What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A personal injury attorney will represent you if you have reason to believe that your physical or emotional injury was caused because another party (e.g., your employer, your doctor, your landlord, etc.) didn't take the necessary steps to prevent the accident. Personal injury lawyers can also represent you if someone else is accusing you of this negligence.
How Do I Know If I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you've sustained an injury and you believe you deserve to be compensated for any expenses, you may want to consider speaking with a personal injury attorney who can advise you on your case and then represent you if you decide to proceed. Some common injuries which may require a personal injury lawyer:- Medical malpractice and botched surgeries
- Work related injury
- Traffic accidents
- Falling in a public or private place
- Repetitive strain injury
- Chest diseases
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Generally personal injury lawyers charge based on contingency. Contingency means that you will not have to pay anything up front but your lawyer will take a percentage if you win your case. If you don't win, your lawyer won't receive any payment. This percentage is generally between 25-40%. Rates will vary depending on whether you live in a city or small town, as well as the complexity of the case. Be sure to ask up front how much your lawyer will charge.
What Should I Expect When Working with a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If your personal injury attorney is able to prove that the injury you sustained was due to negligence on the other person's part, you may win in a court case or decide to settle without going to court. Either way you will receive a payment for your medical bills, lost work wages, and pain and suffering. Generally the payment will be made in installments. If you don't win your case, you don't recover any money but you also don't owe anything to your attorney if you'd agreed on a contingency fee.Please note: This page offers general legal information, but not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask a Legal Pro.
