If you’ve been injured by the reckless, negligent or even intentional actions of another person, company or governmental agency, an injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for damages that may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, inconvenience and more. The right New York injury lawyer will be able to navigate legal hurdles, medical access and insurance coverage on your behalf.
The right lawyer can make all the difference when it comes to navigating the oftentimes complicated and stressful world of personal injury law. In the aftermath of an accident, it can be challenging enough to deal with the physical, emotional and financial consequences of your injuries; it is often impossible to find the energy or motivation to fight for fair compensation from insurance companies. Fortunately, an experienced and compassionate injury lawyer can advocate on your behalf, ensuring that you’re fairly compensated for your losses.
A key component of this role is proving negligence, or lack of proper care and consideration. This is done by carefully investigating your case and examining police reports, interviewing witnesses, analyzing medical records and contacting expert consultants when necessary. An effective New York injury attorney will be able to identify all relevant facts and evidence in order to build a strong case that demonstrates that the alleged at-fault party was responsible for your injuries.
Many injury cases are resolved outside of court through a settlement agreement. In this scenario, the defendant’s insurance company will offer you a sum of money in exchange for waiving any future claims against them. It is important that your injury lawyer knows how much you’re entitled to based on the precedents set by similar cases in order to negotiate a fair settlement.
An experienced injury lawyer will be familiar with the tactics used by insurance companies in an attempt to avoid paying out on a valid claim. They will be able to spot red flags such as a quick offer, an insistence that you sign a written statement, or failure to pay owed compensation and take appropriate action accordingly.
The best New York injury lawyers will be well-versed in personal injury law, and have the resources to handle cases involving all types of accidents. You should always ask a prospective lawyer how long they have been in practice, and what percentage of their cases are referrals from other lawyers. Additionally, you should ask about their experience with a particular type of accident or injury; for example, if you’ve been hurt in a car crash, you want an attorney who regularly handles these kinds of cases.
You should also inquire about the lawyer’s policy regarding case “expenses,” which are monies paid to third parties in order to keep your case running, such as court reporter fees, charges for physician reports and other similar expenses. Some lawyers will charge you for these expenses if they lose your case, while others will not. Finally, you should be sure to clarify whether or not the lawyer offers a free consultation and a no fee unless we win basis (as is standard in the legal industry).