Accidents happen—they’re part of life. But when an accident leaves you with an injury, the situation becomes direr. Even a simple mishap could leave lingering effects that change your life in an instant: pain, suffering, disability, and more all take a serious toll. The whole situation becomes even worse if the accident could’ve been avoided in the first place—and many times, it could’ve been.
There are also ramifications to think about long after the accident. How are you going to pay your medical bills? Will insurance cover your costs? Do you have ongoing medical needs to worry about?
In the face of these unknowns, it becomes important to have a personal injury lawyer who can advocate for you. If you are left wondering when to hire a personal injury lawyer, it’s time to reach out to the team at Antol & Sherman, PC to see if you could have a personal injury case on your hands.
What is a Personal Injury?
In a legal context, personal injury refers to any harm done to a person’s body, mind or emotions as the result of someone else’s act or failure to act. Personal injury takes many forms, from wrongful death to medical malpractice. Still, the result is always the same: you have been hurt, and are experiencing pain and suffering caused by trauma.
Some of the most common types of personal injury cases involve:
- Car accidents. Whiplash, broken bones, PTSD, and other trauma are all common.
- Medical malpractice. Physician neglect or carelessness can leave you disabled or with chronic pain.
- Workplace accidents. Unsafe work sites can lead to injury, disfigurement, or disability.
- Premises liability. Slips, falls, trips, or other injuries occur as a result of negligence.
- Product liability. Defective, unsafe products can cause bodily harm to consumers.
- Negligent activity. From dog bites to nursing home neglect, someone is at fault.
Whether it happens in a workplace, in public, behind the wheel, or even at home, personal injury is an injury that could’ve (and should’ve) been avoided.
When Should I Contact a Personal Injury Attorney?
In the moments after an accident and injury, you’ve got a lot on your mind. Once you’ve gotten proper medical attention, the first thing you need to do is get in touch with a personal injury attorney.
Why the rush? Because you’ll need representation right away. Not only will the liable party seek to settle quickly, but you’ll also need legal counsel when it comes to dealing with insurance companies, healthcare providers, employers, and more. Engaging a personal injury law firm means putting up a barrier, so you can focus on recovery while your lawyer acts on your behalf, in your best interests.
It’s also important to be mindful of timeliness regarding several important actions that follow an injury. For instance, insurance carriers will likely try to cut you a check as soon as possible to cover your medical expenses. Unfortunately, that check is almost certain to be significantly under your deserved amount. Having a legal team on your side to seek proper compensation makes all the difference right from the get-go.
5 Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
What does it mean to have a personal injury attorney or legal team representing you after an accident? Take a look at some of the biggest benefits:
- Expertise. A lawyer is a legal expert who can prove liability and ensure that your claims are recognized and validated by all lawful requirements and criteria.
- Knowledge. In a time of uncertainty, when your life feels upside down, a lawyer’s knowledge will provide a clear path forward so you can begin to move past the accident. They can help you interpret and navigate a complex legal system.
- Assertiveness. From negotiations to court representation, you need someone willing to stand up for you and demand what you’re owed as part of a settlement.
- Protection. Insurance companies, employers, liable parties, and more may try to undermine your rights in an attempt to exonerate themselves. A lawyer can protect you.
- Expedience. You want to put your accident and injury behind you as soon as possible. An attorney is the key to expediting the legal process and settlement award.
The biggest benefit of hiring a personal injury lawyer? The peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re in good hands.
How to Find a Good Personal Injury Lawyer
The search for a good personal injury lawyer starts near you. It’s important to work with attorneys who not only know the state’s personal injury laws but also have experience working with local courts and other entities involved in your case. They should be able to provide counsel and advocate for you throughout the process.
Look for attorneys who specialize in personal injury and who have years of practice experience. Just as important is a track record of success in cases similar to yours. Some attorneys focus on car accidents, while others specialize in medical malpractice, while still others offer representation for a diverse range of injury types and circumstances. The most important thing to look for is a lawyer who can represent your unique case.
Find a Personal Injury Lawyer in Flagstaff
If you’ve been injured in an accident, the best thing you can do is hire a personal injury attorney. Not only will an attorney represent you and help you seek the damages you’re owed, but they’ll also give you the peace of mind you need to focus on what matters: healing and putting the trauma behind you.
Contact Antol & Sherman, PC today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll help you determine if your situation is grounds for a lawsuit, and if it is, we’ll show you why we’re one of the most reputed and respected personal injury law firms in Flagstaff, AZ.