The aftermath of an injury can be overwhelming. Medical bills and expenses pile up. The emotional toll can be just as significant. Whether you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, slipped and fell in the grocery store, or fell victim to medical malpractice, your first thought is probably to move on as quickly as possible.
However, failing to seek legal advice can lead to costly mistakes. Knowing when to hire a personal injury lawyer can ensure you receive fair compensation and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
What Are the Signs You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Coping with the fallout of a personal injury incident is a challenging time. You may be dealing with a range of emotions – confusion, shock, and frustration – because of the seriousness of your injuries.
It can be hard to know when to hire a personal injury lawyer or if you even have a viable claim in the first place. Here are the common reasons you should hire a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer.
Serious Injuries
The emotional and financial strain of a serious injury can be significant. Serious injuries resulting in brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and burn injuries often require extensive and costly treatment.
If you’ve suffered an injury that was not your fault, a personal injury lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Disputes With Insurance
Dealing with insurance companies is one of the more frustrating aspects of personal injury incidents. It’s not as simple as contacting the insurance company and getting a fair settlement. Different insurance companies may approach settlement negotiations differently.
If the insurance company denies your claim or offers a lowball settlement, a personal injury lawyer can advocate for a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your damages.
Multiple Parties Involved
Proving liability is the key to legitimizing a personal injury claim. This is easier said than done, as everyone will want to point the finger at someone else. An experienced personal injury lawyer can investigate the accident, identify responsible parties, and build a strong case to maximize your recovery.
How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer
Finding the right personal injury lawyer is crucial for a successful outcome. Here’s how to narrow down your choices:
Check Credentials
Make sure your lawyer is licensed in your state and has a good reputation. Look for memberships in professional organizations related to personal injury law.
Look For Specialization
Many lawyers specialize in specific areas of personal injury law, such as car accidents, medical malpractice, or product liability. Choosing a lawyer specializing in your type of case can increase your chances of success.
Read Client Testimonials
Client testimonials offer valuable insight into a lawyer’s experience, communication style, and track record. At Ginnis, Krathen, & Zelnick, P.A., our team is dedicated to helping individuals and families who have been wrongfully harmed by negligent individuals and entities. We believe every case is important and invest our time and resources to achieve the best possible outcome every time.
Questions to Ask Personal Injury Lawyer
When you’ve been injured, deciding on legal representation can be difficult. But, it should take a little more thought than simply picking the first name that pops up on Google.
It’s crucial to find an experienced, knowledgeable attorney who has a proven track record of success. Here are the key questions to ask a personal injury lawyer to see if they are the right fit for you.
What do you charge for your services?
Personal injury lawyers in Florida typically operate on a contingency fee basis. This means your attorney will not get paid unless you win your case. Instead, your lawyer will take a fixed percentage of the money you are awarded – usually between 33.33% and 40%, according to the Florida Bar.
What issues or difficulties do you see with my case?
Every personal injury claim is different. Nothing in the legal system is ever completely easy, and a reputable lawyer will be upfront with you about the potential challenges your case may face.
What is my personal injury case worth?
Providing an accurate estimation of your case is complex. No two cases are alike. However, as your attorney reviews the details of your case, they should be able to give you an idea of what the potential award could be.
What happens if my case goes to trial? Will you take my case to trial yourself?
You will probably find the insurance company will not offer you the total value for your case, hoping you’ll take the money and run. While settling is in everyone’s best interest, it is rarely that simple. If a settlement can’t be reached, your case will head to court.
Your attorney should be fully capable of fighting for maximum compensation for you. At Ginnis, Krathen, & Zelnick, P.A., our team has collectively tried more than 250 trials to verdict and recovered hundreds of millions in settlements for our clients.
Work with Ginnis, Krathen & Zelnick, P.A.
By understanding when to hire a personal injury lawyer and knowing how to choose the right one, you can confidently navigate the legal process. Remember, a qualified attorney can be your strongest advocate.
While we can’t undo your accident or injuries, we can help pave the way to a better future for you and those you love. Book your free consultation with us today.