It is up to you to decide if it is worth getting a personal injury lawyer to help you with your case. However, lawsuits can get complex and take a long time to resolve. A lawyer may be able to help you with the legal tasks associated with a lawsuit. They can also help you better understand the legal process of personal injury cases in general.
Personal Injury Law Covers Multiple Types of Accidents
To sue for personal injury, you need to have been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligent or reckless actions. As you may imagine, many types of accidents can fall under this umbrella, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents
- Defective products
- Dog bites
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
A claimant must be able to prove that another party’s carelessness was at least partially responsible for the accident and their injuries. In a best-case scenario, you might be able to prove total responsibility. However, according to the New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §1411, you may still be entitled to damages even if it is determined that you were partially responsible for the accident.
You Can Fight to Recover Damages After a Personal Injury
Per the New York State Unified Court System, there are laws—called statutes of limitations—that limit the time you have to file a lawsuit. For this reason, it is best to get the ball rolling on your lawsuit as soon as you can after the accident.
A Brief Summary of Damages
You may be able to seek damages after a personal injury. Damages can be broadly split up into two groups: economic and non-economic damages.
If your accident had a negative effect on your financial situation, you might be able to collect economic damages. Below is a partial list of the types of economic damages you may qualify for:
- Medical expenses
- Repair expenses
- Loss of income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of employment
If your accident had a negative effect on your physical and/or psychological health, you might be able to collect non-economic damages. Below is a partial list of the types of non-economic damages you may qualify for:
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
Suing for Damages
For each type of damage, you must decide how much it is worth in monetary terms. How much you can expect to recover will depend on two main factors: how serious your injuries are and how much the liable party’s insurance company is willing to pay.
When you file a lawsuit, prepare to spend a lot of time gathering evidence to persuade the insurance company that you qualify for the damages you are seeking. Potential sources of evidence include:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Surveillance video
- Witness testimony
- Witness video
If you cannot or do not want to manage your case alone, you can hire a lawyer to do it for you.
Get Legal Representation from Morelli Law Firm
No one wants to be in a position where they have to consider suing just to pay their expenses or get the money to start rebuilding their lives. Lawsuits are long and often strenuous. You may find it easier to hire a lawyer and let them do all of the hard work that comes with suing for compensation.
If money has been tight since your accident, your first question may very well be: How much does a lawyer cost? The answer varies from firm to firm. However, many law firms make their services more affordable by working for a contingency fee. This way, you do not have to worry about paying them unless and until you get your money. In the meantime, a lawyer can:
- Launch an investigation: Your lawyer may gather all possible forms of evidence to prove your accident and injuries happened just as you say they did.
- Calculate damages: You can sit down with your lawyer and figure out how much your damages may be worth. Your lawyer may even be able to identify more than one liable party for you to sue.
- Negotiate a settlement: A lawyer may try to negotiate with the insurance company for the damages you demand. If they offer a settlement, your lawyer can make sure it is fair before you sign it.
- Schedule a trial: Getting a settlement is a best-case scenario, but if the insurance company does not offer one, your lawyer may opt to take your case to court.
Is it worth getting a personal injury lawyer? Only you can make that determination. When making your decision, remember that the insurance company will have lawyers on their side. Morell Law Firm can represent you and your interests and help you fight for compensation. Contact our office at (212) 751-9800 for a free case assessment.