What Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Do for Me?
September 29, 2021
Each year, thousands of innocent people are injured in car accidents. Often the cause is a negligent or careless driver. And, in many cases, the injuries are serious, often leading to loss of work, continuing pain, and, in some cases, permanent disability.
To get compensated for their injuries, many people wonder if they should consult with a personal injury lawyer. Some people argue that they can settle the claim with the insurer and ask why they should seek assistance from a personal injury lawyer?
In almost every instance, however, the outcome would be far better if a person hired an attorney in Glendale AZ. Experienced attorneys know how to fight for your rights.
Can You Do It Yourself?
Sure, you can try to settle the case directly with the insurer. But, be forewarned, in almost all cases, the insurer will minimize your injuries. Second, the insurer will record your phone calls (standard practice) and anything you say can be used against you. Third, the insurer may doubt your liability and finally, the insurer will offer you the minimum amount of compensation.
In almost every instance of the victim trying to settle a claim with the insurer, the insurer wins – not the victim. The insurer’s loyalty is to his/her company and not the victim, and they want to save the company by giving out less money. And, one final thing you should know about trying to settle with an insurer on your own, is that once you have settled with the insurer, if you later find out that you have additional injuries or need future surgery for injuries sustained during the accident, these will be out-of-pocket expenses for you. Once a claim is settled with the insurer, you have no recourse.
Consult With A Professional
If you have been seriously injured, it is highly recommended you consult with a personal injury lawyer to handle your claim. The personal injury lawyer can do many things to help you that include the following:
- Unlike the insurer, the personal injury lawyer will help you get the maximum compensation you deserve. He/she knows to think about the possibility of future treatments or surgeries that might be needed.
- Personal injury lawyers work closely together with many healthcare workers and can ensure that you get the right medical treatment for your injuries so that you can fully recover. Lawyers in Glendale AZ are experienced and knowledgeable.
- An attorney in Glendale AZ can ensure that your legal rights are maintained by offering advice and guidance.
- An attorney Glendale AZ will be your legal representative whether trying to settle the case through negotiations or by going to court.
- When a claim is filed on your behalf, the medical report has to state the exact medical terminology in order to get the maximum compensation. By working with your healthcare providers, not only will the lawyer get regular updates, but he/she will get a final report that will state your injuries, their severity, your prognosis, and any future problems that could be encountered.
- Lawyers in Glendale AZ will order the police report and determine the extent of your liability. He or she will speak to witnesses, visit the scene of the accident, and/or may consult with road traffic experts as to the cause of the accident.
- If you have been seriously injured, are not able to go to work, but yet need medical care, your hospital bills will skyrocket. And you may fall behind in your rent or car payments. The attorney Glendale AZ can speak to government agencies and hospitals and vouch for you. He/she will assure them that as soon as the claim is settled, they will be paid first. This can save you from being evicted or having your car impounded.
- Speak to your insurer on your behalf. Remember when you speak to the insurer directly, your conversations are recorded and whatever you say can later be held against you. Hence, to avoid any verbal slips, the lawyer will do the talking for you.
- In order to get the claim moving forward, the lawyer will write and submit a demand letter to the insurer which will state the chronology of events, all the injuries and damages you sustained, and the total amount of compensation requested.
- The lawyer will enter into negotiations with the insurer to achieve the maximum compensation for your injuries.
While you may be able to deal with some of the above issues, remember that insurers have respect for lawyers and understand the value of time. If you go it alone, you may not hear anything from the insurer for months, there may be other unnecessary delays, and you may not know how to proceed or whom to call. It is much different with a lawyer as insurers are fully aware that if they do not respond in time, the case may go to trial, which is a prohibitively expensive undertaking.
What Type of Compensation Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Get For Me?
- Medical expenses. These include any hospital stays, surgery(ies), pain medications, and cost of rehabilitation. In addition, if the doctor feels that you will need ongoing medical care, the lawyer can also request additional compensation to pay for any future medical bills.
- Home modifications. If you are paralyzed, wheelchair-bound, or need to use crutches as a result of the accident, your lawyer can also ask for reimbursement for any modifications necessary to your home.
- Lost income as a result of being unable to work. In addition, you can also be compensated for any future loss of wages.
- Pain and suffering. In some cases of severe injury(ies), you can be compensated for any pain and emotional trauma endured.
Going to Trial
In cases where negotiations fail, the lawyer may elect to go to trial. But even then, the process of negotiations will continue. The reason is that negotiations are a faster and cheaper way to resolve the claim for both parties. Going to trial requires a lot of preparation and the case may be prolonged for several years. Sometimes, however, going to trial may become the only option. In these cases, you want a lawyer who is eager to resolve the case through negotiation but at the same time is not afraid to go to court.
Conclusion
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, you should look for experienced lawyers in Glendale AZ who are knowledgeable and willing to get you the maximum compensation. Look for someone who understands your claim and has experience in dealing with similar cases. To schedule a free consultation, call the
Law Offices of Richard A. Gullette today at 1-602-230-2916.
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Suddenly losing a loved member of a family because of the negligent or careless actions of another person can be devastating. Further, it can also deprive the family of income if the deceased individual was the sole breadwinner. In some cases, one aid for the survivors is to file a wrongful death lawsuit. There are many lawyers in Arizona from whom to choose; what are the best characteristics to look for? Below are tips on a few things to note when searching to find the best wrongful death attorney. Empathy and Compassion: When a family has lost a loved one, grief is a common emotion. Therefore, you want to select a professional who understands your grief and is sensitive to your tragedy. A lawyer who understands what survivors go through or has even gone through the same experience himself/herself will be better able to fight for your case and your legal rights. Experience: Wrongful death cases are not a given to win; in all cases, the defendant will have his or her lawyers who will deny all the allegations. Thus, you need a lawyer who has experience not only in court matters, but also one who knows how to negotiate and undertake the investigation to determine who was at fault and negligent. Not all personal injury lawyers have the experience to win wrongful death cases and you should always ask how much experience the lawyer has and his success rate. You need someone who can argue your case with confidence and be able to back it up with evidence. Ability to Communicate: There are many good wrongful death lawyers but not all of them can communicate effectively. They often use legal terminology without explaining what it means. Also, many lawyers are very busy and often have very little time to communicate with the client. Sometimes the client is never given an update on the case or only hears from the junior staff. You preferably want someone who knows the importance of communicating with you, who is able to patiently explain to you all the legal terminology and the steps involved in a wrongful death case and update you frequently as to how the case is progressing. At all times, the best wrongful death attorney should keep you fully informed about the next steps in the case. Amicability/Approachability: Even though there are some outstanding lawyers who have won wrongful death cases, some do not come across as friendly or approachable. Some may make you feel nervous, anxious, or you may feel afraid of asking questions . This is not the type of lawyer you want. You should select someone who is warm, approachable, and easy to talk to. You should never be afraid to ask or speak to your lawyer. In general, lawyers that work for large firms are often busy and are hard to get hold of. You are more likely to find personable and friendly lawyers in smaller or solo firms. Most of the time, you will find these down-to-earth lawyers will take ample time to sit and explain the whole process involved in a wrongful death lawsuit to you. Integrity: Like in all professions, there are some lawyers who have good morals, are ethical, and have excellent character, and then there are others who may not be trustworthy. Before you even step into the lawyer’s office, you should have scanned the internet and read the reviews . You need to select a lawyer who is honest, transparent, and trustworthy. You should be able to tell that during the first consultation if this is the lawyer you want. An honest and the best wrongful death attorney will answer all your questions, be upfront about the fees, and will explain everything to you in detail. If you are ever unsure about a wrongful death lawyer, seek a second opinion. Recommendations: Always speak to friends and families who have dealt with a wrongful death lawyer and learn about their experiences. In many cases, this is perhaps the best way to find a good lawyer. Strong recommendations from family and friends are a good indication that this is the best wrongful death attorney with whom you should consult. Do not make a final decision until you actually speak with the lawyer. Time: You also want to know how much time the lawyer will devote to your case . With large firms, the case is usually assigned to junior staff, but in smaller or solo firms, the lawyer will himself be involved in your case from start to finish. The Right Rapport: Sometimes when talking with someone, you will instantly develop a good rapport. Both of you will just “sync” and this is what you want in a lawyer. You want someone with whom you have a good relationship because, remember, you will be working together for many months. When you first consult with the lawyer, assess his/her demeanor, patience, and use of words; if he or she is on the mobile phone every other minute, this is the last person you want as your lawyer because obviously they have no time for your case. Conclusion Finding a good Arizona wrongful death lawyer to handle wrongful death cases is not difficult as long as you do your homework. Before walking into the lawyer’s office, you should know something about his or her education, training, and what online reviews have said. In most cases, you will be able to tell at the first consultation if this is the lawyer you want. Besides amiability and a good personality, you also want someone who has good experience and excellent communication. If you have had a sudden death in your family due to the negligent actions of another person, call the Law Offices of Richard A. Gullette at 1-602-230-2916. Rick Gullette has the motto that he offers “Personal Attention that puts you and your family first.” That’s the kind of lawyer you want.
