Whether you were hurt in a traffic accident, a slip and fall, or suspect medical malpractice, you may be wondering whether it’s necessary to call a personal injury lawyer. While not every accident or injury requires legal representation, there are certain circumstances where seeking assistance from a personal injury lawyer might be necessary.
When Should You Call a Personal Injury Lawyer? Reasons to Seek Legal Help
If you have suffered a severe injury that requires medical attention and treatment, speaking to a personal injury lawyer can give you a sense of your legal options. And if you decide to move forward with a claim, they can often help you navigate the complex legal process and help you seek fair compensation for expensive medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with your injury.
If your injuries were caused by the negligence or intentional actions of another party, a personal injury lawyer can be your advocate. Regardless of the type of accident that led to your injury, a personal injury lawyer can often help investigate the incident, gather evidence, and build a case to establish liability.
How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge? Understanding Legal Fees
A concern many people have when considering hiring any lawyer is the cost. However, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they do not charge upfront fees and instead receive payment if you recover compensation.
Typically, a personal injury lawyer will receive a percentage of the settlement or court award as their fee. The exact percentage can vary depending on certain factors, such as the complexity of the case and the stage at which it is resolved. It’s important to discuss the fee structure with your initial consultation with a lawyer to ensure you understand their fee structure.
When to Call a Personal Injury Lawyer: Tips for Seeking Legal Counsel(alt tag -consultation with an accident lawyer )
Knowing when to call a personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some factors to consider when weighing whether to call a lawyer:
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Severity of injuries: If you have suffered significant injuries that require medical attention, hospitalization, or ongoing treatment, it may be necessary to contact a personal injury lawyer. For example, if you sustained a brain injury in a motorcycle accident, a personal injury lawyer can help assess the extent of your injuries, consult with medical experts, and pursue a claim that seeks to recover related damages.
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Liability disputes: If disputes arise over who is at fault for the accident or injury, it may be necessary to get legal input. For instance, in a product liability case, if you were hurt by a defective product, a personal injury lawyer can examine the product’s design, manufacturing process, and safety standards to determine liability and seek compensation from the responsible parties.
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Insurance company challenges: If you encounter roadblocks or other difficulties with insurance companies, such as claim denials, delays, or inadequate settlement offers, it may be helpful to get a personal injury lawyer involved. Hiring a lawyer can help level the playing field and help you reach a fair deal.
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Statutes of limitations: Time limits, known as statutes of limitations, apply to personal injury cases. In Pennsylvania and several other states, there is a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits. One notable exception is personal injury lawsuits against government entities, which have a six-month limit to file a lawsuit from the time of the accident. Consulting with a lawyer as soon as possible can help you meet these and other important deadlines.
Need Legal Help? Contact a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer
Overall, a personal injury lawyer can provide valuable assistance when you’ve been injured, especially due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness. At the Law Offices of Samuel Fishman, our team of dedicated lawyers is committed to fighting for your rights, seeking full and fair compensation, and holding at-fault parties accountable.
Call us today at (215) 883-8213 to schedule a free and no-obligation consultation. Our team is ready to listen to your case and provide you with the guidance and support you need.