Personal Injury Attorneys
What is a personal injury lawyer?
A plaintiff’s personal injury lawyer represents people who have been injured due to negligence (reckless or careless behavior) in civil claims for damages (financial compensation). Typically, the plaintiff’s attorney is opposed by insurance defense attorneys, both in settlement negotiations and, if necessary, at trial.
Some of the actions a personal injury lawyer may take on a client’s behalf include:
- Investigating the circumstances of an injury
- Establishing the full cost of an injury
- Writing demand letters
- Negotiating with the negligent party or (more commonly) their insurance carrier
- Negotiating with medical providers and other service providers to help the client get care and support
- Filing a lawsuit in civil court
- Representing the client in a civil trial
How do I choose the right personal injury attorney?
In addition to the basic requirement of being licensed to practice law in your jurisdiction, it’s important to find an attorney with experience and a track record of successfully handling personal injury claims. Some personal injury attorneys focus their practices on specific types of claims, such as car accidents, premises liability, or medical malpractice. In general, the more severe and complex your injury, the more important it is to find an attorney with experience handling that specific type of claim.
Not all personal injury attorneys go to trial. Those who do often describe themselves as “trial lawyers” or “trial attorneys;” however, note that the term “trial lawyer” is also applicable to other areas of law.
Remember that as the plaintiff, you have the burden of proving your case. An effective attorney knows how to find relevant evidence and how to present that evidence in negotiations and, if necessary, at trial. That may include experience taking depositions, relationships with expert witnesses, and experience conducting mock trials.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
Personal injury lawyers handle most of their cases on a contingency fee basis. That means they do not bill by the hour or charge the client up-front. If and when a case is resolved and a financial recovery is obtained, the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the recovery, usually about one-third. If the case isn’t won, the attorney does not collect a fee. This arrangement makes it possible for any victim to hire a lawyer, regardless of the victim’s ability to pay.
Most personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation to review the circumstances of your case and explain your legal options. There is no obligation to hire the attorney at the end of a consultation, so if you’ve been injured, it’s almost always in your interest to at least talk to a lawyer and find out what they may be able to do for you.