Injuries and deaths frequently occur in the workplace, on the road, at the ballpark, recreational park, etc., and, in some cases, the fault is due to the negligence or carelessness of a person or persons. For example, you may be waiting at a crosswalk for the light to turn green, and suddenly a driver who is texting crashes into you causing injuries that prove fatal. Or your father was given the wrong dose of a medication by the pharmacist which resulted in a fatal stroke. In such scenarios, the survivor(s) may suffer significant financial loss if the deceased was the only breadwinner. In addition, if the deceased had small children and/or had bills to pay, the survivors would probably end up homeless if they didn’t have any financial resources . In such cases, the opposing party/individual may offer compensation, but, more often than not, the amount is small and will not cover long-term expenses. In the majority of cases, the survivors have little idea how much compensation is adequate and if it comes with any restrictions. For this reason, many people turn to lawyers and file a wrongful death lawsuit. But many people are not sure how to file a wrongful death lawsuit and/or what legal rights they have. Therefore, if you are not sure about the process, the first step is to consult an Arizona wrongful death attorney. Before you visit the wrongful death attorney, here are a few things you should know. CHOOSING A WRONGFUL DEATH ATTORNEY Selecting a wrongful death attorney for your case can be a challenge because there are so many lawyers in Arizona. Many lawyers frequently advertise their services on the radio, TV, internet, and billboards, but how is an ordinary citizen supposed to know who will be the best choice and who is the most experienced? The fact is that not all lawyers have experience in court and some are just in the beginning phase of their career. Sometimes you may have to consult with a few lawyers before you can pick one. In any case, when consulting with a wrongful death lawyer for the first time, here are a few things to ask: Today, there is no excuse for not knowing a few details about an attorney you are selecting. If you don’t own a computer or smartphone, visit your local library. Perform a Google search and read the reviews. In addition, visit the attorney’s website and get a glimpse of his education, training, and expertise. Read what others have to say in reviews about past experiences with the attorney. Finally, speak to friends and family if they know or have heard anything about the lawyer that you want to hire. The more you know about the attorney, the better you will be able to make an informed decision about the selection process. What does the attorney specialize in? Preferably you would want an attorney with wrongful death experience. Dealing with a wrongful death case is much different than dealing with a dog bite injury. Has the attorney undertaken a similar case before and how much experience does the lawyer have? Does the attorney have resources to undertake the case? For example, some wrongful death cases require an enormous amount of documentation, and, in some cases, discussion with expert witnesses. You want an attorney for wrongful death who has both the financial resources and a team of expert witnesses (doctors, knowledgeable medical personnel) to whom he or she can call upon to determine the causation and negligence in the case. Working with an Arizona wrongful death attorney sends a signal to the insurer of the defendant that you are serious about getting the compensation you are owed. Once an insurer receives a demand letter from an attorney, they immediately realize that this is serious and most likely are willing to come to the negotiating table. But you need to select an attorney for wrongful death who is not only skilled at negotiations but also not afraid to go to trial in case the negotiations fail. The attorney must send the signal to the insurer that he or she will do whatever it takes to get just compensation for his client. Does the attorney work alone or does he work with a team of lawyers? In general, consulting with an attorney who works with a team of other lawyers can be beneficial if he or she seeks expertise in other areas so that the client gets the maximum benefit. What are the costs associated with hiring a wrongful death attorney? This is a very important question; in general, the majority of wrongful death attorneys are paid on a contingency basis. This means that they get paid if they win the case and recover damages. The contingency fee varies from 30-35 percent. For example, if you are awarded $1 million in compensation, the attorney will get $350K as part of the contingency fee. You should also clarify with the lawyer if there will be any other “hidden” fees, like administrative costs, photocopying fees, etc. In most cases, the contingency fee is inclusive, but, in any case, it is vital to get all the costs in writing so that there are no disputes at the end of the case. How will the attorney initiate your wrongful death case? You should have some idea about the steps involved in filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Once you hire an attorney for wrongful death, he or she will obtain all the documents, speak to witnesses, review the medical records, and, with the help of experts, reconstruct the fatal scene. In addition, the attorney may also ask you to submit any paperwork from the opposing party that you have in your possession (defendant/company/insurer). Once your Arizona wrongful death attorney receives all the paperwork and documents, he or she will contact the individual or company at fault or their insurer. In Arizona, the law requires that both parties must start some type of mediation to come to a settlement before going to trial. Hence, your attorney will contact the other party and try to negotiate a fair settlement first. If the two sides are not able to come to a settlement , your attorney will file a lawsuit in the appropriate county. A trial usually requires more extensive investigations, including depositions and consulting with expert witnesses. The case is usually heard in front of a judge and decided by a jury who will determine the amount of compensation. How Much Compensation Can You Expect? The amount of compensation usually depends on the case and is hard to predict ahead of time because many factors are involved in determining the final award. Your attorney will generally include the following when arguing for your compensation: Lost wages Medical bills Pain and suffering Loss of companionship If the jury decides the case in your favor , you will receive some type of compensation for all the injuries and death that your loved one suffered. In general, high six-figure awards are not uncommon in Arizona. Conclusion It is important to be aware that in Arizona, there is a statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death case. The case has to be filed within two years from the time of death. Because there is an enormous amount of documentation and investigation required, it is important to seek an experienced Arizona wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. While no amount of compensation can bring back your loved one, an attorney for wrongful death can at least try to get you compensation for all the pain and suffering that you have been through. Reach out to us today , and let's start a conversation.
If someone in your family has suffered a death due to the careless, intentional, or negligent actions of another individual or party, a wrongful death attorney can do several things for you.
A wrongful death case is usually filed with assistance from a personal injury lawyer. How much are wrongful death attorney fees?
When a person dies as a result of careless behavior or neglectful actions of another individual or party, the surviving members of the family have the legal right to file for a wrongful death case in civil court.
The untimely death of a loved one is a traumatic experience for most people. Wrongful death is one that could have been avoided but occurs due to the negligence or wrongful actions of an individual, hospital, or company.
