Reasons To Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury lawyers are your best bet when fighting a personal injury case. For instance, an employee or pedestrian could sue you for injuries suffered during an accident. While you might opt to fight the case without legal representation, the lawyer's input comes in handy. The following is an extract discussing the reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer.
Investigation
Although you might feel responsible for the individual's injuries, it does not make you liable for the injuries. Your personal injury lawyer conducts thorough research to determine whether you are liable for the damages. For instance, suppose an employee was injured on your premises; the lawyer investigates the incident to establish liability. For example, was the employee injured during working hours? Was the employee committing a crime? Was the employee in their right state of mind? Was the employee intoxicated? The lawyer examines CCTV footage and interviews supervisors and other employees who witnessed the accident to determine whether you are liable for injuries and damages.
Accurate Injury Appraisal
Many people will claim millions for damages and injuries. However, how do you determine if the amount claimed is fair? Your personal injury lawyer uses various resources to establish the amount the individual should receive. For instance, they examine the severity of the injuries, property damage, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages to determine the value of the claim.
Negotiations
An issue you could experience if you opt to settle the matter without a lawyer is that you could be blindsided during negotiations. Typically, the other party's lawyer will use various tactics to ensure their client receives the maximum compensation. This would not happen if you had legal representation. For example, your lawyer could ask the other party to justify the amount they claim. Moreover, they could tap into their emotions by claiming you cannot afford the payments. If the other party is unwilling to move their stance, your lawyer could opt to involve a third party, such as a mediator or arbitrator. In worst-case scenarios, your lawyer could opt for a court process.
Settlement Contracts
The settlement contract is a document detailing the settlement terms. Typically, it details the outcome of the process and the payments that the injured party will receive. You need a lawyer's help to assess and negotiate the conditions of the settlement contract. For instance, you might want to make several payments instead of paying in a lump sum. Moreover, the lawyer ensures that the agreement bars the injured individual from filing other compensation suits for the incident and accident.
Contact a personal injury lawyer for more information.