A personal injury attorney works with clients who have been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. Whether the injury is the result of a car accident, workplace injury, or any other type of incident caused by another party, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you file a lawsuit against the responsible parties to recover monetary damages for your injuries and losses.
Your personal injury lawyer will take an investigative approach to your case and review all relevant documents, including medical records, police reports, insurance company correspondence, income loss statements and any other documentation that might be necessary for the success of your claim. Your attorney will also meet with you to listen to your version of what happened and to advise you as to the next steps.
In personal injury cases, you must be able to prove that you have suffered real and quantifiable losses. Typically, you will be entitled to compensation for your actual economic losses – such as a payout for your medical bills, prescriptions, lost wages, and property damage – as well as a non-economic award for the physical and emotional distress you have endured.
Determining the value Southfield personal injury attorney of your losses can be complex, especially for intangible expenses like pain and suffering. Your lawyer may need to consult with experts to verify the extent of your injuries and provide evidence regarding the impact on your life. This could include obtaining confirmation from your employer that you have lost wages as the result of your injuries, a doctor’s evaluation to support future treatment costs, and an economist for projects the cost of future income losses or other financial impacts that are not readily identifiable.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, it may be possible to reach a settlement with the responsible parties. Your personal injury attorney will work diligently to negotiate with the insurer on your behalf. If a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached, your attorney will file a lawsuit and prepare for trial.
In New York, most personal injury claims are decided by a jury. A personal injury attorney will present your side of the story to a panel of twelve people who will decide how much you should receive in monetary damages.
An experienced personal injury attorney will understand the tactics used by insurance companies to devalue your claim. They will be able to counter those strategies and make sure that you are treated fairly. Many states place limits or “caps” on the amount of compensation you can receive if you win your case. This is why it is vital to have an attorney who has the experience, skills and reputation to fight for the full value of your claim. The defending parties will almost always have an attorney of their own, and you should as well. You have too much at stake to go it alone.
