Personal
Injury Sufferers Can Turn to a Lawyer for a Free Consultation
A personal injury can be sustained in a
myriad of scenarios, from a motor vehicle collision or a workplace accident;
from a defective product or slipping and falling due to the negligence of
others. If the injured person becomes incapacitated, seeking compensation may
be physically or cognitively difficult.
If you or a loved one has suffered a
personal injury, you should obtain a free consultation from a personal injury
lawyer. This offers you an opportunity to investigate whether the lawyer is the
right fit for you and the chance to find out what legal ground you stand on and
what claims could be pursued.
Considerations
When Choosing a Lawyer
- Location.
While the location of a lawyer has no bearing on the quality of representation,
you might have to rely on taxis or the difficult navigation of public
transportation as the result of your injury. Accessibility of location within
the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is something to keep in mind.
- Language. If
English is not the main language spoken, inquire if there is a lawyer in-house
who speaks it or if the firm has access to translators. It is important for the
lawyer to understand how the accident has affected the injured party and for
the injured party to comprehend what the lawyer is able to do.
- Knowledge of
Claims and Benefits. Different injuries may mean different claims. A motor
vehicle accident could involve dealing with insurers. A workplace accident
could involve the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB). A personal injury
lawyer will know the timelines and strict cutoff periods involved.
- Contingency
Fee. Most personal injury lawyers do not receive payment for their time and
services until a financial settlement is obtained. However, disbursements for
expenses incurred might not be deferred. During your free consultation, inquire
about this as well as what percentage the contingency fee would comprise.
Fatality
or Wrongful Death
No financial benefit will ever
compensate for the devastating loss of a loved one. To add to the stress, if
the deceased was a primary bread earner, seeking financial support may have to
be considered. For example, if the scope is beyond the Statutory Benefits Schedule outlined in the
Ontario Insurance Act, a tort claim or lawsuit to the court may need to be
made. During your free consultation, ask your lawyer what trial experience
he/she has.
For
Expert Advice, Seek an Expert’s Opinion
When it comes to a personal injury claim,
there is often hesitation to use a lawyer, due to the mistaken assumption that
(1) Money can be saved by avoiding legal fees; and (2) It’s a matter of just
filling out the right forms. However, you may not be aware of other
entitlements, the type of information about which won’t necessarily be
forthcoming from an insurance claims adjuster. In addition, the jargon in forms
can be intimidating to a layperson. A mistake can be costly. Seek a personal
injury lawyer’s advice. Even if your claim has previously been denied, a
consultation can still be productive.
Whether you have been injured or know
someone who has been affected by a personal injury, a free consultation with a
reputable and experienced lawyer is the first and necessary step towards
wrestling for control of a life-altering event.