What Do Lawyers for Personal Injuries Do for Your Case?

The Law Offices of James L. Arrasmith

Introduction:

If you suffer a personal injury, hiring a lawyer to handle your case is crucial. Personal injury lawyers and attorneys have the legal experience to investigate your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and get you the compensation you deserve. But what exactly will a lawyer for personal injuries do for your case? This article explores the role of lawyers for personal injuries and explains how they can help at every step of the process.

Investigating and Building Your Case

Personal injury cases arise from incidents like car accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, slip and falls, and more. Personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. This gives them incentive to thoroughly investigate your claim and build the strongest case possible.

Some key ways a personal injury lawyer investigates and prepares your case include:

– Interviewing witnesses

– Gathering police reports, medical records, and other documentation

– Analyzing liability and legal arguments

– Hiring experts to evaluate complex medical issues

– Arranging for defective products to be tested

By collecting evidence and establishing negligence, your lawyer makes your case as convincing as possible. This puts you in the best position to get a fair settlement or win at trial.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts on claims. But your personal injury lawyer levels the playing field by negotiating with insurers on your behalf. They know how to navigate complex insurance policies and will fight to get you the maximum compensation entitled under your plan. Having an experienced negotiator on your side prevents you from jeopardizing your own case.

Personal Injury Lawyers| Handling Litigation

If a settlement can’t be reached, personal injury lawyers will take your case to court through the legal process. Your lawyer will file a complaint outlining your arguments, manage discovery to exchange evidence, and represent you at trial. Their expertise with legal procedures ensures your case is handled smoothly at every phase. This allows you to focus on recovery while your lawyer fights for compensation.

Personal Injury Lawyer Collecting Your Settlement

After a settlement or court victory, your work isn’t done. A personal injury lawyer will ensure you actually collect what you’re owed. This can involve reaching out to insurance companies for payouts, filing motions to secure a judgment, and managing all required paperwork. With your lawyer handling collections, you can be confident you’ll receive full compensation.

Did You Know?

– Over 26% of U.S. civil trials involve personal injury cases.

– The average payout for a personal injury claim ranges from a few thousand dollars up to $75,000 or more.

– Most personal injury cases settle within 4 months to a year.

FAQ

What does a contingency fee mean?

A contingency fee means the lawyer only collects a percentage of your final settlement if they win your case. If you lose, you don’t pay any legal fees.

What can’t insurance investigators do?

Insurance investigators cannot illegally tap your phone, hack your devices, trespass, or impersonate law enforcement. Report any suspect activity to your lawyer immediately.

How does a lawyer prove negligence?

Lawyers prove negligence by establishing a duty of care was owed to you, that duty was breached, and the breach caused your injuries and damages. Evidence like medical reports and witness testimony back up these claims.

Personal Injury Attorney Example Case

Mary was injured in a car accident that wasn’t her fault. Her medical bills and lost wages from missed work were piling up. An experienced personal injury lawyer took her case on a contingency fee basis. The lawyer interviewed witnesses, obtained police reports exonerating Mary, and negotiated with the insurance company on her behalf. After presenting compelling evidence, they secured Mary a substantial settlement to cover her expenses and compensate her injury without going to court.

Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

If you’ve suffered an injury or accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be considering whether to hire a personal injury lawyer. Here are some key reasons why working with a qualified attorney can make the difference in your case:

Personal injury law encompasses complex statutes of limitations, evidence rules, liability laws, and damage calculations. An experienced personal injury attorney has spent years mastering this specialized area of the law. They know how to apply legal concepts to build a strong claim on your behalf. Without vast legal knowledge, you risk overlooking important arguments or missing filing deadlines.

They Conduct Thorough Investigations

An independent investigation of your injury claim is crucial to determine exactly what happened and who should be held responsible. Personal injury lawyers have investigative resources like partnerships with private investigators, experience requesting records, and connections with expert witnesses. Their detailed investigation provides the evidence needed to prove your case and win appropriate compensation.

