Do I need an attorney?

If you or a loved one has been injured or traumatized and believe someone else (another person, company, another person’s property or pet) is at fault, you may have a personal injury case, and working with a personal injury attorney is the best way to protect your interests and determine if you have a claim. Not only that, your chances of winning your case and getting the compensation you deserve are significantly higher if you work with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Do I have a case?

You should always consult with a qualified attorney about any legal matter, including a personal injury claim or lawsuit. For personal injury cases, there are three key questions you may ask yourself to help determine your next steps:

• First and foremost, did you suffer a personal injury (defined as an injury to your body, mind or emotions) and not just property damage?
• Were your injuries caused by the negligence of another person or entity (such as a business)? Negligence is defined as failure to behave with the level of care that a reasonable person would have exercised under the same circumstances.
• Do you have recoverable damages? This means you must have suffered personal or financial harm that can be remedied by monetary damages.

If the answer to each of these three questions is “yes,” you may have a viable personal injury case. However, keep in mind that every case is different. Speak with a qualified attorney to explore your options.

How much is my case worth?

There are exceptions, but if you’ve sustained an injury due to negligence on another’s part, you may be compensated for past and future medical bills; aggravation of a pre-existing condition; lost wages and/or lost earning capacity; property damage; pain, suffering and other “non-economic” damages.

There are three key factors that typically determine personal injury case worth – liability (fault), damages (injuries) and insurance coverage of the at-fault party. Ultimately, compensation is tied to many factors, and speaking with a qualified personal injury attorney is the best way to determine if you have a viable claim, and what that claim may be worth.