A personal injury lawyer is a legal professional that provides legal services to those who claim to be injured or harmed as the result of another person, company or government agency’s negligence. Sometimes called a plaintiff attorney, a personal injury lawyer can be hired to handle all aspects of an accident case from the initial consultation through trial and beyond.
There are many different types of cases a Personal injury lawyer may choose to focus on, including auto accidents, workplace injuries and medical malpractice. By choosing a specific area of the law, a personal injury lawyer can acquire specialized knowledge and experience in that particular field.
One of the most important tasks a personal injury lawyer takes on is establishing their client’s injuries. To do so, they need medical records that showcase the extent of their client’s damage. In addition, the attorney will want to review witness statements that shed light on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Physical evidence like damaged cars, injured victims, and the like can also be valuable in building a strong case.
Once a personal injury attorney has all of the relevant information from their client, they will conduct a detailed liability analysis. This typically involves reviewing applicable statutes, case law and common law. It can be a time-consuming process, especially if the case involves complex issues or rare circumstances that have never been considered before.
The next step is proving that the defendant’s actions or inactions directly caused the victim’s damages. This is often the most difficult part of a personal injury case, as it requires demonstrating that the defendant has a duty of care towards the victim and breached this duty. For example, a car driver owes it to other drivers on the road to follow traffic laws and do everything within their power to avoid accidents. A grocery store owes it to their customers to clean up wet floors and other hazards.
Once a personal injury attorney has established their client’s injuries, they will submit a packet of medical bills, reports, income loss documentation and a liability analysis with a settlement demand to the appropriate liability carrier. This process can be lengthy and complicated, as the liability insurance companies are often reluctant to pay out claims. A qualified New York personal injury lawyer can help navigate this process and ensure that the client receives all compensation to which they are entitled. The lawyer will work to get the most amount of money possible for their client, even if it means taking the case to trial. This helps clients avoid having to settle for less than they deserve or having to deal with the stress and expense of going through a personal injury trial on their own. This is why it is essential to hire an experienced personal injury attorney.