Accidents and injuries occur in a variety of formats every day. If you’ve been injured in an accident or through the fault of someone else, you may be able to make a claim for personal injury.
When you file a personal injury claim against another person, you will need to prove this person is legally responsible for your injuries.
Washington State personal injury lawyers are here to help you through the process.
What Constitutes Personal Injury?
Personal injury cases are quite common. They typically arise when someone suffers an injury due to the negligence or carelessness of another individual.
Motor vehicle accidents including car, truck, motorcycle, and bicycle and pedestrian accidents are considered personal injury cases. There are also cases pertaining to premises liability. Premises liability is in regard to slips and falls, unsafe buildings and grounds, inadequate security, and dog bites.
Products liability cases include seatbelts and airbags, tires, electrical appliances, and toys. They may also include medications, vehicles, and even toxic exposure cases.
Wrongful death cases are also considered personal injury cases and is when you lose a loved one due to an accident as the fault of another’s negligence.
Finally, other cases may include medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, and brain, head, and spinal cord injuries. There may also be cases that involve burn injuries and injuries due to hazardous substance exposure.
The Basics of Personal Injury
Personal injury cases regard a variety of accidents including a slip and fall, medical malpractice, or an automobile accident. When it comes to personal injury, it is important to familiarize yourself with personal injury laws and other legal issues that could arise.
Personal injury law was written and defined as a way to protect people who have been hurt because of another’s carelessness, negligence, and misconduct. It is also important to note that each personal injury case is going to be different. No two cases are typical.
For example, you may have a friend that settled out of court for injuries sustained during a boating accident. If you have also experienced injuries as a result of a boating accident, you should not expect to receive the same compensation.
Many different factors are under consideration for each personal injury case. Not every factor will be the same as a previous case.
Cases can also be settled early and can even be settled outside of court. A settlement can occur if both parties reach an agreement on the damages. They can then forego any further proceedings in the case and instead will accept the conditions of the settlement.
Personal Injury Settlements
Only about four to five percent of personal injury cases will actually end up going to trial. The rest of the cases are typically settled on before court.
The injured person will have to accept the settlement that is offered and in return, they will not be able to pursue any further damages.
The settlement is meant to help the injured party cover their losses due to the accident while also providing funds to cover future expenses as they heal and recover.
Before payment is distributed for the settlement, one should consider a few things.
- How much of the settlement will be going toward legal fees?
- Will the plaintiff in the case consider receiving only a partial settlement?
- What is the minimum value that will be accepted by the plaintiff to avoid going to trial?
The defendant will consider these questions and the personal injury lawyers will discuss the terms of the settlement.
Benefit of Washington State Personal Injury Lawyers
It is important to have a personal injury lawyer on your side if you are the injured party, so they can help you get what you deserve in terms of compensation.
You should never have to settle for what the insurance company is offering. Do not let them hassle or bargain with your pain and suffering.
To get what you are entitled to, you and the lawyer should be sure to document all the expenses that arose due to the injury. These expenses include medical bills, the length of the treatment, the amount of income you have lost, and any post-accident treatment that will be required.
You should also take into account a more long-term diagnosis and possible pain and suffering damages.
Finally, once a settlement is accepted, you will not be able to change your mind later and seek more damages. The personal injury lawyer on your side will explain all of this and ensure that you completely understand the process and the settlement you will receive.
Always be aware of any long-term effects the injury may have on you before accepting any kind of settlement. Future expenses may arise, and you will need to make sure that everything is taken care of before you give in to what the defendant and the insurance companies are saying.
Proceeding with a Personal Injury Lawyer
After we’ve looked at your case, we’ll be able to suggest which legal avenue would be best for you. We may recommend filing a lawsuit against the source of your injuries although most cases settle out of court. A lawsuit can take form against an individual, corporation, or even a government agency.
During your trial, we will help you show the judge or jury that the defendant’s carelessness or irresponsibility caused your injuries.
In most instances, however, we may help you settle your case out of court, as mentioned above.
At Peterson Law Offices, our job is to get you fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
We follow a policy of being friendly to our clients but firm with the insurance companies.
If we help you settle, you’ll see this strategy firsthand. We’ll engage in aggressive negotiations to get you top-dollar from the insurance companies, corporations and individuals who caused your injury.
Our Washington state personal injury lawyers don’t represent insurance companies. We represent the average citizen. Our highest priority is the satisfaction of our clients, and we’ll do whatever it takes to ethically help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Want to talk to me about your case?
I want to help you get all the money you deserve for your accident, so call me at 503-280-0888 now or please fill out this short form.
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