What to Know Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury law is a complex legal field that deals with cases where individuals have been injured due to the negligence or intentional actions of others. 

If you have been injured in an accident or through the actions of another person, it is important to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the legal process and fight for your compensation. 

In this blog, we will provide an overview of personal injury law, explain when it’s appropriate to seek legal representation, and what to know before hiring a personal injury lawyer. 

When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

Not every personal injury case requires the assistance of a lawyer, but there are certain situations where it is highly recommended. If you have been injured in an accident or through the actions of another person, and you believe that you are entitled to compensation, it’s important to hire a personal injury lawyer. 

Common types of personal injury cases include a car accident or slip-and-fall accident, each of which can lead to long-term disability claims. Personal injury lawyers have experience dealing with these types of situations and can help you determine whether or not you have a case.

One of the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer is that they can help you work through the complex legal process. Personal injury cases often involve dealing with insurance companies, negotiating settlements, and, in some cases, going to court. An experienced personal injury lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected at every step of the way.

Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have decided to hire a personal injury lawyer, it’s important to choose the right one for your case. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a personal injury lawyer:

• Experience: Look for a lawyer who has experience handling cases similar to yours. An experienced personal injury lawyer will have a better understanding of the legal process and insurance issues and can help you traverse them more effectively.
• Track Record: Look for a lawyer who has a track record of success in personal injury cases. A lawyer’s track record can give you an idea of their ability to win cases and get their clients the compensation they deserve.
• Fees: Personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if they win your case. Make sure you understand how fees are calculated and what percentage of the settlement or award the lawyer will take.
• Ability to Fund Litigation Expenses:  Not all personal injury law firms can afford to pay the expenses to hire specialists and experts to help you prove your medical injuries and value of your long-term loss of income.  You should find out if there are any restrictions on what the law firm can afford to pay and if you will be called upon to pay upfront for any litigation expenses.
• Specialization: Look for a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law. This will ensure that they have a deep understanding of the legal issues involved in your case and can provide you with the best possible representation.
• Local Law Firm: Choose a local law firm that knows the local courts, judges, and laws. This can give you an advantage in your case and ensure that you get the best possible outcome.

Understanding Contingency Fees

One of the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer is that they typically work with a contingency fee agreement. This means that the lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. Contingency fees are calculated as a percentage of the settlement or award, and can range from 25% to 35%. This fee structure can be beneficial for clients who cannot afford to pay legal fees upfront.

It’s important to understand the difference between contingency fees and hourly fees. Hourly fees are charged for the time that the lawyer spends working on your case, regardless of the outcome. With a contingency fee, the lawyer only gets paid if they win your case, which means that they have a strong incentive to fight for your compensation.

At McNally Gervan, we understand that after a serious accident, victims and their families are already facing financial and other stresses. That’s why we do not require any upfront payment to cover our fees. Unlike firms that charge a fixed percentage, our fees reflect the work we have done on your file, the time spent, the complexity of the issue, and the results obtained in your personal injury lawsuit. 

Our commitment to our clients is simple: we strive to ensure they are fairly compensated, and our fees will always be reasonable and justifiable.

Insurance and Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury claims involve seeking compensation for injuries sustained in accidents caused by the negligence of another person or entity. These claims are usually filed against the responsible party’s insurance company. Insurance therefore plays an important role in personal injury cases, as it provides the financial resources necessary to compensate the victim for their losses.

The role of insurance companies in personal injury cases is to investigate the claim and determine the appropriate amount of compensation to be paid to the victim. However, insurance companies are often more concerned with protecting their bottom line than fairly compensating the victim. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced personal injury attorney negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. By working with an experienced personal injury lawyer, victims can level the playing field.

The Personal Injury Lawsuit Process

The personal injury lawsuit process can be overwhelming for those who are not familiar with it. The process typically involves several stages, including filing a personal injury claim, discovery, mediation, and trial.

During the initial stage, the victim or their attorney will file a personal injury claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. The insurance company will then investigate the claim and either accept or deny liability. If liability is accepted, the parties will then enter into the discovery phase, where both sides will gather and exchange information about the case. This is followed by mediation, where both parties will attempt to negotiate a settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial.

The personal injury lawsuit process can be challenging without the help of a legal representative whether it’s a car accident lawyer, long-term disability lawyer, or other. An attorney can guide their clients through each stage of the process, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken and that the victim’s rights are protected.

Contact a McNally Gervan Personal Injury Lawyer Today

At McNally Gervan, we understand the financial and emotional stress that victims and their families face after a serious accident. That’s why we offer a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer to help you understand your legal options and rights. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.