They Handle Negotiations Expertly

Settling an injury claim typically involves extensive back-and-forth negotiations with insurance companies. Your personal injury lawyer acts as an intermediary and negotiator to advocate for your interests. An attorney who negotiates cases daily has the skill and tenacity to secure a fair settlement offer without you having to get involved. Robust negotiations by a lawyer often lead to far higher claim payouts.

They Represent You in Court

If negotiations fail and your claim goes to trial, a personal injury attorney serves as your representative and voice in court. Navigating legal proceedings requires expertise in civil procedure, trial rules and litigation strategies. Lawyers make effective advocates because of their comfort with court customs and questioning witnesses. Having seasoned legal representation significantly boosts your odds of a favorable court outcome.

Did You Know?

The success rate of injury claims handled without a lawyer is under 50%. With a qualified attorney, claimants win compensation over 90% of the time.

FAQ

What does “statute of limitations” mean?

Statutes of limitations set legal deadlines for how long after an accident you have to file a injury claim. Miss this deadline and your case will likely be dismissed, making legal expertise key.

When does a lawyer begin settlement negotiations?

Settlement talks generally don’t begin until after an investigation is complete, all evidence is gathered, and the lawyer has formulated negotiation strategies.

How much are case expenses?

Clients pay no upfront costs. Lawyers front case expenses and get reimbursed only if they win compensation for you.

Suffering an injury can be scary and confusing. Your focus is recovering physically and emotionally. Let an experienced personal injury lawyer handle the legal process smoothly so you can devote energy to healing. Here is how a qualified attorney guides you through each phase:

Initial Case Evaluation

The first step your lawyer takes is a free, in-depth evaluation of your potential injury case. They will learn what happened, examine your medical records and bills, assess potential defendant liability and give you a case outlook. This helps you make an informed decision about pursuing a claim.

Investigation and Discovery

Your attorney will then conduct an exhaustive investigation to build evidence. This can involve getting police reports, interviewing witnesses, photographing scenes, hiring experts and more. They will also manage the discovery process including deposing the defendant under oath. Thorough discovery and investigation produce the proof needed to get compensation.

Demand Letters and Negotiation

Once your claim’s merit is determined, your lawyer will make a demand for compensation from insurers or other liable parties. They use demand letters and negotiation tactics to secure a fair settlement offer. Your attorney fights to maximize your settlement without you getting involved in stressful talks.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If warranted and negotiations fail, your lawyer will file a personal injury lawsuit and litigate your case. From submitting legal documents to representing you in court, they handle all aspects of the litigation process. Lawyers know how to effectively argue before judges and juries to get you justice.

Getting You Compensation

With a favorable verdict or settlement, you are ready to recover deserved compensation. But collecting what you are owed can also involve legal knowledge. Your attorney will ensure proper payment procedures are followed so your settlement checks and other owed monies are received quickly and in full.

Did You Know?

Many lawyers offer free consultations and case evaluations so you can get expert advice before deciding to hire them.

FAQ

What if I can’t afford a lawyer?

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis so upfront payment is not required. Fees come out of settlement funds.

Who pays my medical bills during a case?

Your own health insurance will pay bills during a case. But your settlement will reimburse you for treatment copays and deductibles.

How does the lawyer get paid?

The lawyer’s contingency fee percentage is deducted from the total settlement or court award before you receive the remaining compensation.

Finding the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Not all personal injury lawyers have the same experience, resources and track record. Finding quality legal help is essential to maximize your compensation. Here are important factors to consider when choosing your attorney:

Relevant Experience

Look for a lawyer with extensive background handling your specific injury type such as car accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, etc. An attorney who routinely deals with similar cases has technical know-how that translates into effective legal strategies for your case.

Case Record and Reputation

Understanding the lawyer’s background with previous cases offers insight into their capabilities. Opt for an attorney with a proven history of securing large settlements and jury verdicts for clients. A lawyer’s strong reputation and positive client reviews indicate good results.

