An experienced personal injury lawyer can sometimes be worth the cost of representing you. A lawyer may be necessary due to the complexity of your claim or the possibility that your compensation will differ from the norm because of the severity of your injuries. Or simply because an insurer refuses to settle the matter in good faith. A lawyer is almost always required for the following types of accidents and injuries.
Injuries that are permanent or long-term disabling
Accidents can cause injuries that have a lasting impact on your appearance or physical abilities. It can be difficult to determine the value of a serious injury. To get the best out of your claim, you will likely need to seek assistance from an experienced attorney.
Severe Injuries
Your injuries are the most important factor in determining how much you receive as accident compensation. The severity of your injuries can be measured by how much you have to pay for medical bills, what type of injuries you sustained, and how long it takes you to heal. The range of compensation that you may receive increases as your potential compensation increases. It may be worthwhile to hire a lawyer to handle your case and ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation.
Medical Malpractice
You may be able to sue for injuries or illnesses if you are the victim of negligent, incompetent, or careless treatment by a doctor, nurse or hospital staff member. The legal issues and medical questions can be complex. You will almost certainly need to hire a lawyer who is experienced in medical malpractice cases. For more information on these complex cases, see Nolo’s section Medical Malpractice.
Toxic Exposure
Exposure to chemicals in the air, soil, water, products or food can sometimes make us sick in an increasingly chemical world. However, it is difficult to prove such claims and require complicated scientific data. The required evidence can be difficult to find because chemical and other industries have built a wall to shield themselves from legal exposure, while continuing to expose us to potentially dangerous chemicals. Get expert help.
Insurance Companies Refusing to Pay
Sometimes, no matter the severity of your injury, the amount of your medical bills, or your loss of income, an insurance company or government agency refuses to offer a fair settlement. These cases are where something is better than nothing — less the attorney’s fee.
Find a good personal injury lawyer
Asking friends, acquaintances or other lawyers to refer you to a lawyer is a great way to find one. Then interview the candidates. Nolo also provides a customized Lawyer Directory that includes information about each lawyer’s education, experience, fees, and, perhaps most importantly, their general philosophy in practicing law. Nolo’s directory allows you to narrow down your candidates before speaking with them face-to-face or by calling. Nolo’s article, Finding a Personal Injury Lawyer, provides more information on how to locate and select a quality personal injury lawyer.
