How Do You Know If You Need a Personal Injury Attorney?

Life can take unexpected turns. One moment, everything is fine, and the next, you’re facing the aftermath of an accident. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps. As a personal injury law firm, Glotzer & Lieb has the experience to recover the fair compensation you deserve.

Our Los Angeles-based firm specializes in personal injury law and is here to guide you through the process. Schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer to work on your case. What do you need to know about filing a personal injury lawsuit for serious injuries?

Understanding Personal Injury Law

Personal injury law is designed to help individuals harmed due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. This could include situations ranging from car accidents to slip-and-fall incidents.

The goal of personal injury law is to provide financial compensation to victims. This area of law ensures that victims are not left with the financial burden of an injury they didn’t cause, like medical and other lost wages.

Awareness of personal injury law is imperative for anyone injured due to another party’s actions. Knowing your rights and the legal options available to you can make a great difference in the outcome of your case.

An experienced personal injury lawyer will remind you to meet deadlines and help simplify any unknown legal terms.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury cases can happen in many scenarios, and you need at least one probable cause to be able to make a claim. Each type of case involves different legal considerations.

Here is a list of common types of personal injury cases:

• Car accidents: Cases of this kind can result in significant physical and emotional trauma. Determining liability can be challenging, especially in multi-vehicle collisions. Most personal injury lawyers have the skill to prove fault in accidents from previous experience in personal injury accidents.
• Slip-and-fall accidents: Slip-and-fall accidents often occur due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property. Property owners have the responsibility to keep their homes or workplaces safe. If you’re hurt in a slip-and-fall casualty, hire a personal injury attorney to help you hold the responsible party liable.
• Workplace injuries: An injury at work can unbalance many things personally. While workers’ compensation provides some benefits, it may only cover some of your losses. Our firm can help you explore more legal options if a third party’s negligence contributed to your injury.
• Medical malpractice: This kind of injury is when a healthcare provider’s staff has caused harm to a patient. These complex cases require thorough familiarity with medical and legal issues. Our attorneys handle medical malpractice claims and will advocate for justice for injury victims.
• Product liability: Products made badly can cause accidents and even death. Damages resulting from unsafe products can be the responsibility of the manufacturers who produce, sell, and even distribute them. A personal injury attorney immediately pursues product liability claims for you to hold negligent parties accountable.
• Wrongful Death: Losing a person due to someone else’s wrong actions is devastating. While no amount of money can replace your loss, a wrongful death claim can provide financial support and hold the responsible party accountable. Our compassionate personal injury lawyers comprehend the sensitive nature of these cases and will put your best interest first.

Signs You Might Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Recognizing when you need a personal injury attorney is essential. Here are some signs that show you might need legal assistance:

Severe or Long-Term Injuries

If you’ve sustained severe or long-term injuries, the impact on your life can be profound. These injuries usually require medical treatment and may lead to permanent disabilities.

Personal injury lawyers offer to seek compensation for these medical expenses related to your injuries, including for lost wages and emotional distress.

Disputed Liability

When the other party disputes liability, it can complicate your case. Insurance companies usually try to lessen their payout by denying fault. An experienced personal injury attorney will collect evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to establish liability. Our team at Glotzer & Leib is skilled in handling disputed liability cases and ensuring you receive the justice you deserve.

Multiple Parties Involved

Cases involving multiple parties can be particularly challenging. For example, determining who is at fault in a multi-car or construction site accident can be complex. Each party involved will attempt to shift blame onto others.

A personal injury lawyer can handle these legalities and ensure that all responsible parties are held liable. At Glotzer & Leib, we have experience managing cases with multiple defendants and securing favorable outcomes for our clients.

Advantages of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

Hiring a personal injury attorney will have various benefits. Here are some of the key advantages of having legal representation:

Expertise in Law and Procedures

A personal injury attorney should know the law and its legal procedures, like the nuances of personal injury claims, throughout the time of your claim. We can guide you through the legal process. This proficiency ensures that your case is handled correctly from start to finish.

Negotiation Skills with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often aim to settle claims for as little as possible. An experienced attorney has experience dealing with insurance companies and their adjusters. They can advocate for your best interests and strive to secure a fair settlement.

Our team at Glotzer & Leib has a proven track record of negotiating robust settlements for our clients.

Maximizing the Value of Your Claim

One of the primary goals of a personal injury attorney is to maximize your compensation. This includes immediate medical expenses, future costs, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

An attorney will increase your chances of receiving the full amount you deserve by thoroughly evaluating your case. Glotzer & Leib is dedicated to maximizing compensation for our clients and achieving the best possible outcome.

Steps in a Personal Injury Claim

The personal injury claim process involves the following steps:

1. Initial consultation and evaluation: In the first meeting of our client-attorney relationship, we will discuss the details of your case and assess its merits. This is an opportunity to ask questions and comprehend the legal process.
2. Investigation and evidence: An investigation begins, and evidence is collected. Evidence can include medical records, witness statements, and accident reports. This step is vital for building a strong case.
3. Filing a claim: Once we have gathered sufficient evidence, we will file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. This formalizes your demand for compensation.
4. Settlement negotiations: We will negotiate with the insurance company and represent you to reach a fair settlement. We will prepare to take your case to trial if a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached.
5. Going to trial: If needed, we will represent you in court to demand the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys are experienced lawyers in trial negotiations and will advocate for your rights with a strong defense.

Mistakes to Avoid

When filing a personal injury claim, you must avoid common mistakes. The following are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not seeking medical attention immediately: Please immediately seek medical attention to avoid harming your claim. Insurance companies could argue that your injuries were not severe enough at the time or were caused by something else. Always see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident to document your injuries.
• Giving recorded statements to insurance companies: Insurance adjusters may ask for recorded statements. These statements can be used against you to cut down your claim. It’s best to consult a lawyer before giving any statements to the insurance company.
• Accepting the first settlement offer: The first offer you get is usually lower than you deserve. Insurance companies hope you accept a quick, low settlement to avoid further negotiation. Always consult with an attorney to check any settlement offers before accepting them.

How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Attorney

Choosing the right personal injury attorney is key. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

• Experience and track record: Look for an attorney with experience handling cases like yours. A track record of successful cases indicates that they have the skills and knowledge to handle your case.
• Client testimonials and reviews: Online reviews provide insight into a lawyer’s reputation. Look for positive feedback or testimonials from previous clients. Our firm takes pride in the positive testimonials we have received from our satisfied clients.
• Communication and availability: Effective communication is necessary for a successful attorney-client relationship. Ensure that your attorney is responsive and available to answer your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you have questions about personal injury claims, here are some common questions to help you better understand the process:

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for an Injury?

In California, you have up to two years from the date the injury occurred to file a lawsuit. It’s important to act immediately to have the law in your favor and protect your rights.

How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take?

The length of a personal injury case depends on many factors, including the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. Some cases settle within a few months, while others may take over a year. Our attorneys strive to resolve your case as efficiently as possible and will always help you make informed decisions.

What Compensation Can I Expect?

The compensation you can expect will depend on the severity of the case. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like emotional pain. Our attorneys will thoroughly review your case to determine the full extent of your losses and seek the maximum compensation.

Contacting Glotzer & Leib for a Consultation

If someone else’s negligence has injured you or someone you know, contact Glotzer & Leib for a consultation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you be aware of your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Don’t face the legal process alone—let us provide the support and guidance you need. Reach out to Glotzer & Leib today to schedule your free initial evaluation.