Each year, thousands of personal injury lawsuits are filed in the US. However, just because you suffer an injury does not mean you automatically should file a personal injury lawsuit. You also don’t want to neglect to file a lawsuit if you’ve been injured in a way that entitles you to compensation. So how do you know whether you need to find a personal injury attorney and file a claim after an injury?
Did someone else’s negligence cause you harm?
The number one thing you need to think about is whether you were harmed because of someone else’s negligence. The main part of a personal injury claim is proving that you were injured due to another party’s negligence. For example, if you were injured on the job and are filing a workers’ compensation claim, then you would need to show how your employer put you in harm’s way somehow, either from an unsafe environment, unsafe equipment, unsafe procedures etc. The same goes for other kinds of personal injury claims. If you file a medical malpractice claim, you will need to show that the medical professional or institution caused your injury through negligence. If you file a claim against a manufacturer over a defective product, then you must prove that the company was negligent in some way. If you were hurt in a car accident, you need to prove the other driver’s negligence.
If you realize that you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, then you may need to think about filing a claim. This is especially true if you are struggling with medical bills or lost wages because of your injury. The compensation you could get from your claim could give you the breathing space needed to heal and get back on your feet.
Is the responsible party denying liability?
Another reason you may need to find a lawyer after being injured is if the responsible party is denying liability. A good example of this is if you filed a workers’ compensation claim, but it was denied by your employer. You can file an appeal, but at this point, it could be helpful to consult a lawyer who can help you figure out the best way to pursue your claim.
Are you overwhelmed by the process of filing your claim?
Lastly, you should consult a personal injury lawyer if you want to file a claim, but the process seems overwhelming to you. Legal claims can be complicated, and things can become even more complicated if you end up needing to take the case to court. So even if you started by filing a claim on your own, if you become overwhelmed, don’t carry the burden all alone. Get some expert legal help and figure out what your next moves are.
If you are confused about the laws in your state or are confused about whether you should file a claim, contact an experienced attorney who can help you navigate your choices.
