Five Instances Where You Should Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Contacting a Personal Injury Attorney

The process of filing a personal injury claim is a lot more than filling out some forms. You must also be aware of the statutes as well as the legal procedures for filing your claim. All it takes is a single mistake to set your case back or have it dismissed altogether. So, after an injury, you may wonder when you should contact an attorney.

There is no strict answer as to when you should call a lawyer. Instead, there are some instances that may require the assistance of an attorney. But, be aware – these are only examples. There are plenty of other instances that should be considered.  Also, if you are ever unsure or need assistance, there is no harm in contacting an attorney for guidance.

Five Examples of When to Contact an Attorney

Some instances wherein you may need an attorney can include:

1. You suffered from a long-term injury. Your injury will leave you disabled or will require extensive, long-term care and recovery. Accidents that significantly impact your life and the quality of your life are ones that should always be left to an attorney. An attorney can assess the type of care that you will need, confer with your treating physician, and ensure you receive the compensation you need.
2. You suffered catastrophic or severe injuries. You don’t need a long-term injury to call a lawyer, either. If you have suffered from severe or catastrophic injuries, you should speak with an attorney. The compensation potential increases with the severity of the injury. Also, the range within how much you could receive will widen. To understand what type of compensation you could qualify for, you should speak with an attorney.
3. The injury was the result of gross negligence. There is negligence and then there is gross negligence. When someone is grossly negligent, they have a blatant disregard for the safety of others – or worse, they injured someone intentionally. In this instance, you must speak with a personal injury attorney. Cases of gross negligence, at times, can result in punitive damages.
4. Medical malpractice is suspected. You have been treated by a physician or undergone a treatment that went wrong. You suspect medical malpractice, but you are not sure how to proceed. Medical malpractice claims are much different than regular personal injury claims. They are highly complex, and medical as well as legal questions must be resolved before the claim can continue. It is best to speak with an attorney if you suspect that your injury was caused by malpractice.
5. The insurance company is not cooperating. Often, injured parties do not seek legal representation until they have already started the claim process. Most likely, you have filed a claim with your own insurer or the at-fault party’s insurer. But, now you have reached a road block. The insurance company will not return your calls, they are requesting more and more information, and they may even be attempting to lower your settlement. Before speaking with the insurance claims adjuster, it is in your best interest to speak with an injury attorney. Even if you have already filed a claim, consulting an attorney regarding how you are being treated is still a good idea.

Were You Injured? Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured, do not wait. Instead, contact a personal injury attorney for assistance. An attorney can help you file your claim with the insurance company, negotiate a settlement, and ensure that you receive a settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries.