In 2021, there were 62 million injuries, 224,935 preventable deaths, and total associated costs of more than $1.2 billion in the U.S.
If you’ve ever been in a car accident, slip and fall incident, or medical malpractice situation, one of the first things to do is call a personal injury lawyer. Yes, you need to go to your doctor to get checked out and undergo whatever tests the medical professional recommends. But you should talk to a personal injury lawyer if you’ve sustained injuries impacting your quality of life.
Paying out of pocket for medical treatment or physiotherapy sessions can drain your savings — and you won’t want the stress of taking time off work with no income coming in. A personal injury lawyer will help you get whatever assistance and compensation you’re entitled to. You’ll be able to focus on getting the right treatment, getting better, and getting on with life.
Continue reading to see four situations when people should call a personal injury lawyer.
- You Face Medical Expenses
If you’re injured in an accident and face steep medical costs, you’ll want to speak with a personal injury lawyer. Depending on the injury and the extent of the injury, you may be entitled to recoup expenses for medical care. Paying out of pocket might not be an option. A personal injury lawyer will answer questions so you can make informed decisions.
Your lawyer will ensure you see any specialists required to properly diagnose the extent of your injury. If it’s deemed your injury is catastrophic, you’ll be entitled to even more financial compensation than might otherwise be the case to meet your present and future needs.
- You Get a Low Settlement Offer
Another reason to contact a personal injury lawyer is if the insurance company offers a low settlement offer. Knowing whether a settlement offer is acceptable requires a level of understanding most non-legal professionals don’t have. A personal injury lawyer will advise you if a settlement offer is worth considering or if it should be rejected outright.
Your personal injury lawyer will, based on their experience and feedback from medical professionals, figure out how much you’re entitled.
- You’ve Been Denied Accident Benefits
If dealing with the insurance company is like talking to a brick wall, you need a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer will go to bat for you. They’re experienced in dealing with insurers and understand the way they operate. Your odds of success will increase if you hire a personal injury lawyer.
If the insurer denies benefits, the personal injury lawyer will know what steps to take. They will know if the insurer is bluffing or playing hardball and will proceed in your best interests.
- You Have No Idea What to Do
Your best bet is to contact a personal injury lawyer after an accident. The worst that can happen is a scenario where the legal professional says your personal injury doesn’t qualify. But if you do have a possible case, you’ll be in the right hands. A lawyer will get the specifics of your accident, have you see a doctor, recommend specialists to diagnose your injuries, suggest options going forward, and represent you in the courtroom or at the bargaining table. A case can take a couple of years, so it pays to have someone in your corner to help you from start to finish.
It makes sense to speak with a personal injury lawyer for these specific reasons. A lot is at stake. You can’t afford to do it independently since any missteps will deny you the help you need. When you find the right personal injury lawyer, you’ll more likely get what you’re entitled to.