When Do You Need to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
If you or someone you care about has suffered a personal injury, there are several situations in which you may need or benefit from hiring a personal injury attorney. While not every personal injury case requires an attorney, the decision to hire a lawyer could be the difference between successfully getting compensated for your injuries and a much less desirable outcome that leaves you without the proper medical care or justice you deserve.
If you are the victim of a personal injury and want to file a personal injury claim to seek reparations, here’s when you need to hire a personal injury lawyer.
Types of Accidents and Injuries that Require a Personal Injury Lawyer
Regardless of the type of personal injury you sustained, the effects on you and your life can be devastating. A personal injury can cause pain and suffering, along with a litany of financial challenges, including lost wages, medical expenses, and your future capacity to work and earn wages. If your personal injury is the result of someone else’s negligence or intentional actions, the situation warrants working with a law firm like Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. to get the compensation you deserve.
Vehicle Accidents
Some of the most common types of personal injury cases stem from car accidents, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even boats. In many cases, these accidents result from distracted, careless, or reckless driving, and the driver can be held accountable for the accident and your sustained injuries.
Medical Malpractice
Another common personal injury case that necessitates working with a personal injury attorney is medical malpractice. This is one of the more complicated areas of law that involves many factors that are extremely difficult to navigate without the help of a lawyer. In these cases, medical malpractice occurs when the services you received from a healthcare provider do not meet the acceptable standard of patient care. Some examples of medical malpractice include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, prescription drug errors, birth injuries, or wrongful death.
Workplace Injury
Because we spend a significant portion of our lives at work, it’s no surprise that a majority of personal injuries occur on the job. Some occupations with the highest incidence rates of workplace injuries include nursing assistants, heavy truck and tractor-trailer truck drivers, laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, and construction laborers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Even with federal guidelines to protect workers from injury, accidents can happen, leading to lost time at work and potential long-term disabilities that can negatively affect your ability to earn income and lead a normal life.
Workers who are injured on the job should file a workers’ compensation claim soon after their injury to seek workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical expenses and rehabilitation costs until they can get back on their feet. Seeking legal help can ensure you aren’t denied or assist you with filing an appeal to successfully get the benefits you need.
Other personal injury cases that may require you to hire an attorney include product liability, slips and falls, and dog bites. If you’ve suffered from any of these types of personal injuries and wish to file a lawsuit, file an insurance claim, or simply need legal advice, seeking the help of a personal injury lawyer from Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., team of experienced attorneys can help you get the best possible outcome from an otherwise tragic situation.
Other Instances When You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
Outside of common personal injury cases that require an attorney, here are some other situations where you should seek legal advice:
- When it’s not clear who is at fault—If you were involved in an accident and aren’t sure who is at fault, you should seek legal help. Especially because the other party’s insurance company is likely to blame you for damages. Working with an attorney can help you protect your rights and give you the defense you need.
- When multiple parties are involved—If you were injured in an accident involving multiple people, an attorney can help you navigate the confusing process of dealing with multiple insurance companies.
- If the insurance company denies or delays your claim—Unfortunately, many insurance companies know that most people don’t understand the ins and outs of personal injury claims and may take advantage of you. Working with a lawyer can help you fight for what you deserve.
Beyond these instances, hiring a personal injury attorney can help you navigate small claims court, negotiate the best settlement offer for you, and ensure you file your lawsuit within Michigan’s statute of limitations.
Get the Legal Help You Need
If you’ve suffered a personal injury and need help navigating the sometimes stressful and complicated legal system, Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., is here to help.
Our law firm is committed to upholding the attorney-client relationship, which means our team will work diligently with you and all parties involved to obtain medical records, collect evidence, and more to give you the best possible representation and secure the outcome you deserve. Call 1-866-MICH-LAW today to get a free consultation.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.
