, the more likely you'll come out on top.
Your attorney will know exactly what to look for in order to give you the best chance possible of securing a claim. Depending on the situation, they'll be able to gather evidence like:
- Security camera footage
- Eyewitness testimony
- An official statement from the defending party that affirms or denies the claim
- Other situational evidence that is relevant to the case
Without an attorney, you're on your own when it comes to acquiring this information.
Reduced Stress
As previously mentioned, a quality legal professional will do everything they can to make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve.
Foregoing this burden is sure to maximize your quality of life during the negotiation/investigation process. This can be an invaluable occurrence if your injuries are particularly debilitating.
Furthermore, increased stress will only lead to a longer recovery and could potentially cause further complications when it comes to your health. These can include:
- Depression/anxiety
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Insomnia or altered sleep patterns
These symptoms in combination with the injuries from your accident could have long-lasting effects on your body and mood. So, it's best to let your attorney handle as many responsibilities as you can.
Capability to Go to Trial
As previously mentioned, people aren't always so quick to be compliant when it comes to personal injury cases. This becomes increasingly true with the higher amount of compensation that you seek.
But, an experienced attorney can handle stubborn employers by going to trial and letting a judge decide.
It's also important to understand that the other side (especially owners of large businesses) is going to come with a solid legal team. That's why finding the right legal professional is so important.
With adequate representation in the courtroom, you stand a fighting chance against those who are in the way of your compensation.
What to Look For in An Attorney
Experience and competency are the most important attributes to consider. This isn't to say, however, that an attorney who's only been practicing for five years couldn't handle your case.
An attorney who has won a large number of cases that are similar to yours would be a solid choice when making your decision. Since not every case can be settled out of court, the number of times they've got to trial is also a factor that you should keep in mind.
Lastly, firms with a solid team have more resources to handle cases than practices with only a handful of people working, meaning they can work more efficiently for you.
Finding the Right Personal Injury Lawyers Can Seem Difficult
But it doesn't have to be.
With the above information about personal injury lawyers in mind, you'll be well on your way to a great fit.
Have a personal injury case you need legal assistance with? Feel free to get in touch with us and see what we can do for you.