Even if you have been involved in a personal injury incident in the past, you may have never considered filing a claim until now. Perhaps, someone told you that you could get compensation for the hurt someone’s negligent actions inflicted on you. You can file compensation for your losses, but it might be intimidating if this is your first time.
Even those who have been through it several times find the personal injury claim process daunting. Moreso, the process involves a series of activities that can throw you off, including insurance companies going out of their way to frustrate you. Hence, hiring a personal injury attorney is important if you see the following key signs:
Someone’s Actions or Inactions Harmed You
Personal injury claims typically surface when someone is injured because of someone else’s actions or inactions. Accidents such as construction accidents, dog bites, motorcycle accidents, car accidents, and medical malpractice, among others, give rise to personal injury claims. Three primary elements exist in such claims:
- A victim faced losses and damage due to an accident that was another person’s fault
- The guilty party owes the victim a duty of care; and
- The at-fault party failed to perform their duty of care to the victim
However, before you file your claim, a lawyer should help you understand if your injury qualifies as “personal injury.” Also, your part in the accident matters; if you are partly to blame, you may be able to get compensation, depending on your jurisdiction.
Your Insurer Will Not Cover Your Bills
You should hire a lawyer if your insurance company refuses to cover expenses related to your injury, including medical bills. Insurance companies do not like to lose money; they are all about profit. As such, in cases like this, they will try to devalue your claim and reduce the amount they pay.
With a strong personal injury lawyer, you can ensure your insurer honors your insurance policy. Furthermore, your lawyer will review your insurance policy and your injury’s circumstances. Then, they will handle the negotiations with your insurance company and, if it comes to it, represent you in court.
Your Injury Means Permanent Disability
If, at your visit to the doctor, you discover that you now have a permanent disability, it is time to get a lawyer. A permanent disability negatively impacts your ability to work, financial stability, and overall quality of life. With a good personal injury lawyer, you can receive compensation for medical bills, including ongoing bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Your attorney will work with medical practitioners to determine the extent of the injury and how it affects your life. Then, they will use the information to your advantage, negotiating with insurance companies until you get your deserved compensation. Furthermore, if the at-fault party’s insurer is difficult, they can help you build a strong case and represent you in court.
Conclusion
Whether this is your first time or fiftieth time filing a personal injury claim, hiring an attorney is always a good idea. You have injuries that need prompt medical attention; therefore, you cannot give your case the dedication it requires.
“Your personal injury attorney can handle the runarounds for you, including gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance adjusters on your behalf. More importantly, your lawyer can keep you from signing a document that could make you lose your chance at full recovery,” says Attorney Roger K. Gelb of Gelb & Gelb, P.C.