Financial Resources

Lawyers need adequate funding to front case costs like investigations, expert witnesses and other litigation needs. Choose a law firm on solid financial footing with resources to fully finance your injury case until resolution when they get paid. Underfunded firms can compromise your representation.

Staff and Partners

A law firm’s team impacts their ability to deliver top-level service. Look for lawyers backed by skilled paralegals, investigators, support staff and other attorneys. These reinforcements allow your lawyer to focus on the legal complexities while delegating other duties.

Did You Know?

Many leading personal injury firms offer multi-million dollar jury verdicts and settlements for their clients.

FAQ

Should I hire a lawyer from TV ads?

Flashy ads don’t always equal the best legal services. Vet any lawyer’s actual credentials and case results. Never decide based on ads alone.

How much do lawyers typically charge?

Contingency fees often range from 25%-40% of your total compensation amount, depending on a case’s complexity. Simple cases may be less.

What questions should I ask during a consultation?

Key questions include case experience, fee structure, case strategy, timeline, staff resources and previous client outcomes. Come prepared with a list.

Conclusion

Getting hurt in an accident can really affect your money, health, and daily life. A good personal injury lawyer can help even the playing field against insurance companies just trying to make money and people who caused accidents irresponsibly. The legal process after an accident is really complicated to handle on your own. Having an experienced lawyer on your side takes away stress so you can focus on feeling better. By following the advice of a lawyer who knows personal injury law well, people who got hurt can get the most financial recovery and avoid costs they should not have to pay. Make sure you protect your rights by hiring a good lawyer after any accident that caused you harm or made you lose money. A lawyer will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Related Terms

personal injury claims, personal injury case, wrongful death, personal injury practice areas, defense attorneys, medical treatment,medical expenses,accident victims, right lawyer, motorcycle accidents

Client Reviews

James Arrasmith is one smart attorney! He understood my problem and came up with a great solution right away. I can depend on him to listen and ask the right questions to get straight to my issues. His availability is...

Alan Murphy

Hiring James to handle my eviction / landlord tenant case is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. He assisted me every step of the way and made the process smooth and easy. It was obvious that he truly cared about...

Monica Martínez alvarado

I've had a lot of attorneys in my life, and James is by far the best attorney that I've ever hired. He helped me with my case from start to finish and clearly explained the process to me without making it overly complex...

DD M

Great consultation, efficient, attorney. I needed possession of my home, Mr. Arrasmith acted swiftly and was able to provide me the information I needed to understand what could have been a lengthy process. Mr...

Nadia Faraci

James is an amazing attorney!! I had never hired a lawyer before (and was very nervous), but James took hours of his time to explain the entire procedure to me. He gave me a thorough consultation, and I was so impressed...

Ledi

James was the only person to answer the phone at 7am on a Saturday morning. My first phone call to him was as a scared and stressed woman with no idea on where to even begin to explain the sort of help I needed. James...

Renae Elise

James helped me with two landlord tenant issues. In both cases, I was able to expeditiously resolve my issue with the tenant. I appreciate his genuine care for his clients; a rare trait in an attorney. I would highly...

theresa26 r

I cannot begin to describe how amazing and reassuring it was to have James guide me through the most challenging moment of my life. When my mother let me know she would soon be passing from cancer and wanted to leave...

Tricia Matsis

James Arrasmith did a great job for me on my legal matter. From the first time I talked to him he was very professional and knew what he was talking about. I would recommend James Arrasmith to anyone who needs help with...

Alvin Warren

I can't express enough how much James put my heart at ease. He has really been dugiligant at getting things done vs what I have experienced before using other lawyers. Highly recommend James if your looking for trust...

Jeremy Rasmussen Finnif Skate

James Arrasmith is a fantastic attorney. He is respectful and knowledgeable! Always very responsive and really takes his time explaining everything so you can understand it. I would highly recommend you meet with James...

Andrew Noseworthy

Mr. Arrasmith was cocounsel on a complex case, but was able persuade a notoriously bad judge to go along with the resolution. He’s a fine lawyer that works hard to make sure he is prepared to win the case. I highly...

