W&L Team You may be wondering when to hire a personal injury lawyer. The answer is — any time you suffer injuries from an accident and you think someone else is at fault.
Let’s take a look at some examples of when hiring a personal injury attorney might be helpful. A good lawyer can get you the financial compensation you deserve.
Introduction
It was a regular day in New York City. The roads were filled with traffic. Some vehicles were double-parked. Everyone was in a hurry. Joan was crossing the street when a taxi came barreling around a double-parked moving truck and slammed into her.
Joan lost consciousness. And the next thing she knew, she was in an ambulance headed for the hospital.
Joan needs to hire a personal injury lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can be your counselor, your advocate, your representative, and your answer for getting the help you need.
When Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
1. There is disputed liability. Any time you find yourself disagreeing with someone about who is responsible for your accident, an attorney can provide impartial guidance.
2. The insurance company unfairly denied your claim or isn’t covering damages adequately. You need someone who knows how to go up against large companies staffed with very skilled lawyers.
3. A dog bit you. You don’t want to get into a heated argument with the dog’s owner. It’s better to document the incident and contact an attorney.
4. A defective product injured you. You need your own legal pro to stand up to the lawyers working for large corporations.
5. You suffered severe injuries or disability, or someone died in an accident. Situations involving a lot of money, serious injuries, or death require a professional’s legal knowledge and skill.
6. When a governmental agency is involved. You can’t take on the government by yourself. You need someone with experience and success handling those situations.
7. You slipped and fell on someone else’s property. You need to hire a legal professional who knows about negligence and liability.
8. You have non-economic losses like emotional trauma, pain, and suffering, or loss of companionship. You need someone who knows how to get you financial compensation for all of your suffering.
9. You have a significant injury that was not your fault. If someone else was at fault, you need a legal professional who knows the laws of your state and how to make them work for you.
10. You or your loved one suffered a permanent disability. You need someone to make sure you receive compensation for long-term care and all related expenses.
11. You’re not being compensated for lost wages. When it comes to the money you deserve, let an experienced lawyer handle your concerns.
12. Multiple people are involved. A good legal professional represent you and your best interests with everyone involved.
13. You need help determining the value of your case. Legally, value is a tricky concept. You are likely to underestimate the compensation you deserve. Knowledgeable lawyers know what your case is worth.
14. You have broken bones, a hospital stay, or long-term health issues. Medical costs add up. A personal injury attorney does everything legally possible to see you get fair compensation.
15. You have medical treatment that costs more than a couple thousand dollars. When a lot of money is involved, a personal injury attorney can be your advocate and help you get your bills paid.
16. You missed more than a couple days of work, school, or normal activities. A personal injury attorney is good at recovering compensation for lost wages and other economic hardship you may face.
17. You were struck by a vehicle. If you were injured by someone else’s vehicle, a personal injury attorney can help you. It doesn’t matter if you were in another vehicle as a driver or a passenger, or on a bicycle, scooter, or skateboard. Or even a pedestrian.
18. You were in an accident involving a for-hire vehicle. A personal injury attorney can fight for you when your accident involves a company like a private car service, Uber, or Lyft vehicle.
In all of these instances, you may ask yourself, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” and “Is it worth hiring a personal injury attorney? The answer is a definite yes.
Factors That Qualify You for a Personal Injury Case
One of the most important factors you need to file a personal injury claim is the negligence of another person or company. For example, if you slip in an icy parking lot at a grocery store, you may be able to show negligence. The owner of that grocery store is responsible for taking reasonable measures to ensure the safety of its customers. (1)
Everyone is expected to exercise reasonable care: Homeowners, property managers, business owners, airlines, governmental agencies, and large manufacturers. When they don’t, that could be negligence. (2)
Another critical factor is whether or not you were injured. Did you break your hip slipping on an icy sidewalk? Did a falling object from a construction site hit you on the head, leading to severe injuries? Did you fall off a balcony because the railing was loose and broke away? (3)
Your personal injury attorney needs to show a direct link between someone else’s negligence and your injuries. (4)
The more documentation you can provide, the better. For example, photos of damage to your car, photos of your injuries, medical records, and receipts for medical expenses. (5)
How an Attorney Can Help
A lawsuit can be complex. You need a lawyer who knows how to best present your case, so you have your best chance of success with it. This includes suing the correct person or company — and when and how you need to do it.
An experienced personal injury lawyer knows the law and the legal system, and uses that knowledge to your best advantage. The goal is to get you help and justice.
An attorney can help you secure financial compensation to cover your damages. This may include medical expenses, doctor visits, medications, physical therapy, income for days you are not able to work, at-home nursing assistance, and whatever else you need help with due to your injuries.
If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury and it was someone else’s fault, you may be eligible for compensation.
Get a Free Case ReviewWeitz & Luxenberg
In New York, you need to hire a personal injury attorney who knows the laws of New York. Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys have been handling these kinds of cases for nearly 40 years.
Plus, we have a strong record of winning. Overall, we have won more than $19 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. This includes securing millions of dollars on behalf of injured construction workers and for a victim attacked at a New York City bar.
If you’re in doubt about when to hire a personal injury lawyer, call us. We have the knowledge and experience to help you explore your legal options.
We know how to win cases and secure the compensation you deserve. We invite you to contact us by calling or filling out the form on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about when to hire a personal injury lawyer.
How do I know if my personal injury case is significant enough to warrant hiring a lawyer?
Ask an attorney. An initial consultation with a reputable personal injury lawyer should be free.
What types of personal injury cases typically require legal representation?
Cases where you are injured and believe someone else’s negligence is to blame.
Can I afford to hire a personal injury lawyer, especially if I am already dealing with medical bills and other expenses?
Absolutely. Most personal injury attorneys do not charge you anything upfront. If we win your case for you, we receive a percentage of the compensation you are awarded.
How long does it take to settle a personal injury case?
It depends. The more complex a legal case is, the longer it will take. Very complicated cases involving large corporations typically take months or even years. An uncomplicated, straightforward case could be settled in weeks.
Does a good lawyer make a difference?
Definitely. A good lawyer knows the ins and outs of all of your state’s laws and regulations. Your lawyer should know the courts, the court system, and how things work. And be there to represent your best interests.
