Monday, April 19, 2010

I'm injured. Do I need to hire an Attorney?


If you have been injured in an accident that may have been someone else’s fault , and are still experiencing pain or other physical symptoms, you may want to consider consulting with an attorney.  Sometimes it isn’t clear right away whether your injuries will heal right away or not.   
Insurance claim adjusters generally try to settle claims for as little as possible.  Therefore, if you have been seriously injured or are unsure whether you will completely recover from your injuries, you should consult an attorney before you give any statements or sign papers of any kind. 
There are time limits within which you can file a legal claim, depending on what kind of case it is.  Therefore, if you are considering consulting an attorney, you should do so as soon as possible, so the attorney will have time to evaluate your case and ensure you do not lose your legal rights. 
Personal injury attorneys usually handle cases on a “contingent” or percentage basis, depending on the type, difficulty, and expense of the case.  This means the attorney only collects his or her fee after the case is resolved.  Contingent fee agreements must be in writing and include provisions for the attorney’s  out-of-pocket expenses, which are typically paid by the attorney and reimbursed out of any recovery.