James Pearson

Highly recommend choosing James. He was extremely responsive always making sure I understood every step of the process. In addition, he would periodically check in with me before important decisions needed to be made.

Tulsi

He is experts and reasonable attorney.

Ahmad Ali Shinwary

Best attorney I ever worked with... he takes time to explain the whole process and and will make sure you are happy with his work. We did a living trust and he helped me with an eviction case. I highly recommend him!

Alina Cojocari

James is an excellent attorney. I recommend him to anyone who's looking for someone who cares and wants to help win their case! :)

Allen Esealuka

I had a few questions about my situation, I needed some legal advice so I went ahead and contacted the Arrasmith firm. James was very helpful and polite, I asked him about a dozen questions and will be pursuing llegal...

Amber Styles

I cannot begin to describe how amazing and reassuring it was to have James guide me through the most challenging moment of my life. When my mother let me know she would soon be passing from cancer and wanted to leave her...

Tricia

James is a professional with outstanding customer service. We hired him to take care of an issue for us and he delivered as promised. I highly recommend him if you have any ongoing legal issues. James it's absolute...

Aztec Gold99

He will go out of his way . The best lawyer in Sacramento!I don’t know what I would do without lawyer james.

Bryan

Very professional, understanding and willing to assist in any way he can. I am most definitely keeping James as my one stop shop lawyer.

Brad Naylor

I am so happy I found Mr. Arrasmith's law firm! I couldn't have been happier with my decision to hire James. He took my case from point A to point Z and kept me informed every step of the way. If I ever need an attorney...

Bryce Colburn

James is a wonderful addition to the legal community. He is hard working, bright and ethical. He goes the extra mile for his clients.

Caitlin Ross

He was a great attorney.

Devon Campbell

I contacted Mr. Arrasmith regarding a disability related inquiry for a family member. Mr. Arrasmith provided excellent and immediate responses to my questions. I felt as though he truly cared about the well being of my...

Anonymous

Great consultation, efficient, & positive attorney. I needed possession of my home, Mr. Arrasmith acted swiftly and was able to provide me the information I needed to understand what could have been a lengthy process...

Nadia

I had a few questions about my situation, I needed some legal advice so I went ahead and contacted the Arrasmith firm. James was very helpful and polite, I asked him about a dozen questions and will be pursuing llegal...

Amber

James is a great guy. He has helped me to start a very difficult case. That I was nervous to do. He has made me Confident that he will fight hard on my case.

Rachel

I am so happy I made a decision to hire James to help me with my case. He was very professional and assisted me every step of the way. I was able to get a very positive settlement on my case. I couldn’t be happier!

Ledi

James has helped me tremendously with my legal matter by going over all the forms with me and clearly explaining how to complete them. He has made everything easy for me. I am very glad I called James!

Patty

James did a great job helping us with getting our settlement. Followed up in timely manners and updates always provided. Thank you for your help!

Anonymous

Gave James smith a call late at night with an immediate answer, he is very quick to respond and was eager to answer any questions I had.

Erika

Mr. Arrasmith was great, he answered all my questions and was very helpful with my legal matter. Thanks again James.

Alvin

Mr. Arrasmith was great, he answered all my questions and was very helpful with my legal matter. Thanks again James.

Alvin

Mr. Arrasmith was cocounsel on a complex case, but was able persuade a notoriously bad judge to go along with the resolution. He’s a fine lawyer that works hard to make sure he is prepared to win the case. I highly...

James

I've had a lot of attorneys in my life, and James is by far the best attorney that I've ever hired. He helped me with my case from start to finish and clearly explained the process to me without making it overly complex...

Darren

James is a great lawyer! He is honest and very trustworthy. He will give you sound legal advice.

Jason Motto

Great service and customer service. Very professional too, thanks James and Maria!! Having a bilingual attorney who knows so many different aspects of the law is a BIG plus.

