While accidents and mishaps that are nobody’s fault can and do happen from time to time, the unfortunate reality is that many people face everything from serious injuries to unnecessary financial loss and more as a result of another person’s or party’s actions or inactions.
When someone else causes harm in some way to an innocent party, the affected person may have legal recourse under personal injury law, and this recourse may allow for financial compensation.
In many cases, the only way to pursue legal recourse is through a personal injury lawsuit. However, why should a personal injury attorney Queens NY be contacted for representation, and what benefits does an attorney provide in this type of situation? By having a greater understanding of personal injury cases and representation, an informed decision can be made.
Understanding Personal Injury Law
Under the law, an individual or party that causes an incident is financially responsible for the impact of that incident on other people. An injury accident can be caused intentionally or unintentionally, such as by negligence.
In both cases, the responsible party is legally liable for everything from medical bills and property damage to lost wages and even pain and suffering caused by the incident. Even if part of the damages will be paid for by an insurance company, the injured party is entitled to the full award determined by the court.
The umbrella of personal injury events is large. It includes everything from car accidents and dog bites to slip-and-fall accidents, workplace injuries, medical malpractice and more.
Why a Personal Injury Lawyer Is Needed
An injured party is not required to hire a lawyer to file and pursue a personal injury case. A person has the right to represent himself or herself fully throughout the proceedings. However, the benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney in Queens NY are tremendous. A personal injury attorney is an expert in this area of the law, and this expertise could make a difference in the outcome of the case. This includes who the ruling favors as well as the amount of compensation awarded by the court.
In addition, many people who are dealing with the effects of a personal injury incident are recovering from their injuries, repairing damaged property and dealing with a variety of other stressors. Finding the time, energy and focus required to give the legal case the full attention that it deserves can be challenging. In some instances, the outcome of the case can dramatically impact a person’s financial circumstances, quality of life and even access to essential healthcare services. This is a case that requires the full attention of a skilled, experienced legal expert.
The purpose of a personal injury lawsuit is to obtain financial compensation for various expenses that an injured party has faced or will face. Some examples of future expenses may include pending medical bills or expenses related to the need for ongoing medical attention. The cost of future expenses, the impact of the incident on future income and a variety of other factors may be much more difficult to properly assess.
The last thing a person wants to do when pursuing legal action for a personal injury case is to leave money on the table. A personal injury lawyer can properly assess the value of the case to ensure that the injured party receives fair compensation as allowed under the law. More than that, the lawyer can present the facts to the case in his or her clients’ best interest.
When to Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
The best time to consult with a personal injury lawyer is immediately after an incident occurs. A consultation can provide the injured party with deep insight regarding his or her rights and the potential for financial compensation that may be owed under the letter of the law.
Even if there is uncertainty about whether a case can be made or not, a consultation can clarify options so that the injured party can make an informed decision.
For most types of personal injury cases, a statute of limitation applies, and the personal injury lawyer can provide details as they relate to a specific case during a consultation. If the statute of limitation has passed, the case can no longer be pursued from a legal standpoint. While it is possible to initiate a case up until that point in time arrives, pursuing the matter sooner may be advantageous.
For example, the injured party may learn about the need to obtain various police or medical documents that will serve as evidence for the case. When an extended period of time passes, gathering supporting documentation can be more challenging or even impossible in some instances.
The Need for Legal Representation When Dealing with Insurance Companies
In some cases, a responsible party’s insurance company will pay for damages. For example, after an injury car accident, the insurance company will decide how much it is responsible for paying and may pay that amount without hassle.
However, that sum may not be the full amount that the injured party is entitled to. Failing to seek legal representation may result in an unfair settlement that has immediate and potentially lifelong consequences.
Insurance companies have their own legal representation, and there may be times when they will state that they are not responsible for those claims. This is another example of a situation when having legal representation would be in the best interest of the injured party.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Even a seemingly minor incident can have significant or long-lasting effects on a person’s life in various ways. Individuals who believe that they may have a personal injury case or who are unsure should contact a personal injury attorney in Queens NY soon.
While an attorney is not required to file a case, his or her expertise and assistance may be invaluable after an incident. Through a consultation with a skilled attorney, the injured party can have all of the facts necessary to make an informed decision that is best for his or her future.
