When Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you were hurt in some kind of preventable accident, you’re probably wondering whether you should call a personal injury lawyer. Since all the most reputable firms offer free, no obligation consultations, you’ve got nothing to lose by contacting an attorney in your area.
A seasoned professional can evaluate your situation to determine if you have grounds for a claim and, if so, how best to proceed. If you’re still on the fence about seeking legal counsel, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Was I Seriously Hurt?
Did you require medical care following the accident? Were you forced to miss work because of your condition? If you can answer yes to both of these questions, it’s safe to say your injuries are “serious.”
Even if doctors expect you to make a full recovery, injuries that warrant medical attention and keep you out of work for some time can have a major impact on virtually every aspect of your life. As such, you should be able to hold all liable parties financially accountable.
2. Is Someone Else Responsible for My Injuries?
Naturally, you won’t be able to take action against anyone if you were solely to blame for the accident in which you were hurt. As long as another party was at least partially responsible, though, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help.
Florida has a pure comparative fault rule, which means you won’t be barred from filing a claim if you happened to play a role in the accident. The total compensation you may recover will simply be reduced by your own percentage of fault.
3. Did I Incur Actual Damages?
You must have suffered legitimate losses as a direct result of the liable party’s negligence. If you’ve been struggling physically, emotionally, and financially ever since the accident, there’s a good chance a personal injury lawyer will be able to help.
In Florida, claimants may seek compensation for:
- Medical bills;
- Lost wages and benefits;
- Loss of earning capacity;
- Home and vehicle modifications;
- Property repairs;
- Alternative transportation;
- Replacement services;
- Domestic help;
- Emotional distress;
- Loss of enjoyment in life; and
- Pain and suffering.
4. Is the Claims Adjuster Trying to Contact Me?
If the liable party’s insurer has already reached out to you, it’s wise to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Claims adjusters have a number of strategies for denying or at least devaluing the cases they review, so it’s best to let your attorney handle all correspondence.
By directing the opposing party to your legal team, you can avoid jeopardizing your case inadvertently. For example, you won’t be pressured into making a premature statement or accepting fault.
Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney in Stuart Today
To see if you have grounds for a personal injury claim, contact Donaldson & Weston. We’ve helped hundreds of clients pursue the compensation they need to put their lives back together. Call 772-266-5555 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Stuart.