JC R

I found James online after an extensive search. He was knowledgeable and worked with me on a payment plan I could afford. I'm happy I picked him for dealing with my awful landlord. He helped me get the settlement I...

Jenn C

Lawyer James Arrasmith For me He very was very approachable and likeable as a person . I felt very comfortable with the knowledge, and information shared for our case. which we got desired result from. He to me is a...

John Davis

James is a wonderful lawyer and person! He is hardworking , ethical, quick and effective lawyer! He knows what he is doing.

Ka Saelee

James Arrasmith always does amazing job helping me with my landlord and tenant cases!! He is my go-to attorney when I need assistance in evicting tenants. I like how he also represents tenants as well as landlords - so...

Kerry Davis

No one likes to need an attorney, but when you do, James is amazing to have in your corner! He is smart, professional, patient, and always makes sure his client is comfortable and confident with the next steps. I refer...

Kristen Trexler

Best lawyer he will get the job done went out of his way totally

Larry Yabut

Mr. Arrasmith and his team are amazing. Mr. Arrasmith is very knowledgeable and has been amazing through our whole process. He treats people like a human being and not a paycheck, I would highly recommend him to...

Magan Mellinger

No one likes to need an attorney, but when you do, James is amazing to have in your corner! He is smart, professional, patient, and always makes sure his client is comfortable and confident with the next steps. I refer...

Kristen

I would highly recommend James. I did lots of research searching for a great Attorney in the area. He makes you feel hopeful during a difficult times. His knowledge and expertise was great!

Maria Guardado

I had a personal issue and needed to consult with a lawyer. James Arrasmith took his time to explain everything so that I could understand exactly what my options were and the best way to go about my next move. I would...

Mark Hodges

A Very Nice, Personable Attorney/Person!! He is Very Patient and Willing to Listen to My {Tour} Case/Problems>I would Highly Recommend James to Anyone Seeking Fair and Equitable Justice!! Mark, CA.

Mark Loeffler

Thank you Mr James for helping me. What a great attorney! If you need help call Mr Arrowsmith!

Marva Davis

I give James Arrowsmith Attorney at Law 5 stars not just because he supports and represents CAED (our Non- Profit Organization that works with children ) but also because of how decent a person I've found him ...

Marvell Wilson

I was sooooo nervous about my case until I called James. He literally made the entire process simple and easy for me. I cannot recommend him highly enough! He is the most amazing attorney I’ve ever had!

Peyton

James has helped me tremendously with my legal matter by going over all the forms with me and clearly explaining how to complete them. He has made everything easy for me. I am very glad I called James!

Patsa Hin-udom

I am Latina and my English is not very good, therefore the attorney made sure that there was an assistant who spoke Spanish and who translated everything he told me and answered all my questions. Excellent service, I...

Paula Barriga

James is fantastic! He answered all of my questions and gave me clear guidance. If you are looking for an experienced and knowledgable attorney, I highly recommend James. Amazing Lawyer!

peyton cooks

James has a very good heart. He takes his cases personally as if it was him. He is a very nice understanding guy

Rachel Ottley

James is very knowledgeable, professional, and dependable. He patiently guided me through my estate planning and pre-nuptial questions, and made both processes much easier for me to understand. Highly recommended.

Sanat Sahasrabudhe

James arasmith is an excellent attorney when I needed help or advice he was always there to answer my calls or emails a very kind person listens & cares.

Tariq Johnson

Thank you so much for being highly responsive. Making I understand every step of the process. As well as checking in with me before important decisions need to be made.

Tulsi Patel

Very friendly, personable, and professional. I was able to get through my legal issue relatively smoothly and had exceptional support through the entire process. Pricing was reasonable and the billing process was not...

V Cat

I had some legal questions, and contacted James Arrasmith Law firm. His response was quick, and very helpful.

vera vlasenko

I highly recommend James Arrasmith. He really listens to your needs & truly cares about his clients. He is very professional & provides great results!

Vicky Tisdale

Contact Us Now

CF-pic.png

(916) 704-3009