A personal injury lawyer or attorney is one that provides
legal representation for those who claim to have been injured, physically or
psychologically, as the result of negligence on behalf of another party. In
order to successfully handle personal injury claims, a lawyer or attorney must
have considerable knowledge of tort law and insurance laws. Tort law is an area
of law characterized by civil wrong doings that result in economic or physical
damages to a person’s property, reputation, rights, body, mind, or emotions.
Though there is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer to represent you in the
court of law, personal injury claims can become complex quickly and go on for
years to come. Compiling the evidence, filing the necessary paperwork, and
negotiating a fair settlement are accompanying tasks that may put unnecessary
stress on your recovery.
Finding A Lawyer That
Works For You
When you sustain a serious injury and decide to pursue a
claim against the negligent party, it is best to select a lawyer who is willing
to accommodate the unique needs of their individual clients. Some clients may
present challenges in terms of language barriers or restricted mobility. In the
event that a serious injury is sustained, your lawyer should be willing to come
to your place of rest, whether it is in the hospital or your home, rather than
force you to come to them. Translators should be present, if necessary, to
ensure that all details of the case are recorded accurately. The lines of
communication between the plaintiff and his or her lawyer must always be open,
as they may require
legal advice at
various points throughout the processing of their claim.
Assessing Value
When it comes to assessing the monetary value of your claim,
there are a number of variables that are considered for compensation. Most
often, additional medical expenses not covered by OHIP are reimbursed and
future medical expenses are covered in the award for damages. The plaintiff is
also allowed to claim lost wages due to an incapacity to earn income, pain and
suffering, and compensation for housekeeping or cleaning services in the event
that your injury restricts you from completing your basic household activities.
More often than not, it takes time for you recover from your injury. As your
recovery process progresses and more information becomes available about the
nature and extent of your injury, a more tangible dollar value can be assigned
to your case.
Don’t Pay Until You
Settle
One of the best ways to ensure that your lawyer is fighting
for your best interests is to negotiate payment on a contingency fee basis or
percentage basis. This protects against the plaintiff having to pay legal fees
if no settlement is awarded. Negotiating the payment of legal fees on a
contingency basis is a basic right for victims of personal injury claims. This
tactic helps to align the interests of the lawyers and their clients, making
sure that the lawyer is fighting to receive the maximum amount of compensation
that the plaintiff deserves.
In the event that you or a loved one becomes seriously
injured due to the negligent actions of a third party, it is important to seek
out a personal injury lawyer or attorney for legal aid. Attaining legal advice
at the beginning of your claim can help you build a strong claim based on
evidence that is likely to hold up in court, in case a settlement cannot be
reached.