If you have been harmed by someone else, the law makes provisions for you to be compensated for your injuries. A physical injury due to negligence or carelessness may entitle you to claim a financial settlement from the responsible party. If your business or company has suffered a loss of reputation or been adversely impacted by the actions of another, you may be eligible for compensation. Unfortunately, recouping the financial compensation you are entitled to may not be simple. Businesses, insurance companies and individuals may refuse to compensate you for your loss or may be unaware that they are financially obligated. In these circumstances, you may need the guidance and assistance of a personal injury trial lawyer.
The specifics of your case will determine if you have a valid claim for compensation. The laws of your state, where the injury took place, and other specifics can affect the legitimacy and eligibility of any potential case.
What is a Trial Lawyer?
A trial lawyer is a lawyer who has dedicated a portion of their practice to civil trial work. Often, they are required to take extensive training and pass an additional exam. There are additional requirements for becoming a Board Certified trial lawyer, and not all lawyers have the necessary qualifications.
Evaluating Your Need for a Trial Lawyer
What Kind of Case Is It?
One of the first things you need to consider is the type of case that you may have. Were you hurt in a car accident involving a drunk driver? Did you fall while in a local business? Has your business been slandered? Any of these incidents may qualify as a personal injury case and may entitle you to financial compensation. The legal team at Allen Schulman and Associates will determine the legitimacy of your case and evaluate the benefits of pursuing compensation.
Who Is at Fault?
Are your injuries the fault of an organization or individual? Is there sufficient evidence to prove the liability of another party? Are there legal grounds for holding someone else responsible? Understanding the specifics of the law can help determine if you have merit to bring a case against a business or organization. You may not feel as though you have a case, but a trial lawyer may know differently. Before you decide that your case isn’t valid, speak with an experienced trial lawyer.
What is the Extent of the Damage?
In some cases, the damages incurred as the result of an injury may be too minimal to seek compensation through a lawsuit. In other situations, however, what seems to be a simple case may have additional circumstances that merit a lawsuit seeking damages. A trained attorney will be able to evaluate the extent of your damages and explain the pros and cons of taking the responsible party to court.
Has the Statute of Limitations Expired?
There is a window of opportunity attached to every injury that allows the injured party to seek damage relief. This window can vary widely, depending on where you live and the nature of your case. Understanding the time limits is crucial and can affect your potential compensation. Some government agencies require early notification of potential lawsuits, while automobile accidents may have a short statute of limitations. Knowing the statutes and ensuring that any claims are brought at the appropriate time is the responsibility of your trial lawyer and can make or break your case.
Can the Responsible Party Pay for the Damages?
Before pursuing financial compensation in court, it is essential to determine if the defendant can pay. A lawsuit can be an expensive undertaking. It isn’t advisable to pursue compensation from someone who can’t pay. Not only could you be left paying for your injuries, you may be responsible to pay any additional court and lawyer fees. A trial lawyer can investigate the at-fault party and determine if they are sufficiently solvent to pursue.
How Do You Select a Trial Lawyer?
Once you have decided to pursue financial compensation legally, you will need to select a trial lawyer. You may ask friends and family if they have a recommendation for an attorney. You may know someone who has been a plaintiff in a personal injury case. Speak to them about their experience and the lawyer they retained. Were they happy with the process? Do they feel their needs were met? What didn’t they like about the process?
It is easier than ever to narrow down the field of potential lawyers, thanks to the internet. You can find out about their history, their work experience and more all from their website. This can help you to narrow down your search for an attorney quickly and easily.
Accreditation
Is your lawyer eligible to practice as a civil trial attorney? Have they received the appropriate continuing education classes? Do they hold Board Certification? These simple questions can help you further select the right attorney to handle your case.
Experience
How many years’ experience does the lawyer have? How many years of personal injury claim experience do they have? What cases have they brought to trial? Many lawyers claim to have never lost a case, when in reality they have simply settled out of court. This may sound good as an advertisement, but, lawyers who are known to settle tend to lose the respect of the insurance companies. It takes an individual with wisdom and knowledge to see the potential for a case and see it through.
Questions to Ask
After you have narrowed down your selection of lawyers, you may want to set up an interview for the chance to meet face to face. This is an excellent opportunity to ask additional questions:
Will I be working directly with you or with another accident attorney?
How much experience do you have with personal injury cases similar to mine?
Will I be able to contact you or the other attorney working on my case directly as needed?
Why Choose Schulman, Roth and Associates?
The experienced trial attorneys at Allen Schulman and Associates understand the difficulties you’re facing. We are proud to represent individuals who have been wronged and help ensure they receive compensation for their injuries. We would be happy to discuss the specifics of your case and determine if it merits pursuing in court. Our team is ready to work for you. Call today for a personalized case evaluation.