Should you hire a personal injury attorney?
If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit. Negligence is defined as “conduct that falls below the standards of behavior established by law for the protection of others against unreasonable risk of harm,” and it can take any number of forms. Some of the most common causes of personal injury claims are:
- Car Accidents
- Product Related Injuries
- Faulty Equipment
- Workplace Injuries
- Slip and Fall
If you believe your injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence, here are a few things you need to do to make sure that you are prepared when you meet with a personal injury attorney.
1.Take Detailed Notes
Our memories are never as reliable as we think they are. When we are in stressful situations such as the scene of an accident, it’s best to write it down. Take notes of the details:
- the circumstances
- your injuries
- property damage
- any conversations with involved parties as soon as possible following the incident
Writing down these details as soon as possible will help you later on in your pursuit of compensation for your injuries.
2.Preserve Evidence
- Write down the contact information for any involved parties as well as witnesses present at the time of the accident.
- Locating witnesses and being able to pass along their contact information to your attorney will save valuable time and energy later on in the process of filing your claim.
- Photos are an invaluable source of help when establish negligence in a personal injury case. Take pictures from several different angles including the perspective at the time of the accident.
- Protect any physical evidence such to any property damaged in the accident, or faulty equipment.
3.Get Copies of Your Medical Records
If you were treated for injuries you received in an accident, the records of your injuries and treatment will be the core of any personal injury case. You have a right to receive copies of your medical records or the records of anyone you are a legal representative for, including your children. You should keep a copy for your personal records, and your attorney will need a copy, as well.
4.Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
It is important to contact an attorney within days, if not hours, of an accident. Georgia has a statute of limitations on personal injury claims of two years. When time is of the essence, an attorney can talk you through your options. Your personal injury attorney will help you build the strongest case to secure compensation for your injuries. You and your attorney may find that a settlement is the best option, but if it is necessary to file a personal injury claim, finding the right attorney will guarantee that you have someone on your side working to help you receive fair compensation.
If you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to compensation for:
- medical bills
- lost wages
- property damage
- future lost wages
- potential future medical bills
- legal fees
- pain and suffering
What Should You Expect After Contacting a Personal Injury Attorney?
Your personal injury attorney will likely discuss several factors with you before helping you decide whether you should pursue a settlement or a trial.
- Strength of Case – chances of winning a trial, strength of evidence, practical difficulties in trying the case
- Money and Damages – what the case may be worth monetarily, the minimum amount you should accept to avoid trial
- Other Concerns: unfavorable publicity for either party, the opposing lawyer’s tactics, the willingness of your opponent to negotiate, and other various factors
For thirty years, the attorneys at Hall & Navarro have been handling personal injury claims. In that time, we have helped victims receive the benefits and compensation they need. We understand how quickly and drastically an accident can change your life, and we want to help you by providing the legal guidance you need to navigate your personal injury claim. Personal Injury attorney Mike Hall has experience in working with clients just like you. He will fight to make sure that you receive fair and equitable compensation for your injuries, so that you can focus your energy on your recovery.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to another’s negligence, contact Hall & Navarro and let us work with you to find your best option for receiving compensation for your injuries.
J. Michael Hall and Hall , P.C., serve Effingham County, Bulloch County and surrounding areas. The law offices are located in Springfield, Georgia and in Statesboro, Georgia. The attorneys at Hall & Navarro provide focused and experienced representation from your initial consultation until the resolution of your legal matter. We offer a broad range of legal services and are dedicated to serving individuals and businesses.
Please visit us online at hlg-pc.com, or email receptionist@hlg-pc.com for more information or to schedule your consultation.
Please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation. This site and its information is not official legal advice, nor is it intended to be. Feel free to get in touch by e-mail, letters or phone calls. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Until an attorney-client relationship is established, please withhold from sending any confidential information to us.
When I was in a car accident, the first thing I did was take pictures to document everything. What I wish I would have done was take notes. I had to recall everything from memory when I went to the doctor. I saved all the photos, though, just in case. All of this information is really important to take to your personal injury attorney. They can help you sort out all the evidence and make sure everything is good to go in court.
I would agree that hiring a personal injury attorney when an accident occurs as a result of negligence is a good idea. I am glad to know that there are several occasions that could qualify, such as car accidents, product related injuries, workplace injuries, etc. I like your tip of taking detailed notes of the circumstance for your success.
This is some great information, and I appreciate your point that hiring a personal injury attorney can help with slip and fall situations. I’ve always thought of a personal injury lawyer helping with car crashes and work accidents, and I didn’t realize that they could help with something like slipping and falling as well! I’ll definitely keep that in mind, and if I ever have a problem with slipping and hurting myself, I’ll definitely call an attorney. Thanks for the great post!
I think that it’s important to make sure that you take detailed notes of any kind of accident or injury that occurs. It’s also good to make sure you hold on to evidence and keep track of witnesses, just in case you need a case. It’s also really important to make sure you give all this information to your lawyer. Thanks for sharing!