Having the right attorney on your side is the best way to ensure you get the settlement you deserve for your personal injury case. There are several ways to find the right lawyer for your specific situation. Below are some tips to help you make the right choice.
Cases that are settled without going to trial
Getting a settlement instead of going to trial is often a better option for most people. In fact, more than half of all personal injury cases settle. This is because settlements are easier, less stressful, and cheaper than trials.
In some cases, plaintiff’s attorneys agree to pay for pre-trial expenses ahead of time. These can include accident reconstruction, medical records, witness testimony, and more. If the attorney agrees to advance these costs, he or she will deduct a percentage of the settlement funds for those expenses.
If the insurance company offers a settlement, it may be because they don’t believe the plaintiff will win the case in court. The insurance company also wants to avoid setting a precedent for settling cases. Taking your case to court could mean thousands of dollars in legal fees.
If your case is tried, you’ll go through a lengthy process before a jury decides whether to award you damages. This can take months or years, depending on the case. In addition, a jury’s decision can change public policy. In some cases, the jury will award you more compensation than you received in a settlement.
Settlements in personal injury cases
Getting a settlement in personal injury cases is often a lot easier than going through a civil court trial. Settlements are also faster and cheaper.
A settlement offer can come at any stage in the case. You might receive a substantial payment upfront, or you may get nothing. The amount you will be awarded depends on your loss. It could include lost income, medical expenses, and other costs.
It’s important to know how to calculate how much you’ve lost in wages. You should know that any compensation you receive for lost wages is taxable. You can also ask for compensation for any additional income you might have had, such as a spouse’s income. If you have a permanent disability, you might also need to obtain Social Security Disability Income.
Good personal injury attorneys will tell you what you need to know about getting a settlement in personal injury cases. They will explain all the facts of the case and suggest possible options.
Contingency fee vs. standard fee
Whether you’re hiring a lawyer for a personal injury case or working with a workers’ compensation attorney, a contingency fee may be an option. However, you should be aware of the implications of this arrangement before you make a decision.
A contingency fee means that you pay your attorney only if you win. This is a risky situation. If you don’t win, you must reimburse your attorney for his or her costs. This could be a large bill each month.
Many slip-and-fall accident victims don’t have the funds to pay their attorneys’ hourly rates. They might not be able to afford a full-fledged lawsuit.
A contingency fee allows an injured person to get legal representation even if they don’t win. An attorney wants to ensure that his or her clients are paid. Ultimately, the court can make the other party pay the attorney’s fees.
A standard contingency fee agreement pays an attorney a percentage of the total recovery. This is a relatively standard rate, but it may vary.
Finding a good lawyer for your case
Whether you have been involved in an accident or suffered injuries, finding a good personal injury attorney is important to help you receive compensation. The process of choosing a lawyer can be difficult, but a little research can go a long way in helping you find the right one for your case.
To find a good personal injury attorney, you can search online or ask friends for recommendations. You can also use a lawyer referral service to connect you with attorneys in your area.
When choosing a personal injury lawyer, you should make sure to ask about his or her experience in the field. A lawyer with years of experience handling personal injury cases is better able to build a strong case for you.
A good lawyer should be someone you can trust and confide in. He or she should know how to communicate your case to other parties. They should also be willing to work with you to get the best results.
